Continuous Improvement Specialist - Expert

Summary

CHS, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for an Expert Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist to join our Continuous Improvement Team (CI) in our Agriculture Division. In this role, you will co-facilitate and co-lead enterprise-wide initiatives that improve business processes, enable cross-functional collaboration, and deliver measurable results aligned with our product line strategies.

This position requires a strong blend of facilitation, project management, and technical problem-solving skills- including the ability to leverage data analytics to optimize processes, increase visibility, and sustain improvements.

This role is based at our corporate headquarters in Inver Grove Heights, MN. This role requires 25–50% travel to operational sites based on business needs. 

Responsibilities

Collaboration & Facilitation

• Co-facilitate and co-lead large-scale CI projects with other CI members, partnering closely with all levels of business and functional leaders.
• Partner with Product Line and functional leaders to identify opportunities and ensure alignment with product line strategies.
• Lead value stream mapping sessions, Kaizen events, problem solving workshops, and stakeholder discussions to drive engagement and adoption of improved ways of working.

Process Optimization

• Lead end-to-end process improvement efforts focused on simplifying work, eliminating waste, improving flow and increasing operational effectiveness.
• Apply Lean methodologies (e.g., standard work, root cause analysis, visual management, continuous flow) to improve process performance and consistency.
• Collaborate with ITW and business teams to design and implement practical digital solutions that enable improved processes and reduce manual work.
• Deploy process changes, standardization and low-code solutions to streamline workflows, improve scalability and support long-term sustainability.
• Ensure improvements are embedded into daily operations through standard work, documentation, and leader routines.

Change Management & Project Management

• Lead the planning, execution, and governance of high-priority projects, ensuring delivery on outcomes and timelines.
• Develop project charters, action plans, and progress tracking tools that drive accountability and visibility. Support change management strategies including communication, training, stakeholder readiness, and leadership engagement.
• Serve as a coach and mentor to leaders and employees, fostering a culture of problem-solving and continuous learning.
• Promote adoption and sustainment of CI tools, methodologies, and standardized processes across functions.

Performance Insights and Visual Management

• Use operational data to identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement opportunities and measure the impact of process changes.
• Build and maintain visual management tools (dashboards, scorecards, digital boards) to track progress and sustain improvements.
• Translate operational performance information into clear, actionable insights for leaders and front-line teams.

Minimum Qualifications (required)

• High School diploma or GED
• 7+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Process Improvement, Data Analytics, Program Management, or related fields.

Additional Qualifications

• Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent)
• Strong background in data analytics and building visual management systems.
• Proven ability to co-lead complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong facilitation, communication, project management, and change management skills.
• Experience using data to support process improvement and visual management
• Agriculture or commodities industry experience is a plus
• Pre-employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre-employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements, and FMCSA Clearinghouse.