Continuous Improvement Coordinator

Summary Description

The CI Coordinator supports and helps drive continuous improvement and engineering initiatives within the manufacturing plant. This role provides critical support in planning, coordinating, and tracking improvement and capital projects. The CI Coordinator collects and analyzes data, assists with project execution, and ensures alignment between CI, Engineering, Quality, and EHS initiatives. In addition, the role focuses on optimizing processes, reducing waste, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement through hands-on implementation of Lean principles and operational improvements, serving as a resource to sustain progress and maintain project visibility across departments.

Essential Job Functions

• Adhere to and ensure compliance to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and PPE requirements.
• Adhere to and ensure compliance to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
• Assist the CI Manager and Engineering team with the coordination and execution of improvement and capital projects, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met.
• Collect, analyze, and report operational data related to efficiency, downtime, waste, and quality to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Support the planning and documentation of Kaizen events, process trials, and improvement activities.
• Develop and maintain project trackers, timelines, and documentation to ensure visibility and accountability.
• Utilize the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology to lead structured problem-solving initiatives.
• Cook up and coordinate with cross-functional teams (Production, Maintenance, Quality, and EHS) to align activities and resolve issues that may impact project timelines or outcomes.
• Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures and Standard Work practices to ensure process consistency and repeatability.
• Absorb and implement Lean tools and methods such as 5S, Standard Work, Centerlining, and CIL (Clean, Inspect, Lube).
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Production, Maintenance, Quality, and EHS) to align activities and resolve issues that may impact project timelines or outcomes.
• Monitor and track cost savings, key performance indicators (KPIs), and continuous improvement metrics for reporting to plant leadership.
• Prepare and maintain documentation for process changes, trials, and equipment modifications in support of Engineering and CI initiatives.
• Sustain the Refresco Management System (RMS) by ensuring improvement activities are documented, communicated, and standardized.
• Assist in evaluating and sharing best practices that improve safety, quality, productivity, and energy efficiency.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect and interpret production and performance data, identify opportunities, and make data-driven decisions to execute improvements with a sense of urgency.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts such as Value Stream Mapping, centerlining, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and track progress across several projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word); SAP experience is preferred.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports, visual dashboards, and project updates for stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in documentation, data collection, and reporting.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing project needs or production requirements.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate across departments and levels of the organization.
• Proactive and self-motivated, demonstrating initiative in identifying and acting on opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to assist in planning, leading, and coaching Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Good understanding of SQF standards with a strong sense of responsibility for Food Safety and Food Quality.
• Willingness to adjust work hours or shifts as needed based on production and operational demands.
• Ability to teach, coach, and apply structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5-Why and Fishbone Analysis to identify and eliminate the root causes of issues.

Competencies

• Leadership - Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust, lead courageously on a day-to-day basis, and inspire growth with a clear and ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
• Independence & Accountability - Take ownership of responsibilities, effectively prioritize multiple assignments, and work independently to drive results with minimal supervision.
• Coaching and Training - Conduct training sessions for employees at all levels on Lean principles, tools, and CI methodologies, while providing ongoing coaching and support to ensure the successful implementation and sustainment of improvement initiatives.
• Organization & Time Management - Maintain strong organizational skills to manage competing deadlines, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness under pressure.
• Communication & Collaboration - Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Adaptability & Resilience - Thrive in dynamic environments by embracing change, demonstrating flexibility, and maintaining focus in fast-paced, evolving work settings.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset - Actively seeks ways to eliminate waste, simplify processes, and drive sustainable improvements.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree is preferred in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field.
• 2-3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment supporting CI, engineering, or production improvement initiatives.
• Experience in the food or beverage manufacturing industry is preferred.
• Familiarity with project coordination or technical documentation is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evenings, overnight and holidays may be required.
• Work Environment: Operating in both office and fast-paced production plant environment with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised, with clear production targets and schedules to meet.
• Visual/Sensory - This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Mental Stress - There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, project management, accuracy or similar demands.
• Travel Requirements: Travel anticipated: Rarely.

Pay and Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short-term disability and long-term disability
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
• Well-being Benefit Discount and Total Reward Programs