Manager, Continuous Improvement

Eldorado Gold; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Manager of Continuous Improvement to drive operational excellence across its mining operations. This pivotal role involves collaborating with site leadership to implement CI initiatives that enhance efficiency, safety, and performance while reducing costs. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in CI methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma, and have a proven track record of supporting operational teams. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, where your contributions will significantly impact the success of the business.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in continuous improvement in mining or heavy industry.
• Strong understanding of CI methodologies and their application.

Responsibilities

• Support site teams in planning and executing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and coach site leaders on CI tools and methodologies.
• Collaborate with site leadership to align CI initiatives with business goals.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Business Administration

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION – MANAGER, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reports to: Vice President, Operational Support

Location: Vancouver preferred

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager, Continuous Improvement (CI) plays a key support role in assisting site operations with the execution of locally-developed continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with site leadership, operational, and functional teams, this position ensures that CI projects are implemented effectively to improve safety, enhance operational efficiency, optimise performance, and reduce costs across mining operations.

The Manager, Continuous Improvement is responsible for ensuring that site-led initiatives are closely aligned with global strategic themes. The Manager ensures that CI programs are prioritised, resourced, and executed consistently in alignment with the company's broader goals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement at all levels.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities of the Manager, Continuous Improvement may include, but will not be limited to, the following:

Execution Support for CI Initiatives

• Provide direct support to site teams in the successful planning and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as key resource for the development of business cases, reporting processes, and follow-up protocols.
• Guide the operational teams in applying CI methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.) to execute improvement plans and ensure alignment with site goals and company standards.
• Assist in the development of detailed project plans, timelines, and resources required for executing CI projects at the site level.

Coaching & Mentorship

• Mentor site leaders and teams to ensure effective adoption and execution of continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Provide hands-on coaching to operations teams, guiding them through the execution process and ensuring that improvement projects meet operational goals and deliver expected results.
• Facilitate workshops and training to ensure teams understand the principles and practices of continuous improvement and develop robust tools to support learnings.

Process Optimization & Implementation

• Identify change management needs and facilitate the process from planning through to execution.
• Assist with the identification and analysis of operational inefficiencies, helping site teams implement effective solutions that improve productivity and reduce operational costs.
• Collaborate with site operations to map out processes, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions that optimise workflows and enhance overall performance.
• Support teams in using data and performance metrics to track the progress and success of improvement initiatives.

Collaboration with Site Leadership

• Partner with site leadership to ensure continuous improvement initiatives are prioritised and executed in alignment with business objectives and operational needs.
• Support site managers and supervisors in removing barriers to execution, ensuring that improvement initiatives stay on track and achieve desired outcomes.
• Regularly communicate with site leadership to provide updates, report on project status, and recommend adjustments as necessary.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Assist in establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for continuous improvement initiatives, tracking their effectiveness, and identifying areas for further enhancement.
• Provide detailed feedback on the progress of CI projects, documenting lessons learned, best practices, and areas for further improvement.
• Prepare periodic reports for site and senior management to showcase the results and impact of CI efforts across the business.

Promoting a CI Culture

• Actively contribute to building a culture of continuous improvement in the business, encouraging innovation and the proactive identification of improvement opportunities.
• Lead by example to inspire and engage employees in the pursuit of operational excellence.
• Foster a collaborative and transparent environment where employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and suggestions for continuous improvement and take ownership for execution of improvement initiatives.
• Promote collaboration between sites to transparently discuss challenges, successes, and implement best practices, sharing knowledge and solutions across the organisation.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure that all CI initiatives are executed with a strong focus on safety, environmental standards, and compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that all initiatives are executed in alignment with the Eldorado Sustainability Integrated Management System (SIMS).
• Champion safety improvements as part of continuous improvement efforts, ensuring that safety is embedded in all processes and decision-making.
• Ensure that an appropriate level of risk assessment is conducted for all initiatives prior to implementation.

VALUES

• Collaboration – We succeed together
• Integrity – We are honest and do the right thing
• Agility – We continuously assess, adapt and navigate to find solutions
• Courage – We embrace the unknown and face challenges head-on
• Drive – We persevere through adversity, remaining committed to delivering on our promises

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferred), Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in continuous improvement within the mining or heavy industrial sector, with a preference of at least 3 years focused on supporting or working in site operations.
• Strong understanding of CI methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) and their application in mining operations.
• Proven ability to assist in the execution of CI projects, providing hands-on support and coaching to operational teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data and develop practical solutions to operational challenges.
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, from site operators to senior leadership.
• Proficiency in Greek, Turkish, or French, languages commonly used across Eldorado’s global operations, would be a valuable asset.
• Knowledge of mining operations and the specific challenges faced in optimizing performance and reducing costs in this sector.
• Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple projects and initiatives at different stages of execution.
• Approximately 20-30% travel to sites and regional offices would be expected.