Continuous Improvement Program Specialist - Seed Operation Development Program

Vylor is seeking a graduating senior or recent college graduate to join the Seed Operations Development Program (SODP) as a Continuous Improvement Program Specialist.

This full-time, approximately two-year development opportunity is part of the Global Continuous Improvement team within Global Seed Operations. The role provides broad exposure to supply chain, operations, continuous improvement, performance analytics, governance, and business transformation initiatives.

As a Continuous Improvement Program Specialist, you will work closely with regional and global stakeholders to support strategic improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, delivery, cost, and organizational effectiveness across seed operations. You will help maintain governance processes, analyze business performance, coordinate projects and training, support continuous improvement programs, and build strong cross-functional partnerships throughout the organization.

This role is designed for individuals who are curious, analytical, highly organized, and interested in building a career in Continuous Improvement, Supply Chain, Operations Excellence, Program Management, or operational leadership.

What You Will Do

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, process mapping, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Assist with root cause analysis and the implementation of sustainable solutions.
• Participate in improvement workshops, Kaizen events, and business reviews.

Governance & Program Management

• Support governance routines, project reviews, and performance management processes.
• Maintain project documentation, action plans, reporting tools, and standardized work.
• Coordinate timelines, deliverables, meeting materials, and follow-up actions.
• Help ensure continuous improvement initiatives maintain accurate and timely project records.

Global Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with regional and global teams to support strategic initiatives and continuous improvement programs.
• Build relationships across operations, supply chain, quality, digital, engineering, and other business functions.
• Support communication, alignment, and adoption of continuous improvement practices across multiple regions.
• Gain exposure to diverse operational environments and global business perspectives.

Training & Capability Development

• Support the development and delivery of continuous improvement training and communication materials.
• Assist with workshop coordination, training logistics, and learning programs.
• Participate in structured development experiences designed to build technical, business, and leadership capabilities.

Professional Development

• Complete a structured development program focused on continuous improvement, analytics, project management, business acumen, and operational excellence.
• Receive coaching, mentoring, and exposure to leaders across the organization.
• Build the capabilities needed for future opportunities within Global Seed Operations.

Performance Analytics & Business Insights

• Collect, organize, and analyze operational and business performance data.
• Support the development and maintenance of dashboards, reports, and performance metrics.
• Identify trends, improvement opportunities, and areas requiring additional focus.
• Assist teams with data-driven decision-making and performance tracking.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree completed prior to the start date in one of the following areas:
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Management Information Systems (MIS)
  • Agricultural Business
  • Operations Management
• Data Analytics
• Agricultural Systems Technology
• Business Administration
• Or a related field
• Demonstrated leadership through internships, student organizations, athletics, volunteer activities, work experience, or academic projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across functions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Desire to learn and grow in a global operations environment.

Preferred

• Internship or project experience in supply chain, operations, manufacturing, agriculture, business analytics, continuous improvement, or project management.
• Experience with Power BI, SharePoint, or other reporting and analytics tools.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, process mapping, or operational excellence concepts.
• Experience presenting recommendations, project updates, or analytical findings.
• Experience coordinating projects, events, training activities, or team initiatives.

Program and Work Requirements

• Ability to work from the Johnston, Iowa, location in accordance with the role's established work arrangement.
• Willingness and ability to travel to seed production and business locations for project work, development experiences, and stakeholder engagement.
• Willingness to relocate during or following the development program if required for future business opportunities.
• Commitment to completing SODP development expectations, assigned projects, training, mentoring, and program activities.

What You Will Gain

• Work on meaningful projects with measurable business impact.
• Gain exposure to both regional and global business operations.
• Develop expertise in continuous improvement, analytics, governance, and project management.
• Collaborate with leaders and stakeholders across multiple regions and functions.
• Receive formal mentoring, coaching, and professional development support.
• Build a strong foundation for future careers in Continuous Improvement, Supply Chain, Operations Excellence, Program Management, and operational leadership.

Join Vylor to build continuous improvement expertise, strengthen seed operations, and contribute to projects that deliver measurable and sustainable results.