Continuous Improvement Specialist

Position Overview
The Continuous Improvement Specialist is a key role in implementing the lean roadmap of EQI Canada. In this position you will work directly with employees in our machine shop and warehouse to set up continuous improvement standards, develop a continuous improvement plan, deliver lean training, and execute the implementation of continuous improvement activities. Reporting directly to the General Manager (Canada), the Continuous Improvement Specialist will collaborate with the management team to create a continuous improvement culture, define key CI initiatives, and develop expertise for key lean tools within the company.

Additionally, the CI specialist will be involved in global collaborative CI projects supporting EQI’s global manufacturing locations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Partner with production teams to continually improve Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People (SQCDP) KPIs.

Collect improvement ideas and discuss with management to define key improvement projects and initiatives (administer IDEA Program).

Lead data collection, summary, and analysis in a systematic way; use DMAIC to improve manufacturing performance and support problem‑solving activities.

Improve shop‑floor 5S and visualization standards, deliver training to related staff, guide implementation, and ensure sustainability.

Improve shop‑floor meetings to support efficient communication and effective action tracking.

Improve material and information flow and reduce WIP in production area and warehouse by improving Kanban methodologies.

Lead or coordinate CI related audits (5S, Kanban, shop‑floor meeting) and provide audit reports with improvement suggestions or requirements.

Monitor shop‑floor performance with the production manager, identify gaps versus known standards, and track improvement actions.

Support engineering and production to improve changeover efficiency with SMED methods.

Train, coach, and mentor leaders across all functions to deploy lean tools to solve problems within the organization.

Develop and implement a lean roadmap for EQI Canada, deliver monthly progress updates and status reports to the management team, and secure necessary resources and support.

Contribute to a continuously learning CI culture by collaborating across EQI’s global locations to share best practices and successes.

Other tasks assigned by manager.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.

At least 3 years’ experience in lean production, continuous improvement, or shop‑floor management.

Six Sigma Black and/or Green Belt certifications preferred.

Proficiency with MS Office; advanced skills in Excel, SQL, and statistical software such as Minitab.

Proven track record utilizing key lean tools through the creation of Value Stream Maps and execution of Kaizen, 5S, Kanban, SMED, etc.

Strong experience in data collection and analysis.

Strong communication and coordination skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, assessing and prioritizing effectively.

Basic understanding of ISO and IATF requirements.

Familiarity with machining processes and equipment.

Experience with in a large global company implementing a lean system is a plus.

Ability to travel to the US and other EQI locations (up to 10%).

Compensation

$75,000 per year (flexible based on qualifications)

Bonus program

Benefits (health, dental, drug coverage, massage, physio, chiropractor, life insurance, long‑term disability)

RRSP with employer match

EQI welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available at all stages of the hiring process upon request.

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