Continuous Improvement Manager

Aecon Group Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aecon Civil in Canada seeks a Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to drive Lean Design and Construction excellence across civil projects, from preconstruction through execution. You will embed lean thinking, develop improvement strategies, and enable high‑performing teams with cross‑functional collaboration.

With a background in engineering or construction management and 5+ years deploying Last Planner, you will influence planning, coordination, and productivity while partnering with operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience deploying the Last Planner System in civil design or engineering.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Design and Construction methods on projects.
• Experience on large, complex capital projects or joint ventures with multiple interfaces.
• Experience in unionized environments and influencing labour productivity preferred.
• Strong communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Integrate Lean methods into preconstruction activities and align on project goals.
• Lead design partners with coordination, work planning, packaging, and tender planning using Last Planner System.
• Build cross‑functional teams across estimating, planning, scheduling, budgeting, bid packaging, and readiness.
• Coach teams to embed lean thinking and a continuous improvement culture.
• Identify waste, establish productivity metrics, and share results.
• Define and deliver continuous improvement strategies with Civil CI leadership.
• Improve processes and ways of working with measurable outcomes.
• Lead change by aligning stakeholders and resolving issues across design, preconstruction, and construction.

Skills

Last Planner System

Lean Design

Communication

Negotiation

Influencing

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field

Job description

Come Build Your Career at Aecon! Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Come Build Your Career at Aecon! Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Safety Always is not only our #1 core value – it is the standard that anchors our culture. We believe the most ambitious projects deserve the most committed people. At Aecon, you won’t just build your career — you’ll help build what matters to enable future generations to thrive.

At Aecon, You Can Count On

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. The safety of our people, projects, partners, and stakeholders is our priority focus – today and always.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide opportunities where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.

We deliver infrastructure with purpose, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. Aecon employees are incredibly proud to build some of the most impactful infrastructure of this generation – we call it Aecon Proud.

At Aecon We

• Ensure you and your family receive the services and benefits needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Are intentional when it comes to investing in your development. We help you build your career and advance your skills through our Aecon University, tuition reimbursement, and Leadership Programs.
• Are committed to creating work environments focused on mutual respect, teamwork, collaboration, and new ideas, through meaningful initiatives, training, partnerships with Veteran groups, our Aecon Women in Trades and diversity programs, as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), to ensure we are building with top talent and harnessing our collective strengths within every aspect of our culture.
• Operate responsibly by managing risk, safety, and environmental considerations across all our projects and surrounding communities.

Our success is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of our people. Together, we embrace strong execution, innovation, and continuous improvement — values that come to life through the unique talents and collaborative spirit of every team member. If you’re inspired to make a difference through future-building projects, join our best‑in‑class team.

What is the Opportunity?

Aecon Civil is a recognized leader in the market, backed by strong self‑perform capabilities and deep local expertise. We play a key role in building and enhancing infrastructure across Canada, the U.S., and an expanding international footprint improving everyday life through the roads, bridges, tunnels, and transit systems that connect communities. With more than a century of experience and a full suite of integrated services, Aecon is a trusted partner for delivering complex civil projects, including tunnels, transit expansions, airports, ports, highways, and large‑scale site development.

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager drives Lean Design and Construction excellence across Civil projects, supporting preconstruction, design, and construction teams to improve planning reliability and collaborative project delivery. This role partners closely with project and pursuit teams to embed lean thinking, develop project‑specific improvement strategies, and enable high‑performing teams from early planning through execution.

What You’ll Do Here

• Integrate Lean methods into preconstruction activities, including proposals, validation, scoping, partner development, and project alignment.
• Lead and support design partners with coordination, work planning, packaging, and tender planning using the Last Planner System.
• Build and support cross‑functional teams across estimating, planning, scheduling, budgeting, bid package development, and construction readiness.
• Coach and mentor teams to embed lean thinking and behaviours and strengthen a continuous improvement culture.
• Identify waste, establish clear productivity measures, and ensure they are tracked and shared.
• Partner with project teams to define and deliver continuous improvement strategies in collaboration with the Civil CI Director and Corporate CI team.
• Improve processes, standards, and ways of working with a focus on practical, measurable outcomes.
• Lead change by aligning stakeholders, resolving issues, and influencing outcomes across design, preconstruction, and construction phases.
• Work closely with operations to clearly define outcomes and ensure improvement plans are effectively implemented.
• Navigate challenging situations, including conflict and differing perspectives, while maintaining strong working relationships.

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience deploying the Last Planner System, with demonstrated application in civil design or engineering environments.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Design and Construction methods on projects.
• Experience working on large, complex capital projects or joint ventures with multiple interfaces.
• Experience working in unionized environments and influencing labour productivity is preferred.
• Strong communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.

Reason for Vacancy: Evergreen

The expected pay range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 per year

Individual pay is determined based on several factors, including work location, education, experience, unique skills and job conditions. Other considerations may include certifications, specialized training, and the complexity or scope of the role.

Aecon fosters belonging within and across our organization. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considering all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws.