Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Jonathan West

Sycamore,IL

Summary

Accomplished and visionary safety professional with over a decade of progressive leadership experience in occupational safety, risk mitigation, and systems integration across complex industrial, manufacturing, and distribution environments. Proven expertise in advancing the field of safety through strategic innovation, data-driven decision-making, and the implementation of scalable safety solutions. Demonstrated success in leading regional safety programs, mentoring direct reports, and influencing enterprise-wide initiatives that elevate safety performance and organizational resilience. Recognized for a scholarly and systems-thinking approach to problem-solving, with core competencies in safety governance, ergonomic design, automation risk assessments, and cross-functional project execution. Committed to continuous improvement and the development of safety as both a science and a strategic business driver.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Safety Engineer

Target Corporation
02.2020 - Current
  • Provided technical leadership and subject matter expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of safety systems across a national network of high-throughput distribution centers.
  • Led engineering risk assessments and safety-by-design initiatives for new automation technologies, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and conveyor systems.
  • Partnered with cross-functional teams—including Engineering, Operations, Facilities, and Innovation—to integrate safety requirements into capital projects and retrofits from concept through commissioning.
  • Conducted complex hazard analyses (FMEA, bowtie, HAZOP) to identify latent design risks and ensure compliance with ANSI, ISO 12100, ISO 3691-4, and RIA standards resulting in a 80% reduction in rework saving the organization over $10 million.
  • Developed and championed ergonomic innovation through task redesign, lift assist evaluations, and implementation of automation to reduce strain and sprain injury rates leading to a 60% reduction in strain sprain injuries.
  • Led enterprise-level investigations into serious injury and fatality (SIF) potential events, applying human and organizational performance (HOP) principles to drive systemic improvements.
  • Developed performance testing protocols and validation procedures to assess vendor equipment safety prior to site deployment (FAT/SAT), ensuring consistency with internal safety specifications.
  • Mentored field safety managers and engineers across the network, fostering technical growth, risk literacy, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Authored technical guidance documents and design safety standards adopted across new builds, retrofits, and automation initiatives.
  • Influenced enterprise safety governance by contributing to strategic roadmaps, safety tenets, and the development of a Robotics Safety & Automation Integration Committee.

Regional Safety Manager

Target Corporation
09.2018 - 02.2020
  • Championed a proactive safety culture through leadership engagement, hazard recognition campaigns, and frontline empowerment initiatives.
  • Led safety operations across multiple high-volume distribution centers, providing direct supervision, coaching, and development for a team of site-level safety managers and specialists.
  • Drove regional safety strategy aligned with enterprise objectives, achieving significant reductions in injury rates and risk severity across diverse operational environments resulting in 80% reduction in injuries and near misses.
  • Conducted regional performance reviews and gap analyses to identify systemic safety risks, deploy targeted interventions, and ensure alignment with OSHA, ANSI, and internal standards.
  • Oversaw implementation of ergonomic and automation-related safety controls, collaborating cross-functionally with engineering and operations to ensure safe integration of AMRs, AGVs, and other advanced technologies.
  • Led serious injury and fatality (SIF) prevention efforts, including root cause analyses, corrective action tracking, and enterprise knowledge sharing resulting in 100% reduction in SIF incidents.
  • Developed and delivered regional safety training programs to elevate field safety acumen and build leadership capability within direct reports.
  • Piloted and scaled safety innovations across regional sites, including mobile safety apps, wearables, and advanced telemetry systems for high-risk task monitoring.
  • Acted as the regional liaison for corporate safety governance, contributing to enterprise standard development, peer reviews, and strategic planning initiatives

Assistant Director, Safety Management

Indiana University
08.2013 - 01.2020
  • Provided strategic leadership for enterprise-wide safety programs, aligning organizational goals with regulatory compliance and risk mitigation frameworks (OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, ISO).
  • Directed and supported a network of safety managers and engineers across multiple regions, fostering professional development and driving consistency in safety performance.
  • Led the development and implementation of data-driven safety initiatives that resulted in measurable reductions in injury rates, severity, and high-risk exposures resulting in a 70% reduction in injuries.
  • Championed a culture of prevention through design (PtD), integrating safety principles into capital projects, automation deployment, and new process introductions.
  • Served as a subject matter expert in serious injury and fatality (SIF) prevention, ergonomics, and human and organizational performance (HOP) resulting in an 100% reduction in SIF YOY.
  • Designed and executed comprehensive audit and assessment programs, improving safety readiness and operational excellence across diverse business units.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with engineering, operations, HR, and legal teams to influence safety governance and support business continuity planning.
  • Spearheaded safety technology integration, including digital hazard tracking, telemetry-based analytics, and predictive modeling for proactive risk management.
  • Developed enterprise training frameworks and leadership development programs to elevate safety capability at all organizational levels.
  • Represented the organization in industry forums, regulatory discussions, and cross-sector safety collaborations to advance the profession and share best practices.

EMT/Paramedic

IU Health Ambulance Service
02.2012 - 08.2016
  • Worked full-time as an EMT for a hospital-based 911 ambulance service
  • Responsible for the care, transport and treatment of ill/injured patients in emergency and non-emergency situations
  • Responsible for relaying and receiving information regarding the patient and patient condition to the ER staff
  • Responsible for complying with all regulatory requirements, departmental policies, hospital policies and operating within the scope of an EMT
  • Possess the required certifications, knowledge and skills to appropriately care for and manage neonatal, infant, pediatric, adult and elderly patients
  • Performed non-invasive and invasive procedures that assist with patient interventions
  • Possess the ability to make independent, clinical and operational decisions in a challenging environment in the field

Operations Supervisor

CVS Health
04.2012 - 03.2013
  • Work effectively with store management and store crews
  • Supervise the store’s crew through assigning, directing, and following up of all activities
  • Assist customers with their questions, concerns, and complaints
  • Promote CVS customer service culture
  • (Greet, offer help, and thank)
  • Handle all customer relations issues in accordance with company policy and promote a positive shopping experience for all CVS customers
  • Provide colleagues personalized customer service feedback and coaching (E.g., myImpact coaching; myCustomer feedback; personal observations)
  • Support the planning, execute the displays, signage, and inventory of weekly, promotional, and seasonal merchandise
  • Support the planning, execute the display and maintenance of off-shelf merchandise
  • Assist with development and training of colleagues to ensure a high-performing team
  • Perform audits to ensure standards are met within the business organization as well as prioritize and monitor workflows, addressing related issues as appropriate to achieve pharmacy production objectives
  • Responsible for tracking and root cause analysis of efficiency and quality measures, primarily, but not limited to automated packing equipment
  • Assist in development and implementation of strategies and Standard Operating Procedures
  • Assist in acclimating new staff to existing equipment and all colleagues to new technology
  • Provide leadership and direction by establishing clear expectations, communicating specific performance feedback and giving timely and thorough performance reviews

Section Sergeant/instructor

United States Army
03.2005 - 03.2013
  • Served as the Fire Direction Chief of a 24-man mortar platoon
  • Responsible for the health, welfare, discipline, morale and training of a six-man fire direction center and 18-man dismounted squad
  • Supervised and evaluated accuracy of fire direction center operations
  • Trained 24 soldiers to be proficient in Department of defense skill levels I, II, and III
  • Assisted in the development and implementation of a tactical standard operating procedure which greatly increased the proficiency of the platoon
  • Responsible for leading a 12-man squad on over 600 combat mission in Afghanistan
  • Served on Joint Task Force board with US and Afghanistan Forces
  • Accountable for equipment in the value of $2,000,000
  • Trained over 1,000 soldiers in Air Assault operations and procedures as an instructor
  • Served in South Korea, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Ft
  • Campbell, KY
  • Completed Professional Development and Non-commissioned officer course with highest honors
  • Lead instructor for sling load helicopter operations

Education

Doctorate - Organizational Leadership & Development

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
05-2025

MBA -

Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN
12-2018

Skills

  • Leadership skills
  • Project management
  • Team management
  • Process safety management
  • OSHA, NFPA, EPA, DOT, ANSI, and ISO 45001 compliance
  • Hazard Identification and risk assessment (HIRA)
  • Behavior-based safety (BBS) programs
  • Ergonomics and human factors engineering
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
  • Technical presentation

Certification

  • OSHA 30 Certified
  • Certified Machine Safety Expert (CMSE)
  • Robot Safety and Integration Certification
  • Safety Integration of AGVs, AMRs
  • Certified Ergonomic Specialist


Timeline

Senior Safety Engineer

Target Corporation
02.2020 - Current

Regional Safety Manager

Target Corporation
09.2018 - 02.2020

Assistant Director, Safety Management

Indiana University
08.2013 - 01.2020

Operations Supervisor

CVS Health
04.2012 - 03.2013

EMT/Paramedic

IU Health Ambulance Service
02.2012 - 08.2016

Section Sergeant/instructor

United States Army
03.2005 - 03.2013

Doctorate - Organizational Leadership & Development

Capella University

MBA -

Indiana Wesleyan University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE