Safety & Lean Manager

Veneer Technology, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

PTO

Christmas week

Medical insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer program

401(k)

Job summary

Veneer Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Safety & Lean Manager to drive continuous improvement initiatives, promote Lean manufacturing principles, and support safety programs across the plant.

In this role you will partner with plant leaders to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, strengthen workplace safety, and ensure FSC compliance activities are met through data-driven decision making. The position requires strong leadership, experience in Lean Six Sigma, and the ability to train

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Minimum 2 years of continuous improvement and/or safety management.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop current and future state value stream maps and actionable roadmaps.
• Lead large-scale Lean and Six Sigma improvement projects.
• Manage a productivity project portfolio aligned with business objectives.
• Plan, schedule, and lead GEMBA walks; conduct Kaizen events as needed.
• Conduct 8-Waste studies, time and motion studies, and workflow balancing.
• Lead visual management and 5S initiatives; deliver Lean training.
• Promote FSC/MAFACT principles across operations and compliance activities.
• Coordinate safety programs: OSHA, audits, meetings, and training.
• Provide detailed data analysis to measure performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Project Management

Leadership

Data Analysis

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Description

Veneer Technologies, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees and their families, including:

• 6 paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)
• Paid Christmas week after 6 months of employment
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 per year
• Paid Volunteer Program
• 401(k) retirement plan

Veneer Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Safety & Lean Manager that will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, promoting Lean manufacturing principles, and supporting the company's safety programs. This role partners with leaders to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, strengthen workplace safety, and foster a culture of continuous improvement while providing support for FSC compliance activities.

Lean & Continuous Improvement (40%)

• Partner with Plant Management to develop current and future state value stream maps and define actionable roadmaps to achieve future state goals
• Lead and manage large-scale strategic improvement projects utilizing Lean and Six Sigma tools
• Develop and manage a productivity project portfolio aligned with key business objectives
• Plan, schedule, and lead GEMBA walks; review and adjust plans to meet evolving department needs (Kaizen Events as needed)
• Conduct 8-Waste studies, time and motion studies, and workflow balancing to drive efficiency
• Optimize processes to reduce costs, improve quality, and eliminate waste
• Lead visual management and workplace organization (5S) initiatives
• Deliver Lean training and coach plant personnel at all levels
• Promote and grow WCM/MAFACT principles across operational areas
• Establish benchmarking and best-practice sharing processes
• Provide detailed data analysis to measure performance and identify improvement opportunities
• Drive accountability for measurable business results
• Participate in Lean Sigma events, meetings, and cross-functional initiatives to stay current on industry best practices

Safety (40%)

• Maintain responsibility for OSHA compliance, including OSHA-300 reporting and accident recordkeeping
• Lead post-accident investigations in partnership with Maintenance to implement corrective safeguards
• Coordinate post-accident drug screening and transportation arrangements
• Maintain EPA compliance, including air and storm water permits
• Oversee Sprinkler, Alarm, and Security system maintenance and testing
• Coordinate monthly safety meetings and Annual Safety Training programs
• Manage Bloodborne Pathogens training and Hepatitis B vaccinations for new Safety Committee members
• Responsible for overseeing and documenting routine monthly safety inspections to ensure compliance, hazard prevention, and operational reliability.
• Oversee and ensure completion of all required equipment and task-specific safety training for authorized employees, including powered industrial trucks, energy control (Lockout/Tagout), respiratory protection, electrical safety, fall protection, confined space and operation of specialized manufacturing equipment.

FSC Compliance (20%)

• Maintain and support compliance with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards and Chain of Custody certification requirements.
• Own the preparation requirements for annual FSC audits and maintain ongoing audit readiness.
• Ensure compliance documentation, supplier records, certifications, and tracking systems are accurate, complete, and up to date on a regular basis.
• Collect and verify sourcing documentation from log buyers to ensure traceability and compliance with FSC requirements.
• Manage supply chain tracking spreadsheets and review documentation for new suppliers and buyers.
• Work with third-party consultants to support certification efforts and ensure accurate reporting.

Requirements

Key Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required.
• Minimum 2 years of continuous improvement and/or safety management.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or related field preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Basic math skills (standard and metric)
• Ability to follow instructions and solve problems effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position includes supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

Manufacturing environment with moderate to high noise levels. Appropriate safety equipment may be required.

Who We Are.

We are committed to the success of our customers through productivity and to the future of our industry through technology.

Veneer Technologies Incorporated is a customer-driven, high technology veneer and other wood products manufacturer and supplier with an aspiration to lead the industry not only in the production of the highest quality materials through efficiencies achieved with productivity and superior production but also with an action-not-talk commitment to the overall future of the resource, the industry, the craftsman, and companies who create function and art with wood veneer.

Wood veneer is unmatched in its beauty and is an efficient use of wood resources sustainable with appropriate conservation and regulatory measures. Veneer Technologies actively supports environmental responsibility and sustainability of the resource with actions, not words, including financial support of the Hardwood Forestry Fund (HFF), the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and other efforts in resource conservation.

Veneer Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity and At-Will Employer

Veneer Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age (40 and over), sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, religion, national origin, ethnic background, military service, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Employment with Veneer Technologies, Inc. is at-will, meaning either the employee or the Company may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law. Nothing in this posting creates a contract of employment or modifies the at-will relationship.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or hiring process may contact Human Resources for assistance.