Continuous Improvement Leader

About The Role

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary:$98,400 - $147,600

IMT Precision does not use artificial intelligence, automated screening systems, or algorithm-based decision tools in any part of the hiring process for this position. All applications are reviewed by human reviewers.

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Leader is a high-impact operational leadership role responsible for driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across forging, machining, maintenance, engineering, quality, purchasing, materials management, and production operations.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, this position will lead the facility's Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence strategy, develop and sustain effective manufacturing systems, and build organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, collaboration, and implementation of best practices.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical manufacturing expertise and analytical problem-solving capabilities with the interpersonal skills, business acumen, and leadership presence required to influence performance across multiple functions.

Although the position will initially have no direct reports, the individual must demonstrate the ability to lead through influence, establish credibility, build trust, align cross-functional teams, coach and mentor leaders, and drive results without relying on formal authority.

This role also provides broad exposure to plant operations, strategic planning, project management, budgeting, financial performance, capital investments, and organizational development while supporting the achievement of safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.

About You

At our company, we are looking for exceptional individuals who can meet the following criteria:

• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives and achieve measurable results
• Build credibility and trust across all levels of the organization
• Balance strategic thinking with hands-on engagement on the manufacturing floor
• Challenge existing practices constructively and build alignment around improved processes
• Make sound decisions using data, technical knowledge, business considerations, and practical manufacturing experience
• Identify operational risks, performance gaps, and opportunities for improvement
• Develop and sustain systems, processes, and standards that support long-term performance
• Coach and mentor managers and employees to strengthen problem-solving, accountability, and leadership capability
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership, department managers, technical teams, and production employees
• Adapt to changing business requirements, technology, and operational priorities
• Demonstrate sound judgement, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous learning

Education & Experience

• Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 10 years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within automotive, forging, machining, metalworking, or other complex manufacturing environments.
  • Proven experience implementing and sustaining Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement programs.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and delivering measurable improvements in manufacturing performance.
  • Experience working across multiple functional departments and influencing outcomes without direct reporting authority.
  • Experience coaching, mentoring, or developing managers, supervisors, technical professionals, or other team members.
  • Experience in a fast-paced and complex manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Leadership Development Opportunity:

Anticipated 18-24-month development pathway toward potential future Plant Manager consideration. This position is intentionally designed to provide broad operational and leadership development in preparation for potential future Plant Manager responsibilities.

During the development period, the successful candidate will gain exposure to:

• Plant operations and cross-functional leadership.
• Strategic planning and operational decision-making.
• Budgeting and financial performance.
• Capital planning and investment.
• Workforce planning and organizational development.
• Production, maintenance, engineering, quality, materials management, purchasing, and customer requirements.
• Leadership reviews and broader business decisions.

Development objectives and progress will be established and reviewed with the Vice President of Operations.

The 18-24 month timeframe represents an anticipated development horizon and does not guarantee promotion to Plant Manager. Future consideration will depend on demonstrated performance, leadership effectiveness, technical and operational capability, readiness for expanded responsibility, available opportunities, business requirements, and the Company's assessment of the individual's suitability for the position.

Knowledge

• Manufacturing processes, equipment, systems, and operational performance.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Kaizen, and process optimization.
• Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving.
• Manufacturing performance measures including safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, OEE, throughput, inventory, and downtime.
• Performance management systems, KPIs, standard operating procedures, standard work, and visual management.
• Project management principles, including planning, execution, resource coordination, risk management, and results measurement.
• Business and financial fundamentals as they relate to manufacturing operations.
• Change management and implementation of sustainable operational improvements.
• Capital projects, automation, equipment investments, and manufacturing technology.

Skills

• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex operational data into practical solutions.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop leaders and employees.
• Ability to influence and gain commitment without formal authority.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of the relationship between operational performance and financial results.
• Ability to evaluate improvement opportunities and measure business impact.
• Strong change-management and continuous improvement skills.
• Ability to communicate performance, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to senior leadership.

Working Conditions

• Primarily based within a manufacturing environment with regular presence on the production floor.
• Exposure to manufacturing noise, machinery, equipment, and other industrial conditions.
• Requires frequent interaction with employees, supervisors, managers, and technical professionals across the facility.
• Requires the ability to balance office-based analytical and strategic work with hands-on engagement in manufacturing operations.
• May require extended hours or flexibility to support operational requirements, projects, and business priorities.
• Regular cross-functional meetings and interaction with senior leadership.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Influence
• Continuous Improvement
• Operational Excellence
• Strategic Thinking
• Business Acumen
• Analytical & Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Change Management
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Decision Making
• Accountability
• Integrity & Professionalism

Success Measures

Performance will be evaluated through measurable business results, effectiveness in leading cross-functional initiatives, demonstration of the Company's core values, and progress toward broader operational leadership capability.

Operational Performance

• Improved Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity performance.
• Increased OEE, throughput, and labour productivity.
• Reduced waste, scrap, inventory, downtime, and operating costs.
• Improved process reliability, operational consistency, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Successful implementation and sustainment of effective manufacturing systems and best practices.

Continuous Improvement & Organizational Capability

• Successful delivery of prioritized Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Standardization and effective use of operating procedures, KPIs, and performance management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to identify root causes, implement sustainable solutions, and prevent recurring issues.
• Improved cross-functional collaboration, ownership, and accountability.
• Development of stronger problem-solving, continuous improvement, and leadership capabilities among department managers and employees.
• Successful support of capital projects, automation initiatives, and future growth investments.

Leadership & Development

• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and achieve results without direct reports.
• Consistent demonstration of the Company's core values.
• Expanded knowledge of major plant functions, strategic planning, budgeting, financial performance, and business operations.
• Demonstrated growth in people leadership, business acumen, decision-making, and organizational leadership.
• Achievement of agreed-upon development objectives established with the Vice President of Operations.
• Demonstrated readiness for consideration for future Plant Manager responsibilities based on performance, leadership capability, and business requirements.

If you meet the above requirements and are ready to take on exciting challenges, we invite you to join our dynamic team!

Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated. Applicants must be a Canadian Citizen or hold a Permanent Residency. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. IMT welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.