Continuous Improvement Specialist

Gay Lea Foods; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the dairy food sector seeks a Continuous Improvement Lead based in Hamilton. This role involves leading process improvement projects using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, ensuring operations excellence while working collaboratively across various facilities. The candidate will leverage their engineering background and understanding of operational processes to meet business needs and drive continuous improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of related experience in manufacturing, food environment preferred.
• Experienced in leading and implementing business change.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Identify and deliver process improvement initiatives to drive customer satisfaction.
• Develop and implement KPIs to improve metrics and reports.
• Lead the development of process flowcharts and procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Data Analysis

Communication

Education

University degree in engineering, operations, or supply chain

Tools

MS Excel

Visio

MS PowerPoint

MS Project

MS Power Platform

Job description

20 Morley St, Hamilton, ON L8H 3R7, Canada

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Department Engineering & Continuous Improvement

Reports to:Manager, Continuous Improvement

Location:Hamilton, 5 days a week onsite

Job Scope:

Reporting to the Manager, Continuous Improvement, this position serves as a team lead for targeted continuous improvement initiatives and change management engagements. Using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies and tools in conjunction with change management and project management skills, this incumbent will assist in identifying and defining projects, perform current state assessments, facilitate and/or lead project improvement teams and perform ongoing audits of improvement initiatives.

Although each position may focus on a specific facility, where the successful candidate will primarily work on local projects, this position may occasionally be required to assist in other Gay Lea facilities based on the needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with cross-functional project teams to identify and deliver process improvement initiatives that drive increased customer satisfaction and operating cost reduction.
• Implement programs to improve overall OEE and support operations with execution including training, data analysis, and process improvements.
• Support the integration of process improvements into business practices, establishing and maintaining high quality assurance standards, procedures, and controls.
• Provide technical leadership and support in the development of process maps and procedures for the SOP manuals, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with best practices.
• Complete the detailed analysis of processes within the company, including gathering and analyzing data and investigating performance.
• Develop, implement, and produce the KPIs to continuously improve metrics and reports to support business process improvements.
• Facilitate and lead the development of current and future processes flowcharts/process maps, and detailed procedures recommending process changes to enhance operational excellence and minimize inefficiencies.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with SME (subject matter experts), project team members & management across the organization.
• Raise awareness, support, and use process improvement methods and tools through education, information and sharing of best practices.
• Other projects as assigned by Management.

Qualifications:

• Must have University degree, preferably with a focus on engineering, operations, or supply chain.
• Minimum 2 years of related experience within manufacturing, food environment preferred.
• Experienced in leading and implementing business change within a collaborative and values- driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and communicate with diverse stakeholders to gain buy-in.
• Familiarity with Business Process Management (BPM), Six Sigma and Lean methodologies and tools.
• Expert knowledge of Visio and MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Understanding of MS Power Platform.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; effective presentation skills.
• Highly developed analytical, quantitative and data analysis aptitude.
• Exceptional organization, prioritization, and planning skills
• Committed to employee engagement and a passion for operational excellence.
• Flexible to accommodate various locations and hours as needed.

Gay Lea Foods is a proud Canadian-owned dairy food and beverage company with a robust portfolio that includes 7 established brands such as Gay Lea Butter, Nordica Cottage Cheese, Ivanhoe Cheese, Salerno Cheese, and Hewitt’s Dairy.Our wide range of products are sold in Retail, Foodservice, Industrial, Co-pack, and Export markets, developed and produced out of our 13 manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Alberta.

Delivering high-quality and innovative products - from the consumer favourite Spreadables and North America’s first Smooth Cottage Cheese, to Nothing But Cheese, an innovative snack made with 100% cheese, is what makes us market leaders in our categories. Our grassroots approach to business is what guides our direction and differentiates us from our competitors.

Our employees inspire our culture of excellence and entrepreneurship. We hire innovative and passionate professionals who know that greatness is achieved through people, partnerships, and acting with a business owner mindset.

For more about us visit:http://www.gaylea.com

Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.

Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.

Wishing you all the best with your career search!

20 Morley St, Hamilton, ON L8H 3R7, Canada