Continuous Improvement Specialist

Continuous Improvement SpecialistReporting to the Continuous Improvement Manager at our Denver plant, you will play a critical role in developing and standardizing processes that drive efficiency, yield, and quality across all production lines for Udi's Gluten-Free products. You will combine technical problem-solving, structured continuous improvement methodology, and strong communication skills to build sustainable systemsnot just one-time fixes. You will collaborate closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Research & Development to reduce losses, stabilize processes, and strengthen the Daily Management System (DMS). This position will help advance Conagra Brands culture of continuous improvement and deliver measurable results in performance, waste reduction, and process capability.Your ImpactSafety & QualityFollow all company safety policies, GMPs, and food safety practices; model safe behavior and promote "Audit Ready Every Day" standards.Support root cause analysis and corrective action development related to safety, quality, or foreign material incidents.Systems & Process ImprovementLead structured problem-solving activities using CI tools (5-Why, Fishbone, PDCA, DMAIC, DOE, FMEA).Analyze process data to identify key losses and prioritize improvement opportunities.Develop, document, and implement sustainable standards across production (SOPs, centerlines, one-point lessons, leader standard work).Standardize scrap categorization processes to improve yield-loss visibility.Support accuracy of BOMs and process documentation through structured review and reconciliation.Project LeadershipOwn small-to-medium CI projects from scoping to validation, delivering measurable improvements in cost, yield, or throughput.Facilitate effective cross-functional project meetings and maintain accountability to timelines.Collaborate with functional teams to test, evaluate, and implement new processes, materials, or equipment changes.Track project savings and partner with Finance to validate results.Coaching & Capability BuildingTrain operators, leads, and supervisors on CI tools and standard work.Coach teams through Daily Management System routines (Huddles, UPS, Health Checks, countermeasure follow-up).Support digital transformation initiatives to enhance communication and action tracking.Your ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related discipline or 5 years of equivalent experience.3+ years of experience in continuous improvement.Previous experience in a manufacturing environment.Prior experience leading and supporting project management (leading cross-functional teams, defining scope, managing timelines).Knowledge of structured CI methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, DMAIC).Strong skills to translate technical problems into clear recommendations and documented standards.Familiarity with digital tools such as Power BI, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or Planner.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Relocation assistance is available for this position. Preference will be given to local candidates.Compensation: Pay Range: $63,000-$93,000. The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.Our Benefits:Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement.Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan.Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement.Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities.Our Company: At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye , Slim Jim and Reddi-Wip. Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome. Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.