Continuous Improvement Lead

Continuous Improvement Lead - Bakery in Oak Creek, WI

Are you passionate about Lean Manufacturing and driving measurable results on the shop floor? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment where execution matters? If so, we want YOU to help eliminate waste, improve flow, and create the Best Garlic Bread on the market.

About the Company

At our bakeries in Oak Creek, WI, we're setting a new standard for quality and innovation in food production. We believe in a Zero Loss Mindset and are committed to fostering 100% total employee engagement, where every voice matters and every idea counts. We are on a mission to bake the highest quality garlic bread in the industry, and we're looking for a Continuous Improvement Lead who can help us achieve that!

Join our Team

At our Oak Creek bakery, you'll be part of a collaborative team that values innovation, teamwork, and operational excellence. This is a high-impact role working directly on the production floor to drive measurable improvements across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

We offer competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and the chance to be part of a company committed to operational excellence.

Benefits

* Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

* Health, Dental, Vision, disability insurance

* Annual Incentive Program (Profit Sharing Bonus)

* Traditional and Roth 401(k) with matching

* Paid Time Off

* Employee Assistance Program

* Life and AD&D Insurance

* Paid Holidays

The Role

As the Continuous Improvement Lead, you will serve as the primary on-floor CI practitioner, reporting to the Continuous Improvement Manager. This is a hands-on execution role responsible for deploying Lean initiatives across manufacturing and support functions.

You will lead Kaizen events, facilitate A3 problem-solving, reinforce standard work, and drive measurable operational improvements-without direct people management authority. This role is critical in closing the gap between CI planning and real-world execution.

What You'll Do

• Facilitate Kaizen events and structured problem-solving sessions (A3, PDCA, 5Whys)
• Own CI action plans from initiation through sustainment.
• Drive waste elimination, downtime reduction, and flow improvement
• Translate CI strategy into measurable shop-floor results.
• Align CI initiatives with operational standards and training.
• Act as a change agent during operational and organizational changes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Sustained improvement in OEE
• Reduction in downtime, waste, and rework
• Closure and sustainment of A3s and Kaizen actions
• Reduction in operator-driven losses
• Increased engagement in CI activities
• Adherence to standard work and sustainment metrics

What We're Looking For

• 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing or operations environment
• Direct involvement in Continuous Improvement or Lean execution
• Strong hands-on experience with Lean tools (Kaizen, PDCA, A3, 5S, Standard Work)
• Strong analytical skills with ability to translate data into action
• Ability to influence and coach without formal authority
• Comfortable working on the shop floor in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment

Systems Knowledge (Preferred)

• RedZone Productivity and Reliability modules
• QAD ERP or equivalent manufacturing ERP system

Bonus Points If You:

• Are bilingual in English & Spanish
• Have Lean Yellow/Green Belt certification
• Have Train-the-Trainer certification

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in a food manufacturing environment and adhere to all food safety protocols (GMP, SQF, HACCP).
• Ability to stand for extended periods (8-10 hours when required).
• Ability to lift upto 50 lbs occasionally.
• Comfortable working in a bakery environment with noise, heat, and flour exposure.

Opening:

* Monday to Friday Day shift

* Ability to work the off shifts and weekends

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Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The tasks listed here provide a glimpse of the full job description. The complete job description will be provided upon request and/or receiving an offer of employment.

EEO STATEMENT:

To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at FURLANI FOODS, LLC will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. FURLANI FOODS, LLC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, arrest record, conviction record, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other protected characteristics as specified by local, state, provincial, or federal law.