Continuous Improvement Manager

**Primary Responsibilities**

The Continuous Improvement Manager leads the integration of Continuous Improvement and Lean processes, assist in designing and implementing programs and Leads special projects in alignment with Cérélia’s strategy and goals. This role reports directly to the Vice President, Operations.

This individual will counsel and support operations management and employees to drive operational excellence and incremental value creation, including, but not limited to: cost savings, customer satisfaction, uptime improvement, supplier development and sustainability (waste reduction, energy efficiency ).

The Continuous Improvement Manager will also lead operational projects on an ad-hoc basis, including planification, staffing, delivery, control and reporting to senior leadership members.

This is a hands-on role, assessing gaps in all functions of the company, gathering data analytics, establishing and executing plans and coaching employees towards C/I goals and initiatives.

**Entrance Qualifications**

**Continuous Improvement and Lean Culture**
- Drive the implementation of Continuous Improvement (C/I) programs to drive excellence. This will include but not limited to: benchmarking, gap analysis, SWOT, Industrial Engineering time studies, and lean manufacturing deployment, C/I culture, etc.
- Research innovative solutions and prepare business cases to be proposed to senior management.
- Drive improvement and track goal(s) achievement through assessments, data collection, analysis and communication.
- Coach teams to develop and implement appropriate improvement actions / engagement and people development plans.
- Develop and monitor metrics / KPIs to demonstrate progress and completion of committed projects.
- Ensure that all improvements are sustained with the appropriate training programs
- Coach teams on lean methodologies including and not limited to: Six Sigma, Toyota Production System, Total Quality Management, Lean, Value Stream Mapping, Financial streamlining.
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of applicable best practices, market research and C/I techniques.

**Operational projects and reporting**
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and tracking of special projects with specific deliverables in the field of manufacturing, engineering or supply chain.
- Lead and motivate the project core team members from different departments.
- Report on project progress to VP Operations and to the relevant members of the Leadership Team. Anticipate potential risks with mitigation plans to ensure successful completion, and update projects KPIs.

**Focused tasks**
- Provide hands-on support and strategic guidance to operations, support functions and their leadership regarding systems deployment and corporate initiatives.
- Use structured RCA (Root Cause Analysis) methods to deep-dive and solve complex cross-functional issues in a sustainable manner.
- Generate and present Project Charters, KPIs, reports and align with impacted departments.
- Analyze deviations from budget and suggest corrective action plans to prevent a reoccurrence.

**Core Competencies**

**Education and/or Experience**
- Engineer or Certified expert in Lean methodologies, with preferred experience in manufacturing, consulting and/or minimum of 5+ years of professional experience working in a similar role, QA and Plant Engineering or equivalent.
- Must have a solid understanding and interpretation of Financials, Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost indicators.
- Experience in managing and leading multi-functional projects, in a collaborative manner.
- Must be experienced in developing and conducting training and overseeing ongoing initiatives.
- Systems and technology-savvy SME familiar with principles of ERP and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI). Quick learner, continuously striving to research best tools and methods.

**Communication and Analytical Skills**
- Strong verbal/ written communication and leadership skills at all levels of cross-functional teams. Able to communicate about complex concepts in a synthetic a clear manner.
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial attitude with the ability to identify (and connect with) external stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, service providers and equipment OEMs.
- Ability to positively influence members of the Management Team and lead C/I initiatives.
- Strong analytical skills with ability to identify issues, trends and drive solutions to improve processes and generate Value.

**Other Skills and Abilities**
- Must be a good fit with Cerelia’s entrepreneurial spirit, agile and innovative environment; with a desire to make a strong impact on the business.
- Strong passion and desire for the wellbeing and safety of employees
- Self-starter with analytics skills and attention to detail.
- Must have the ability to inspire and guide.

The position comes with an attractive base pay between the range of CAD$ 145K to CAD$155K, annual bonus, paid time off, RRSP match and extended dental