Continuous Improvement Specialist

coborns•Saint Cloud, MN

1d•$63,000 - $99,000

About The Position

Coborn’s is hiring a Continuous Improvement Specialist to join our growing team! In this role, you will play a critical role in driving operational excellence across stores and field locations. You will lead the implementation and sustainment of Lean initiatives—including 5S and other continuous improvement programs—while reinforcing labor, scheduling, and operational standards through training, coaching, and audits. You will also partner closely with location leadership to strengthen execution consistency, sustain improvements, and identify new opportunities that enhance productivity and team performance. With a strong ownership mindset, your role will actively contribute to building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and shared success across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field preferred
3–6 years of experience in retail, grocery, manufacturing, supply chain, or multi-unit operations
Experience improving processes, labor efficiency, or operational performance
Ability to partner with field or operational leaders to implement change

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Lean, continuous improvement, or operational excellence practices preferred
Experience with operational systems (e.g., inventory, scheduling, workflow tools) preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and support implementation of Lean initiatives, including 5S, across stores and operational locations
Train and coach field leaders on labor, scheduling, standard work, and continuous improvement practices
Reinforce adoption of productivity tools, operational systems, and workplace organization standards
Conduct operational, labor, and Lean audits; identify gaps and support corrective actions
Monitor and ensure sustainment of improvements and adherence to operational standards
Identify inefficiencies, document trends and root causes, and recommend continuous improvement opportunities
Support implementation of CI initiatives and development of standard operating procedures
Assist with labor and CI systems, including reporting, data validation, and system enhancements
Analyze data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement
Provide day-to-day user support and coordinate issue resolution with cross-functional partners
Promote adoption of best practices and contribute to a culture of operational excellence and employee ownership.

Benefits

Medical Insurance with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
Dental and Vision Insurance
401(k) plan options – we also match up to 20% of the first 5% contributed
Participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) – yes, we’re employee-owned! Our team members benefit from the success of the company through this company-sponsored benefit!
Education benefits, including tuition discounts and scholarship programs
10% employee discount on grocery items, with additional franchise-specific discounts available at company-owned Ace Hardware, Caribou Coffee, Erbert and Gerbert’s, and Pet Supplies Plus locations.
Paid Time Off (PTO/Vacation)
Paid Military Leave
Employee recognition programs with monetary rewards, including in-store vouchers, years of service, and employee of the month
Employee Health & Wellness Programs, Challenges and Resources – to assist our team members in living a life of wellbeing!
Get Paid Daily with DailyPay – for employees who would like access to their pay before payday, we offer this great benefit!
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – unlimited phone access to legal, financial, and work-life services and up to five free in-person counseling sessions, per situation/issue, per year
Access to a national discount marketplace for travel, electronics, auto/home insurance, entertainment and more!
Tools, resources, and opportunities for career growth and development