Lead Process Engineer

Gay Lea Foods; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Retirement savings plan

Paid vacation

Job summary

Gay Lea Foods, a Canadian dairy co-operative, is seeking a Lead Process Engineer to drive operational excellence across its manufacturing network. You will lead design, implementation, and optimization of processes, manage junior engineers, and guide large cross-functional teams through capital projects.

Your role emphasizes safety, product quality, cost-effectiveness, and continuous improvement, with strong communication and project-management skills as essential assets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering; Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing preferred.
• 10+ years in process or manufacturing engineering, dairy experience asset.
• Experience leading technical and cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, and CI methodologies.
• Proven success managing capital projects and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP, ISO quality systems, and CAD tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes.
• Develop and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Supervise large cross-functional teams and project groups.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends and cost-saving opportunities.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for complex issues.
• Develop process standards and ensure facility-wide compliance.
• Prepare project scopes, specifications, and cost estimates for capital projects.
• Collaborate with Automation on HMI and program requirements.
• Coordinate with Quality, Maintenance, and R&D teams for seamless integration.
• Manage vendors/contractors safely during projects.

Skills

Process engineering

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Automation

SPC

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

ERP/MRP

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

P&ID diagrams

Job description

The pay range for the role is $95,300 to $145,300 plus bonus, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings plan, paid vacation, and other perks and opportunities.

Job Summary

The Lead Process Engineer plays a strategic role in driving operational excellence for a facility or manufacturing network through the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes and supporting infrastructure. This position leads complex, cross-functional initiatives to support commercial growth, improve production efficiency, employee safety, product quality, and cost-effectiveness. In addition to bringing technical expertise, the Lead Process Engineer is responsible for managing and developing more junior engineers and technicians and leading large cross-functional teams or project groups to ensure successful execution of continuous improvement programs and large, complex capital projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes across the facility or manufacturing network
• Manage and develop more junior engineers and technicians, setting SMART goals, creating development action plans and providing performance feedback
• Supervise large cross-functional teams or project groups, ensuring alignment with business goals and timely delivery of project milestones. Communicates progress effectively with senior stakeholders; excels at mitigating project risks.
• Analyze operational data across facilities and complex operations to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action processes for complex manufacturing issues.
• Develop and maintain engineering process standards; ensure compliance across facility and sites through robust audit processes.
• Develop and execute of project scope, targets, and deliverables for large, complex projects.
• Design and prepare project plans, process and equipment specifications, and cost estimates (capex and operational expenses) for the implementation of production processing lines and equipment. This includes performing the applicable research for project design requirements and calculations. Gain appropriate approvals from management and stakeholders.
• Expertise on current technologies in their specialized process area. Shares best practices across the organization.
• Leads review of process implementation & Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs). Collaborates with Automation Engineers on HMI and program requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and R&D teams to ensure seamless integration of new processes and equipment.
• Where applicable, safely manage external human resources such as vendors and contractors by providing appropriate safety training and awareness.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for improvement in safety, quality, reliability, cost, and customer service and reduce equipment failures to preserve asset value.
• Promote excellence in all activities, including the functional groups, to support safe operation, optimal quality, improved reliability and productivity, waste reduction and cost improvement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Support strategic planning and long-term process development roadmaps.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering are preferred disciplines).
• 10+ years of experience in process or manufacturing engineering, preferably in food and beverage (dairy experience an asset).
• Proven experience leading technical and cross-functional teams or junior staff.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated success in managing large, complex capital project implementations and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, troubleshooting and project management skills.
• Strong process development experience (e.g. CIP, pasteurizer or sterilizer systems) is an asset.
• Strong track record of implementing complex change.
• Expertise with ERP/MRP systems and statistical process control (SPC).
• Strong technical understanding of ISO and other quality management systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and process simulation tools.
• Knowledge of Rockwell, Siemens, or any other PLC programming Languages is an asset
• Understanding of utilities and energy risk management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong presentation skills and the ability to influence and lead across departments.

Work Environment and Requirements

• Position is based out of a manufacturing facility
• GMP and safety apparel is required in production areas
• Significant time will be spent in production areas through project work and supporting the production, maintenance, quality and safety teams
• Required to travel domestically and internationally (on occasion) for vendor meetings and equipment selection and testing.

Gay Lea Foods is a Canadian, dairy farmer-owned co‑operative with a clear purpose: to enrich life with dairy. Founded in 1958, the co‑operative produces high-quality dairy products while creating lasting value for farming families, meaningful opportunities for employees, and positive impact in communities across Canada. As a co‑operative, Gay Lea Foods believes that when the business succeeds, its members, people, and communities should succeed along with it. To learn more, visit 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.

Gay Lea Foods may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the recruitment process, including screening and assessment.

We are currently accepting applications for this open position.

Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.

Wishing you all the best with your career search!