Project Continuous Improvement Manager

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!

Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Safety Always is not only our #1 core value – it is the standard that anchors our culture. We believe the most ambitious projects deserve the most committed people. At Aecon, you won’t just build your career — you’ll help build what matters to enable future generations to thrive.

At Aecon, you can count on:

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. The safety of our people, projects, partners, and stakeholders is our priority focus – today and always.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide opportunities where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.

We deliver infrastructure with purpose, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. Aecon employees are incredibly proud to build some of the most impactful infrastructure of this generation – we call it Aecon Proud.

At Aecon we:

• Ensure you and your family receive the services and benefits needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Are intentional when it comes to investing in your development. We help you build your career and advance your skills through our Aecon University, tuition reimbursement, and Leadership Programs.
• Are committed to creating work environments focused on mutual respect, teamwork, collaboration, and new ideas, through meaningful initiatives, training, partnerships with Veteran groups, our Aecon Women in Trades and diversity programs, as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), to ensure we are building with top talent and harnessing our collective strengths within every aspect of our culture.
• Operate responsibly by managing risk, safety, and environmental considerations across all our projects and surrounding communities.

Our success is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of our people. Together, we embrace strong execution, innovation, and continuous improvement — values that come to life through the unique talents and collaborative spirit of every team member. If you’re inspired to make a difference through future-building projects, join our best-in-class team.

What is the Opportunity?

As part of an alliance agreement Aecon Nuclear has been awarded a contract with Ontario Power Generation to support the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP). Beginning in 2023 Aecon will support the validation phase design, procurement, early site preparation and site mobilization scope for the Construction of the Unit 1 Small Modular Reactor at the Darlington site.

The Continuous Improvement Project Manager is a vital role within the Continuous Improvement (CI) team and the overall organization. Under the direction of the CI Director or Sr. Manager, this role is responsible for the implementation of assigned improvement initiatives as well as planning and implementation of Aecon CI program elements (Lean Construction tools and best practices, under our Building Smarter program) to enable our operations teams to achieve predictable, excellent and ever-improving results in project execution.

What You'll Do Here:

• Overall: responsible for implementation of core corporate and sector CI program elements, including (not limited to):

1. Conditions of Satisfaction
2. Last Planner System and other industry planning standards
3. Standardization of best practices
4. Problem solving tools, including active problem-solving efforts (kaizen & workshops, value stream mapping, A3, etc)
5. Good understanding of lean assessment tools.
6. CI/Lean training across the project/organization
7. Construction collaboration tools/standards like Big Room, visual management, 5S, leader standard work, effective huddles/communications/meeting run streams
8. Waste reduction efforts, including overseeing our waste reduction program/data/implementation efforts

• Single Point of Contact (SPOC) CI for their assigned area/project.
• Oversees/manages the project-based Continuous Improvement team (CI coordinators + any other roles).
• Maintains/manages the schedule and supporting tasks/action tracking related to the Continuous Improvement core deliverables and initiatives.
• Facilitates and chairs key stakeholder meetings related to key initiatives.
• Preparation and administration of communications (formal and informal) related to the promotion, development and implementation of CI deliverables & assigned initiatives.
• Prepares, maintains, and delivers presentations and training for CI deliverables and initiatives.
• Support analysis, screening, and evaluation activities on incoming input / proposed improvement initiatives from various sources (Waste Walks, lessons learned, KPI trends, field observations, etc.).
• Prepare supporting documents (procedures, templates, work aides, training material, etc.) for assigned initiatives.
• Coordination of activities across assigned projects and cross-sector stakeholders related to project-level and sector-wide improvements.
• Drafts CI Training Plans for implementation by corporate or sector training teams.
• Liaison and SPOC with Operations and support departments, sector training, Aecon University, and HR Systems (LMS) team as well as CI teams across other Aecon sectors.
• Adheres to the company’s sector quality program, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Operation within a budget assigned by the applicable manager, including development of estimates/budgets, regular review of cost performance for assigned initiatives/projects.
• Procurement (purchase requisitions, vendor coordination) of items as required to support initiatives.
• Responsible for supervision of all project CI team members for assigned project.
• Coordinate across all functions of the project as required to achieve assigned goals.

What You Bring to the Team:

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Business Administration, Technical College Diploma, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Certified Lean Greenbelt, with preference given to those with Lean Black Belt or Six Sigma Black Belt certification from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years’ experience in lean construction, lean-based tools and application of tools in a Construction/project delivery environment.
• 7-10 years collective experience in related field, including project execution and general coordination.
• Direct experience with Project Management/Coordination is considered an asset.
• Ability to successfully coordinate a construction project and/or related support initiatives.
• Knowledge of elements of construction, such as; technology, equipment, methods, trade agreements and jurisdiction, engineering, cost control, scheduling and safety requirements.
• Good communication, organizational, and supervisory skills are essential.
• High proficiency in standard computer programs. Power BI is considered an asset.
• Experience in project reports preparation and delivery in writing and verbally, including presentation to various stakeholders.
• Flexibility to work out of various work locations, primarily at assigned project office with a potential for field locations on an occasional basis.
• Regular visits/interactions with construction/field operations.
• Occasionally, limited work inside the nuclear facility, including within Zoned areas and Containment as necessary to observe and support work related to assigned initiatives.
• Limited travel as necessary within Southwestern Ontario, with occasional travel beyond for related conferences and meetings.

Reason for vacancy: Replacement

The expected pay range for this role is $110,000 -160,000 per year

Individual pay is determined based on several factors, including work location, education, experience, unique skills and job conditions. Other considerations may include certifications, specialized training, and the complexity or scope of the role.

We strongly encourage applicants who identify as Indigenous to apply to work with us on the Darlington New Nuclear Project. At Aecon, Indigenous is an umbrella term for First Nations (status and non-status), Metis and Inuit.

Aecon fosters belonging within and across our organization. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considering all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws.