Continuous Improvement Specialist

At Lowe’s Canada, over 26,000 employees let their passion blossom every day. Our teams are driven by the desire to help people bring their projects to life and are committed to making a difference in the communities we serve.

We operate or service some 450 corporate and affiliated dealer stores. With a distinctive product and service offering and complementary store formats ranging from neighbourhood hardware stores to big box stores, our Lowe’s, RONA, Reno-Depot, and Dick’s Lumber banners are always looking for dedicated employees to help meet the needs of all DIYers and contractors.

You’ve got the talent? We’ve got the tools Here, your work and ideas will contribute to building a flourishing organization. Your voice will always be heard and valued. You’ll find career opportunities that live up to your ambitions and be able to further develop your unique set of skills.

So if you’re looking to do what you love, and to grow and evolve within our family—one of the best employers in Canada according to a recent Forbes survey—we could be perfect for each other.

**Our expectations**:
Reporting to the Continuous Improvement Manager, the Continuous Improvement Specialist will be responsible for projects aimed at adding value through the implementation of continuous improvement principles and the integration of the distribution industry’s best practices for our Calgary area Distribution Centers.

The responsibilities of the incumbent include project management, business analysis, budgeting support, facility layout, product flow management, and change management.

This role requires skills in project management, business analysis, and communications, as well as a continuous improvement mindset to deliver expected results in a fast-paced environment. The position is based at the Calgary Distribution Center.

**Your role**:

- Actively seek continuous improvement opportunities and define optimal solutions, working closely with distribution centre managements
- Complete distribution network transformation projects that might include the integration of distribution systems, opening of new facilities, redevelopment of facilities, and operationalization of new capabilities by supporting the working groups and initiative leaders
- Generate added value through the principles of continuous improvement and integrate best practices in the distribution industry
- Build and maintain variable-productivity standards, including the steps involved in conducting time-motion studies, development of best working methods, technical documentation, stakeholder training, and regular validation of the program
- Support projects from start to finish and introduce a feasibility and cost-effectiveness analysis, as well as appropriate controls, during and after implementation of the project
- Collaborate with continuous improvement experts from other regions to achieve improvement goals across the national distribution network
- Support change management’s communications and operations related to optimization and distribution transformation projects
- Document and map key processes as well as develop process flow diagrams
- Influence and collaborate with multiple key internal stakeholders by establishing and maintaining active relationships with leaders in the areas of Transportation, Supply Chain Planning, Merchandising, Store Operations, and Dealer Support at a regional and national level

**The qualifications we are looking for**:

- Bachelor’s degree in business management (operations, logistics, supply chain), engineering or a related field (required)
- At least 2 years of experience having progressive responsibilities in the areas of distribution, logistics, or transportation, with a focus on Continuous Improvement (essential)
- Experience in the retail industry, within a large-scale national distributor, or a transportation/logistics service provider (an asset)
- Stakeholder management abilities; demonstrated ability to develop stakeholder relationships and building collaborative processes, as well as the ability to mobilize, coach, and drive accountability with peers and other functional leaders through influence
- Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; proactive nature and willingness to challenge existing processes and propose new solutions
- Project management skills; demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex transformation projects from inception to implementation; proven track record of successful system or logistics network implementations involving change management
- Communication skills; demonstrated ability to clearly and concisely communicate with all levels of the organization and with every business unit to persuade and lead others in challenging situations
- Knowledge of the operating principles of a warehouse management system (Blue Yonder WMS, an asset)
- Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel
- Ability to travel to Milton (Ontario) and Boucherville (Quebec): appr