Continuous Improvement Lead

Kitchener Executive Consultants Inc. has partnered with our Client, a high-precision manufacturer producing medium to highly complex machined components serving the demanding aerospace, defense and energy markets, in their search for an accomplished Continuous Improvement Leader. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this highly visible position will play an important role in supporting the organization’s continued growth and evolving operating system. Rather than operating through direct reports, the Continuous Improvement Leader will influence the organization through coaching, facilitation and hands-on leadership, developing front-line capability and creating an environment where employees are empowered to identify problems, develop solutions and take ownership of sustainable improvements.

Leveraging a strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and structured problem-solving, the Continuous Improvement Leader will facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, operational diagnostics and rapid improvement initiatives throughout the manufacturing environment. This CI Leader will strengthen daily tiered management, visual management and the organization’s overall management operating system while implementing and sustaining proven Operational Excellence tools including 5S, Standard Work, Flow Dynamics, Pull Manufacturing and Total Productive Maintenance. A key component of the mandate will be leading multiple high-impact Continuous Improvement projects focused on improving manufacturing flow, machining stability, inspection throughput, equipment and process changeovers, cost reduction and first-pass quality. Working cross-functionally, the CI Leader will utilize operational data and cost-benefit analysis to ensure improvements deliver measurable results and, equally important, become embedded within the operation.

Central to the success of this position will be the ability to coach rather than simply implement. Our Client is looking for a Continuous Improvement professional who can build capability within hourly employees, Supervisors and Operational Leaders, teaching teams how to identify performance gaps, uncover root causes, develop structured action plans and lead improvements within their own areas. The CI Leader will coach leaders in questioning, facilitation, accountability and collaborative problem-solving while helping create a shop-floor culture where employees are comfortable raising issues, challenging existing processes, suggesting improvements and learning from mistakes. This is an opportunity for an engaging, hands-on CI Practitioner who understands that sustainable Lean transformation is achieved by developing people and creating ownership, rather than imposing improvement initiatives from the top down.

Our ideal candidate is an accomplished driver of Continuous Improvement who has successfully led and coached Lean initiatives within a manufacturing environment and possesses the communication, credibility, and influencing abilities to engage employees from the shop floor to senior leadership. Candidates will bring a minimum of 5 years of Continuous Improvement leadership experience as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations or a related discipline. A Six Sigma certification is required, with Black Belt certification preferred. Experience within precision machining, aerospace or defense manufacturing environments will be considered a strong asset. Most importantly, the successful candidate will be a confident facilitator and coach who combines strong change-management capabilities with a practical, hands-on approach to helping manufacturing teams solve problems, improve performance, and build a lasting culture of Continuous Improvement.

Our Client’s preferred Salary Target is $90,000 - $110,000 and we encourage all applicants interested in this opportunity to apply. Please note, the hiring salary will be based on the selected candidate’s experience and ability to support the organization.

At Kitchener Executive Consultants Inc., we provide a bespoke and personalized recruitment experience where every candidate’s application is reviewed by our team of Search Consultants and measured to our clients’ specific hiring criteria and requirements. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not used in selecting a candidate within our detailed and professional recruitment process.