Continuous Improvement Director

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Director

Location: Greater Toronto Area

About Us:

Welcome to Lactalis Canada - where we take pride in being recognized as one of Forbes' 2022 top employers! Our journey revolves around enhancing the lives of Canadians through a rich variety of dairy delights, including some of Canadian's favourite dairy brands such as like Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogurt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings. In fact, we're proud to say our products grace the shelves of an incredible 94% of Canadian households!

With a 140-year legacy driven by innovation and unwavering quality, we're seeking like-minded individuals to join us in shaping our next chapter. Our flexible hybrid work model accommodates 40% remote work, adapting to the evolving needs of our workforce. Step into a collaborative hub with our revamped office, and enjoy free parking, endless coffee, delicious Lactalis snacks, an on-site gym, and more!

About the opportunity:

The Director, Continuous Improvement is responsible for managing and facilitating all continuous improvement initiatives across all plants. This role focuses on saving costs, reducing waste, and improving productivity, particularly on the packaging side of the business. The Director will introduce innovative methods of thinking to generate savings, conduct root cause analysis, and implement continuous improvement methodologies such as 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and Kaizen. Reporting to the SVP, Operations, this role will influence many through dotted line relationships and will be instrumental in organizing and defining continuous improvement processes at Lactalis Canada.

The attributes we are looking for:

• Strategic Leadership:

Develop and implement continuous improvement strategies across all plants to drive cost savings, reduce waste and improve overall operational efficiency and productivity

Promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with overall business goals as well as detailed local ones.

• Process Improvement:

Conduct process analysis, job task analysis, and workflow analysis to identify opportunities for productivity improvements, particularly in production line and packaging operations.

Utilize continuous improvement methodologies to conduct root cause analysis and implement process improvements.

• Stakeholder Management:

Establish strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including the operations and maintenance teams, to ensure smooth implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.

Navigate and manage relationships with strong unions, leveraging experience in unionized environments to drive change.

• Project Management:

Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects, ensuring timely and effective execution.

Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success of continuous improvement initiatives.

• Team Leadership:

Influence and mentor cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative environment to drive continuous improvement.

Provide training and support to teams on continuous improvement methodologies and best practices.

• Innovation and Best Practices:

Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging trends in continuous improvement.

Implement innovative solutions [Technology, Processes, etc.] to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.

What you will bring:

Education & Experience

Engineering degree or equivalent relevant work experience.

Minimum of 10 years' experience in production operations, with significant experience in continuous improvement.

Proven experience in leading continuous improvement initiatives in a unionized environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement principles.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and coaching skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Proficient with standard office technology and software, including Microsoft Office, CAD, SAP, and automation systems.
• Ability to produce detailed financial analysis reports.
• Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset.

What Lactalis will offer:

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:

• A Competitive Base Salary
• Company Vehicle or Car Allowance
• A Performance-Based Bonus System
• 5 Weeks of Vacation
• Benefits starting day 1
• A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%
• Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year
• A Volunteer Day to give back to your community
• Learning and Development opportunities
• A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility

Our ESG commitment:

Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.

At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.

Our commitment to DEI:

Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities.

Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team - confidentiality will be maintained.

Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we'll contact you after signing a Job Offer.