Continuous Improvement Specialist

POSTING DATE: November 13, 2025CLOSING DATE: December 11, 2025JOB NUMBER: 2025-85POSITION TYPE: PermanentLOCATION: Athabasca Area, AlbertaAlberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to work out of our millsite near Athabasca, Alberta (684009 R.R. 195). The successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation of Al-Pac’s continuous improvement program and subsequently for the ideation process within Al-Pac’s Project Delivery Model. This includes generation, identification, assessment and refinement of early-stage growth and major cost savings initiatives. Who Are We?Al-Pac is the largest single-line kraft pulp producer in North America. Our mill is located near the communities of Athabasca, Boyle & Lac La Biche. We are leaders in our industry, from our quality products, mill operations and responsible forest management practices, to the way we grow and develop our team members and work with local communities. We are continuously exploring new and innovative ideas, while delivering premium products with a commitment to strong environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility – a commitment that is demonstrated by our long-standing Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification*.Role ResponsibilitiesDeliver Al-Pac’s Continuous Improvement program by engaging with leaders to develop and implement processed used to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.Incorporation of various Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement methodologies and elements into daily and strategic operations. Leads Lean Six Sigma-style kaizen events (or equivalent), periodic brainstorming sessions with internal and/or external subject matter experts related to particular topic or thematic areasLead internal idea generation activities, initiatives and formal events and engage with other leaders to identify, coordinate, and deliver results.Develop and refine the corporate continuous improvement strategy, including ongoing identification of training needs and optionsLead the delivery of continuous improvement training programs Coach and mention team members on Lean Six Sigma methodology and tools (5S, KAIZEN, VSM, SDM, ODM, TPM, TQM, Visual Management, etc) to build ‘train the trainer’ internal capacityDevelop an effective and efficient workflow of idea generation and assessmentOversee the systems and administration of in-flow and out-flow of ideas within the Ideation Funnel and evaluate ideas to prioritize further due diligence using a scorecard methodLead market studies (including management of external resources and coordination of internal SME contributions) in support of those assessmentsWork with key internal & external subject matter experts to conduct preliminary assessments with the objective of bringing forward a narrowed list of high-quality ideas for feasibility assessment (Stage 2) and investment due diligence Develop “Recommendations to Shelve” or “Recommendations to Pursue” documentationGenerate dashboards and progress reports, including Board presentations, as requiredRole RequirementsBachelor’s or master’s degree in industrial or process engineering 8+ years' experience in a role focused on managing and leading continuous improvement programs, implementing lean six sigma methodology and process improvements in a manufacturing environmentLean Six Sigma Black Belt required, as well as additional advanced level Lean training preferredExperience in a kraft pulp manufacturing environment required Highly experienced in financial evaluation and assessment, business process mapping, and the design and operation of financial models OtherProject Management – vast expertise in develop, implementing and successfully delivering complex projectsCommunication - uses clear and effective verbal, written and presenting communication skills with diverse audiences without supervision. Language Requirements – English, Fluent Problem Solving - excellent analytical skills. Strong problem solving and business acumen, with ability to operate in uncertain or changing environment.Computer Skills - advanced knowledge of database programs such as Excel and Access as well as experience with MS Project; andCollaboration – highly developed ability to collaborate and have influence stakeholders at all levels and work effectively within a team environment, often without supervisor authorityWhat We OfferA competitive annual salary including a company-paid pension at 7% and matching RRSP up to 3%.Company-paid dental and extended health benefits, including a health care and taxable spending account and supplemental life insurance.Compressed work schedule (Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)Four week’s annual vacation to start, increasing with years of service.Relocation Assistance Program, depending on eligibility.Team-based culture that encourages work-life balance.To apply today and learn more about Al-Pac's current opportunities, please visit: alpac.ca/grow-with-us. Resumes can be forwarded in confidence to careers@alpac.ca.Legal StatementAl-Pac is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We wish to express our thanks to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.*FSC-C021640