Manager, Bakery- Continuous Improvement

Why You’ll Love Working At Aspire Bakeries

• Culture - Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs.
• Work-Life Balance – Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most.
• Financial Security – Competitive retirement plans, plus short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Growth & Development – Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries’ learning and development programs.
• Flexibility & Support – HSA and FSA plans to help you manage everyday expenses.
• Recognition & Rewards – Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Manager, Bakery- Continuous Improvement to join our team at our Van Nuys, CA bakery. As a Manager, Bakery- Continuous Improvement, you will lead the bakery's Lean Transformation strategy, driving operational excellence, productivity improvements, and cost reduction initiatives. This role is vital to strengthening Lean capabilities, improving business performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and operational efficiency.

Shift & Schedule

• Shift: 1st Shift
• Hours: 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM 

Compensation

Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000

Core Accountabilities (What You’ll be Doing)

• Lead the development and execution of the bakery’s Lean Transformation Plan aligned with plant and corporate objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and operational performance.
• Facilitate Lean projects, Kaizen events, and value stream mapping activities to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
• Coach leaders and team members on Lean principles, daily management systems, and standard work practices.
• Develop and deliver continuous improvement training and communication programs to support organizational adoption.
• Analyze operational performance data to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and sustain results.
• Lead capital improvement projects and commissioning activities to achieve targeted business outcomes and return on investment.

Minimum Qualifications (What You Bring to the Table)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading Lean Transformation initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies, TPM, Lean Manufacturing, and Lean Six Sigma.
• Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including standing, walking, climbing, and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds while working around moving equipment, varying temperatures, and flour dust.

Preferred Qualifications (Extra Ingredients for Success)

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
• Experience leading enterprise-wide or multi-site continuous improvement initiatives.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis activities.
• Food manufacturing, bakery, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry experience.