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Continuous Improvement Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Valley Milk LLC

Plant Manager

Turlock, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

This is an opportunity to join a growing organization that combines the stability of family ownership with an entrepreneurial culture focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and operational ...

Blue Diamond Growers

Shift Manager Operations

Turlock, CA · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Leads and develops continuous improvement; promotes the organization's culture of Zero Waste, Zero Harm, One Team, and 100% Commitment. * Improves product quality levels by promoting and maintaining ...

Blue Diamond Growers

Shift Manager Operations

Turlock, CA · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Leads and develops continuous improvement; promotes the organization's culture of Zero Waste, Zero Harm, One Team, and 100% Commitment. * Improves product quality levels by promoting and maintaining ...

Blue Diamond Growers

Team Leader - Operations

Turlock, CA · On-site

$67K - $88K/yr

Collaborates with the Department Manager on activities supporting sustainable operations goals and objectives for the site, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting key objectives ...

SUPHERB FARMS

Production Supervisor

Turlock, CA

$75K - $98K/yr

Participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles. * Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: • High school diploma required, associate or bachelor's degree in ...

Tenet North Cal

Pharmacist - $65-105 per hour

Turlock, CA · On-site

$65 - $105/hr

Formulates methods to be employed in the continuous improvement of drug distribution. Requirements * Preferable: Keyboard 40 words per minute * Certification: Current California license to practice ...

Tenet North Cal

Pharmacist

Turlock, CA · On-site

$60.25 - $72.50/hr

Formulates methods to be employed in the continuous improvement of drug distribution. Requirements * Preferable: Keyboard 40 words per minute * Certification: Current California license to practice ...

Valley Milk LLC

Maintenance Planner Scheduler

Turlock, CA · On-site

$85K - $92K/yr

Continuous Improvement & Reliability Analyze equipment failure trends and recommend reliability improvements. Support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action implementation. Participate in ...

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All JobsContinuous Improvement JobsContinuous Improvement Jobs in Merced, CA

Continuous Improvement information

See Merced, CA salary details

$32.7K

$109.8K

$152.1K

How much do continuous improvement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for continuous improvement in Merced, CA is $109,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,800.00 and $130,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is continuous improvement?

Continuous improvement is an ongoing effort to enhance products, services, or processes by making small, incremental changes over time. The goal is to increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce waste within an organization. This approach often involves methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen, and encourages employee involvement at all levels. Continuous improvement is crucial for organizations to stay competitive and responsive to changing market demands.

What is a continuous improvement job?

Continuous improvement jobs focus on finding ways to improve business operations and processes. As a continuous improvement specialist, you work to review current business and project practices, identify targets of improvement, and make recommendations or develop a plan to implement those improvements. You analyze company operations and help execute improvements in a particular area. The duties of a continuous improvement manager focus on working to manage a specific process or processes and implementing procedural changes within a company. As a continuous improvement coordinator, your responsibilities involve working with different departments and teams to support and enact improvement plans.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a continuous improvement professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Continuous Improvement professional, you need strong analytical skills, process optimization expertise, and a background in industrial engineering or business management, often supported by Lean Six Sigma certification. Familiarity with process mapping tools, data analysis software (like Minitab), and project management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities help drive change and engage cross-functional teams. These skills ensure sustainable process improvements, increased efficiency, and long-term organizational success.

How does a continuous improvement professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process enhancements?

Continuous Improvement professionals work closely with various departments, such as operations, quality, and engineering, to identify process bottlenecks and recommend solutions. They facilitate workshops like Kaizen events, gather feedback from team members, and use data-driven approaches to analyze workflows. Effective communication and collaboration are key, as these professionals often need to align diverse perspectives and ensure that improvements are sustainable and widely adopted. Regular meetings and follow-ups are common to monitor progress and address any challenges that arise during implementation.

What is the difference between Continuous Improvement vs Process Analyst?

AspectContinuous ImprovementProcess Analyst
CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, KaizenLean, Six Sigma, Business Analysis
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, Service, CorporateManufacturing, Business, IT
Industry UsageBroad, across sectorsPrimarily manufacturing and business processes
Primary FocusOngoing process enhancementsAnalyzing and improving specific processes

While both roles focus on improving efficiency, Continuous Improvement professionals lead ongoing initiatives to enhance processes across an organization, often using methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. Process Analysts typically analyze specific workflows to identify improvements. Continuous Improvement is broader and strategic, whereas Process Analysts focus on detailed process analysis.

Is continuous improvement a good career?

Continuous improvement is a valuable career path focused on enhancing processes, efficiency, and quality within organizations. It often involves skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and project management, with certifications like Lean or Six Sigma enhancing job prospects. The role typically offers opportunities for advancement and contributes to organizational success.

What are examples of continuous improvement?

Continuous improvement in a job context involves regularly analyzing processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing small, incremental changes to enhance productivity, quality, or safety. Common examples include adopting new tools or techniques, streamlining workflows, and encouraging employee feedback to foster ongoing development. This approach often relies on methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma to sustain progress over time.
More about Continuous Improvement jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Continuous Improvement jobs in Merced, CA?

The most popular types of Continuous Improvement jobs in Merced, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Continuous Improvement jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Continuous Improvement jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Continuous Improvement jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Continuous Improvement job openings:

Continuous Improvement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Continuous Improvement job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,842 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Continuous Improvement Manager

California Dairies, Inc.

Turlock, CA • On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

California Dairies rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world. Situated in Stanislaus County, our Turlock South manufacturing plant specializes in the production of butter and milk powder. We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California!
Our commitment to CDI employees:
We believe in valuing our team with a total rewards package that goes beyond the basics. You'll find we offer competitive pay and incentive programs designed to recognize and reward your contributions. Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, sick days & holidays, retirement plans designed to secure your future. We don't stop there. We've also cultivated a variety of valuable programs focused on your personal well-being and professional growth, ensuring you have the support you need to both inside and outside of work.
Job Summary
The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for driving the improvement of processes and systems in California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) manufacturing facilities by implementing programs with continuing long-term benefits. This includes but is not limited to working with other CI Team Members, leading multi-disciplinary team projects to implement standardized systems and processes which assist teams in achieving enterprise goals.
Position is approximately 75% during normal business hours, while reachable by cell phone 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. Approximately 25% of time spent on site will be after hours and on weekends. This is flexible depending on the needs of the organization and active project(s). Travel to other sites and / or offsite training may be required.
This role responsible for delivering process innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple departments. It will play an essential role in helping to foster a culture of sustainable change through the creation and embedding of LEAN-Six Sigma-Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodology and the supporting framework to deliver lasting results.
Essential Functions
  • Implement sustainable improvements across the value chain by applying Lean-Six Sigma-TPM methodologies.
  • Partner with plant leadership to develop execution plans for corporate initiatives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to deliver improvements and achieve business objectives.
  • Lead and manage the plant productivity agenda across five productivity streams: Design, Source, Plan, Make, and Deliver.
  • Execute loss analysis processes as needed to support the timely identification of trends, losses, and process variation to establish plant improvement projects.
  • Define and implement processes to support a continuous improvement culture: annual improvement planning, results review, understanding issues, taking actions, launching problem-solving or projects, and implementing sustainable solutions to drive improvement.
  • Elicit requirements and drive process change using staff interviews, document analysis, requirements workshops, surveys, site visits, business process descriptions, business analysis and workflow analysis.
  • Provide accurate and timely progress against key objectives, savings projects, potential risks, and risk mitigation efforts to the Director of Program Management & Continuous Improvement.
  • Function as a core team member and subject matter expert in working sessions designed to improve business operations cross-functionally.
  • Coordinate with the Talent Team and Technical Services to develop and publish SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures), OPL's (One-point lesson), and SWI (Standard Work Instructions) for various manufacturing processes across the organization.
  • Assist in building a Daily Management System platform for plants for 3 organizational levels: Operator, Supervisor, and Plant Leadership.
  • Audit improved processes and CI initiatives for sustainability and compliance.
  • Provide on-going training and expertise regarding Continuous Improvement tools.
  • Provide analytical support to continuously identify gaps, project opportunities, and solutions.
  • Share successful best practices with other plants and teams.
  • Implement problem-solving and improvement methods of Lean-Six Sigma-TPM through formal training and hands-on coaching.
  • Drive use of focused Kaizen improvement efforts aimed at breakthrough and incremental improvements in plant processes, department, and/or line-specific opportunities that meet and exceed performance metrics.
  • Effectively deploy change management tools and techniques to ensure the adoption and buy-in of all stakeholders to improve processes and systems across CDI through documentation, training, and support to ensure sustainability.
  • Make decisions independently on project topics that are in the best interest of the project, teams involved, and the business.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.
  • This position requires the ability to lead teams of people to achieve positive results through others (e.g. Influence).
  • Responsible for supervising project teams and assigned tasks.
  • Manage project objectives to keep project in scope and on time.
  • In conjunction with the Talent Team, coordinate on-the-job training.
  • In conjunction with site management and Human Resources, oversee adherence to company policies and procedures.
  • Must have the ability to work with all levels of the organization to facilitate change and improvements.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and communicate Lean / Six Sigma / TPM methodologies.
  • Proven history of project execution while staying within scope and timeline.
  • Ability to understand strategic plans and synthesize a roadmap including individual projects which ultimately achieve the objectives.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to achieve results in cross-functional teams.
  • Strong demonstrated understanding of:
  • Dairy/Food processing and packaging technology and methods
  • Process qualification & validation in the dairy industry

Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor of Science in related field or a minimum of 5 years of proven continuous improvement analytical experience from a similar role, with an excellent understanding of continuous improvement concepts, including Six Sigma, Lean, TPM or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Formal problem-solving training with examples of application and results.
  • Possess an accredited Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt
  • High tolerance for ambiguity in a complex environment, ability to shift priorities, settings, and audiences.
  • Ability to set up, facilitate, and lead Kaizen-style improvement sessions with various business stakeholders.
  • Proficient in using Microsoft Office and experience with SharePoint and Power BI.
  • Taking accountability for ideas from inception to delivery in an environment that requires robust metrics to confirm success.
  • Experience in hands-on implementation of continuous improvement programs and Lean solutions.
  • Experience designing remediation plans to address productivity and efficiency issues and a track record of following through to ensure closure.
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with diverse employees and subject matter experts. Able to make the complex clear and easily understood.
  • Demonstrated strong analytical, project, and product management skills, including a thorough understanding of interpreting business needs and translating them into operational requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience in the entire project life cycle, able to operate in the initial conceptual design stage, in the depths of system testing, and at each stage in between.
  • Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions given in written, oral, or diagram form.
  • Must be able to discern when issues may require input from levels of authority within the corporation.

Language Skills
English is required as the written and spoken language.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Accredited Green Belt Certification
Driving Requirements
Must possess or be able to acquire a state issued Driver's License.
Equipment
Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to: hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Employee will be subject to temperatures from 34 to above 100 degrees.
  • This position will be exposed to industrial and office environments

Physical Demands
The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.
  • Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks and sits during completion of job responsibilities.
  • Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.
  • Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.
  • Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.
  • Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.
  • Twisting/Turning: Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.
  • Climbing/Balancing: Climbing and balancing is required during plant inspections, and other related job requirements.
  • Reaching: Ongoing reaching requirements associated with job requirements.
  • Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. Ability to keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.

ADA/FEHA
The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.
EEO
The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Fraudulent Recruiting Scam Disclaimer
To all applicants: We take your safety and privacy seriously at California Dairies Inc. All job applicants are directed to apply only through the official career pages. Please be aware that our talent team will never ask for any form of payment, financial account details, or sensitive personal information such as social security numbers. If you receive any suspicious messages claiming to be from California Dairies Inc., please contact us at talent@californiadaires.com. U.S. residents can get more information from the FTC at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.
The pay range is listed below and represents a good faith estimate upon hire. The final offer will depend on factors such as the candidates experience, skills, and qualifications.

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