Specialist, Continuous Improvement

Samuel, Son & Co.; Markham; On-site; CAD 86,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

SAMACO in Ontario is seeking a Lean Continuous Improvement professional to drive operator development, 5S, and process robustness across the ATC facility. You will partner with cross‑functional teams to implement Kaizens, VSMs, and standard work, embedding CI into daily operations.

Responsibilities include coaching teams in DMAIC/DMADV, using tools like 5S, Poka‑Yoke, SIPOC, and Gemba walks, and ensuring data‑driven improvements with Power BI, SQL, Excel, and JDE systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related engineering field.
• Proven experience in continuous improvement roles and should proliferate CI culture with confidence.
• Spearheaded 5S, Idea Management System, Kaizens, L6S Projects.
• Facilitated VSM, Time Study Analysis, SMED, OEE, Scrap & Space Optimization Projects.
• Strong analytical and Problem-Solving skills.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma or other improvement methodologies.
• Lean Six Sigma GB or BB Certification
• Data-driven mindset with proficiency in data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates CI trainings empowering operators about internal CI learning opportunities (5S, Idea Management, 8D, RCA’s, Process Mapping, Kaizens, Gemba).
• Support lead hands, operators and transactional support groups in recovery and preventive actions for rework, setup, and changeovers.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma Methodologies (DMAIC, DMADV).
• Provide lean tools, supplies and guidance to improve effectiveness.
• Reinforce (1)5S; (2)Idea Management; (3)Time Studies; (4)Space optimization; (5)Kaizen; (6)Kanban; (7)Hoshin Kanri; (8)Poka-Yoke; (9)SIPOC; (10)SMED; (11)Obeya; (12)Leader Standard Work; (13)Gemba; (14)Value Stream Mapping.
• Collaborate with Management to prioritize improvement efforts based on data, impact, and feasibility.
• Collaborate with Management, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and other departments to execute and sustain improvements.
• Must be proficient in documentation and data analysis tools including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Power BI, SQL, Tableau, Python, AutoCAD, SolidWorks and JDE systems.
• Lead or co-lead a Lean improvement project with cross-functional teams.
• Review log data and trends to identify recurring issues.
• Communicate improvement progress and status to management.

Skills

5S

Idea Management

8D

RCA

Process Mapping

Kaizens

Gemba

Lean Essentials

Lean Six Sigma

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Visio

Power BI

SQL

Tableau

Python

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

JDE

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or related Engineering field

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

JDE

Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PHILOSOPHY

1. Operator Development and Empowerment

   • - Facilitates CI Trainings empowering operators about internal CI learning opportunities (5S, Idea Management, 8D, RCA’s, Process Mapping, Kaizens, Gemba, Lean Essentials, Lean Six Sigma) included but not limited to Samuel Connect learning journeys to promote personal and professional growth.

2. Active Gemba and Process Robustness

   • - Support lead hands, operators and transactional support groups in recovery and preventive actions for rework, setup, and changeovers.
   • - Application of Lean Six Sigma Methodologies (DMAIC, DMADV)
   • - Provide the necessary lean tools, supplies and guidance to improve effectiveness.
   • - Reinforce (1)5S; (2)Idea Management; (3)Time Studies, (4)Space optimization, (4)Kaizen, (5)Kanban, (6)Hoshin Kanri, (7)Poka-Yoke; (8) SIPOC; (9)SMED; (10)Obeya; (11)Leader Standard Work; (12)Gemba and (13)Value Stream Mapping.
   • - Collaborate with management to prioritize improvement efforts based on data, impact, and feasibility.

3. Behavioral and Process Analysis

   • - Use pain point logs, cause-and-effect diagrams, 5 Whys, and other Lean Six Sigma tools to identify root causes at the real place (Gemba).
   • - Facilitation of (1)Project Drilldown Analysis; (2)Project Charters; (3)8D; (4)A3; (5)Kaizen

4. Analytical and Technical Responsibilities

   • - Collaborate with Management, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and other departments to execute and sustain improvements.
   • - Must be proficient in applications used for documentation and data analysis including but not limited to: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Power BI, SQL, Tableau, Python, AutoCAD, Solid Works
   • - Must know how to use and navigate through our JDE systems

5. Benchmarking & Standardization Framework

   • - Internal Benchmark: Observe and assist operators to identify real issues, wastes, constraints and root causes.
   • - Functional Benchmark: Research operational excellence across similar or divergent industries.

6. Collaboration and Cross-Departmental Integration

   • - Partner with Process Engineering, Maintenance, VSM to ensure equipment robustness and reduce operator struggles.
   • - Collaborate with Management and HR for alignment, morale, and training.
   • - Support aerospace expansion by improving employee engagement, process capability, compliance, and reducing Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).

7. Apply Frameworks for Lean Quick Wins

   Apply the following mental frameworks in day-to-day improvement work:

   • - Empower operators to stop the process when issues occur. Build quality at the source by reacting immediately to defects instead of passing them downstream.
   • - Foster an environment where learning, feedback, and small daily improvements are celebrated. Encourage continuous experimentation and adaptation.
   • - Simplify complex concepts by explaining them in clear, everyday language. Use this method to teach operators and teams, ensuring true understanding.

8. Reinforce 5S (Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize, Sustain)

   • - Spearhead the 5S Program as the foundation of Lean discipline.
   • - Updates the 5S ATC Procedure, 5S Physical and Digital Boards, 5S Annual Program
   • - Lead the 5S Big Clean-Up Activities of the VSM’s and Functional Support Groups.
   • - Facilitation of 5S Training for VSM and Functional Support Groups
   • - Facilitates a monthly meeting with the 5S Steering Committee
   • - Conduct a bi-weekly 5S Gemba walks to maintain visual order and eliminate workplace stress.
   • - Create 5S visual guidelines, hybrid marketing, standardization, benchmarking and ownership systems for each area to prevent drift.
   • - Ensures that the 5S Quarterly Audit is facilitated and the audit results is released as a baseline for measuring team engagement and workstation effectiveness.
   • - Leads the 5S Quarterly Rewards & Recognition for the VSM & Functional Areas promoting engagement and pride in the work area.

OBJECTIVES

• - Communicate with the Value Stream Managers, operators, lead hands, and QA/QC to understand ongoing issues and goals.
• - Engages in the ATC TIBS Meeting and challenges the team on the OFI’s in the metrices in the TIBS relative to Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• - Conduct gemba walks to observe operations, identify wastes, and record improvement opportunities.
• - Act on Lean Quick Wins opportunities that are low cost, low effort but high impact improvements.
• - Gemba)
• - Reinforce 5S standards at workstations. Provide operators with proper tools and supplies to optimize preparedness and effectiveness.
• - Engage operators in quick 5–10 minute micro-learning moments to reinforce Lean principles.
• - Provide support to maintenance when equipment issues impact robustness or productivity.
• - Communicate improvement progress and status to management and relevant departments.
• - Review log data and trends to identify recurring issues or variations.
• - Meet with QA, Engineering, and Lean teams to align improvement priorities.
• - Conduct a mini root cause analysis on one key recurring issue per week.
• - Update visual boards, metrics, and 5S audits.
• - Present a monthly improvement report summarizing: - Key projects completed or initiated (Refer to KPIs)
• - Quantified waste reduction and process improvements
• - Lead or co-lead a small-to-medium Lean improvement project with cross-functional collaboration.
• - Conduct internal benchmarking reviews to compare process capability and performance.
• - Review and refresh training content for learning sessions.
• - Evaluate 5S, Idea Management, Kaizen sustainability and corrective measures for drift.
• - Report CI Metrices trends and process stability metrics to management.
• - Perform gap analysis to document our current status versus past performance, enabling measurable progress tracking.
• - Facilitate projects assigned by management, forming cross-functional teams of Yellow Belts and process owners to execute them collaboratively.
• - Maintain continuous work to sustain all improvement initiatives and ensure gains are not lost.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• - Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related Engineering field.
• - Proven experience in continuous improvement roles and should be able to proliferate the CI Culture with confidence and drive engagement in the ATC facility.
• - Spearheaded 5S Program, Idea Management System, Kaizens, L6S Projects
• - Facilitated VSM, Time Study Analysis, SMED, OEE, Scrap & Space Optimization Projects
• - Strong analytical and Problem-Solving skills.
• - Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma or other improvement methodologies.
• - Lean Six Sigma GB or BB Certification
• - Data-driven mindset with proficiency in data analysis tools.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• - Demonstrates a positive attitude towards safety and models safety for other employees at all times.
• - Understand that it is mandatory to use and/or wear all personal protective equipment provided by the Company.
• - Reports all accidents, incidents and near misses and supports in determining corrective actions to eliminate workplace hazards.
• - Practices safe work habits as detailed in Samuels/ATC’s safety policies, procedures, C.S.A and the Occupational Health & Safety Act of Ontario.
• - Understands and completes necessary health & safety training through Samuel’s Safety Training program and ensures renewal training is completed as per company requirements.

This is for a current open position. AI is not used in the screening of candidate resumes.

The expected compensation range for this position is $86,080 - $118,360 annually. This range includes base pay and target variable pay. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and experience. We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent pay practices. This range reflects the expected full compensation range for the role; most offers will fall within the range and not at the maximum in order to allow for future growth.

SAMACO