Continuous Improvement Specialist

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in aerospace seeks a Continuous Improvement Specialist / Business Analyst to enhance operational efficiencies and drive process improvements. This role combines expertise in continuous improvement with business analysis, utilizing lean tools like VSM and Kaizen to optimize processes and deliver data-driven insights. You will be pivotal in supporting the Manufacturing Operating System and ensuring financial assessments align with business goals. Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and quality, where your contributions will directly impact the future of aviation. If you're passionate about driving change and improving processes, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in continuous improvement or business analysis.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Strong analytical and financial analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement initiatives and analyze business processes.
• Conduct cost/savings analysis and develop financial models.
• Prepare presentations and reports for stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Financial Analysis

Project Management

Communication Skills

Lean Methodologies

Cost/Savings Analysis

Budget Forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Bachelor’s degree in Finance

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel (Advanced)

Power BI

Job description

Posted Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 7:00 AM | Expires Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 6:59 AM

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 1,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs worldwide.

Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles—from bush flying to commercial aviation—and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance.

Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.

Profile

Reporting to the Lead of Continuous Improvement (CI), the Continuous Improvement Specialist / Business Analyst will lead process improvement initiatives while analyzing business processes to identify opportunities for optimization. This dual role combines continuous improvement expertise with business analysis skills, ensuring that operational improvements are aligned with organizational goals. You will drive process improvements using lean tools (e.g., VSM, 5S, Kaizen) while also providing data-driven insights to support business decisions and project management. In addition, you will focus on cost analysis, savings tracking, and financial assessments to support the efficiency of operational improvements.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the Manufacturing Operating System (MOS) across the organization.
2. Lead and coach Lean and Kaizen events to drive process optimization.
3. Analyze business processes and data to identify improvement opportunities, define requirements, and create business cases.
4. Conduct cost/savings analysis to measure the financial impact of process improvements, ensuring a return on investment (ROI) for continuous improvement initiatives.
5. Develop and manage financial models to assess the feasibility of proposed improvements and track cost savings over time.
6. Perform detailed financial analysis, including budget forecasts, cost-benefit analysis, and financial risk assessments, to ensure improvements align with business goals.
7. Develop and deliver training on key continuous improvement concepts (e.g., VOC, VSM, 5S).
8. Lead improvement projects by mapping current and future states, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
9. Optimize performance metrics and simplify reporting for management teams, ensuring key financial and operational KPIs are tracked effectively.
10. Prepare presentations, business reports, and documentation for stakeholders, clearly communicating the financial and operational benefits of proposed improvements.
11. Collaborate with various departments to gather data, define project scope, and ensure improvements meet organizational needs.
12. Support the development of business strategies through data-driven insights and recommendations.

Required skills and abilities:

1. Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
2. Minimum 3 years of experience in continuous improvement or business analysis, with a focus on cost analysis and financial assessments.
3. Lean (Green Belt, Black Belt) or Six Sigma certification preferred.
4. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial analysis skills.
5. Experience in cost/savings analysis, budget forecasting, and financial modeling.
6. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects effectively.
7. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel (advanced), and data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI).
8. Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex data and recommendations to stakeholders.

At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC), we are committed to protecting our people, customers, shareholders and the public through Health & Safety Excellence. As such, it is expected that all employees maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and to perform key physical tasks of the position described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights and with or around chemicals. Employees are expected to adhere to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work which must include but is not limited to the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is required.

At De Havilland Canada, we aim to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, are encouraged to apply. De Havilland will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Any offer of employment is conditional on the completion of positive and satisfactory background checks, which may include proof that you are legally entitled to work in Canada, professional references, verification of employment history, verification of educational background and criminal background checks.