Continuous Improvement Coordinator

Job Summary

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Assist in implementing Lean tools and methods such as 5S, Standard Work, Centerlining, and CIL (Clean, Inspect, Lube).
• Participate in plant layout reviews, process mapping, and workflow optimization efforts.
• 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.
• Support the sustainment of 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.

• 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…