Continuous Improvement & Safety Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Continuous Improvement & Safety Coordinator (EHS/Lean Manufacturing)

Shift: 1st Shift
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Location: On-site manufacturing environment with travel between local company facilities as needed.
Reports to: Continuous Improvement & EHS Manager

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement & Safety Coordinator supports the Continuous Improvement (CI) & Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager in driving operational excellence, Lean manufacturing initiatives, and workplace safety programs across multiple facilities. This role partners cross-functionally to improve processes, support regulatory compliance, track key performance metrics, coordinate training, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and safe work practices.

This position exercises independent judgment in coordinating safety and continuous improvement initiatives, prioritizing activities, analyzing operational data, and supporting implementation of process improvements.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Support Lean manufacturing initiatives including 5S, Standard Work, visual management, value stream mapping, and structured problem-solving activities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational flow.
• Collect, analyze, and report operational KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, downtime, waste, and labor efficiency.
• Coordinate and support Kaizen events, continuous improvement projects, and cross-functional meetings, including action tracking and sustainment activities.
• Assist in developing, updating, and maintaining SOPs, work instructions, and standard work documentation.
• Support Team Members and supervisors in applying Lean concepts, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement tools on the production floor.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and status updates for leadership and operational reviews.

Safety & EHS Support

• Support implementation and administration of EHS programs including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE, hazard communication, machine guarding, and safety observations.
• Coordinate rollout and maintenance of EHS and CI systems, including training platforms, dashboards, and LOTO software.
• Assist with incident investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive action tracking.
• Coordinate safety onboarding, recurring training, compliance documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Participate in safety audits, inspections, and compliance assessments; document findings and track corrective actions.
• Maintain a visible and active presence on the production floor to promote safe work practices and employee engagement.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Plant Leadership, and other departments to support implementation of process improvements and safety initiatives.
• Coordinate project timelines, training schedules, progress monitoring activities, and status reporting for assigned initiatives.
• Monitor progress of improvement and safety initiatives and communicate risks, barriers, or resource needs to leadership.
• Coordinate recurring safety and continuous improvement meetings, including agenda preparation, facilitation support, action tracking, and follow-up.
• Travel between local plant locations to support operational, training, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide training, coaching, and operational support across multiple shifts as needed, including occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or equivalent practical experience in Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Engineering, Safety, Operations, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and tools such as 5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, standard work, and root cause analysis.
• Basic understanding of workplace safety and EHS principles.
• Strong organizational, communication, facilitation, and project coordination skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, for data analysis and KPI reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on action items in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a production environment and collaborate across departments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between local facilities as needed.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and schedule flexibility to support operational needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting EHS programs including Lockout/Tagout, machine guarding, safety training, or incident investigations.
• Experience participating in Lean manufacturing or operational excellence initiatives with measurable business results.
• Familiarity with EHS or CI software systems, learning management systems (LMS), SAP, RedZone, or operational dashboards.
• Experience in food manufacturing or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment, noise, temperature variations, and production activities.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Additional Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Palmer Candy Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.