Remote Supplier Excellence & Readiness Assessment Specialist, Manufacturing

Location: Whitby

SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE & READINESS ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST, MANUFACTURING
Canada
Full-Time, Remote   NFI currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base in our buses and coaches around the world. Further information is available at

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Supplier Excellence & Readiness Assessment Specialist, Manufacturing is responsible for evaluating supplier manufacturing operations to determine whether they are stable, scalable, and capable of reliably supporting current and future production requirements. This is a unique opportunity to help establish and shape NFI’s Supplier Excellence & Readiness Assessment program through the evaluation of supplier manufacturing operations, production systems, and execution readiness across NFI’s global supply base.

This role focuses on how suppliers actually execute on the shop floor, assessing production systems, scheduling practices, operational controls, capacity management, and overall manufacturing effectiveness. You will help identify operational risks and improvement opportunities before they impact supplier performance, delivery commitments, or future growth.
WHY JOIN US:
Be part of a team leading the world’s electrification of mass mobility
Competitive Wages and comprehensive benefit package with Immediate benefit eligibility
Paid holidays and vacation
Registered pension plan with generous company match
Passionate about creating  a better product, a better workplace, and a better world
Inclusive workplace culture that values and empowers team members.
On-the-job training in a continuous learning environment (we invested $15.9 million in 2024)
Advancement opportunities within our family of companies
We are proudly named one of Manitoba’s Top 25 employers.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Conduct on-site supplier assessments focused on manufacturing execution and operational performance
Evaluate production planning, scheduling, level loading, and capacity utilization processes
Assess plant layouts, workflow efficiency, material movement, and work-in-process controls
Identify bottlenecks, production constraints, throughput limitations, and operational risks
Review operational KPIs, visual management systems, and daily management practices
Evaluate manufacturing process discipline, standard work adherence, and workforce training effectiveness
Assess scalability of supplier operations during growth, demand fluctuations, and new product introduction
Evaluate equipment readiness, maintenance practices, tooling availability, and reliance on overtime
Identify systemic risks impacting quality, delivery, cost, and production stability
Provide evidence-based recommendations to improve manufacturing performance and operational readiness.
Support corrective action development and validation activities
Contribute to overall supplier readiness evaluations and risk assessments
Requirements   WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
10+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations leadership, industrial engineering, production planning, or operational excellence
Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, production scheduling, capacity planning, and factory operations
Experience evaluating high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments
Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement expertise
Understanding of material flow, work-in-process (WIP) management, operational KPIs, and constraint management
Experience supporting operational turnarounds, supplier recovery efforts, or manufacturing transformations is preferred
Strong observation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to quickly identify operational risks within…