Posted:
Job Description
Process Improvement Engineer
Location: North York, ON
Reports to Director, Manufacturing Engineering & Maintenance
Our client is one of Canada's largest manufacturers. We are seeking an experienced Product Development Engineering Manager to be responsible for leading a team of engineers and technical staff to develop new products and implement major/minor product changes that align with company growth objectives, focusing on quality, cost, and manufacturability.
Overall Function:
- The Process Improvement Engineer leads shop-floor improvements at a large upholstery manufacturing facility, using Lean Manufacturing tools to reduce waste, improve flow, and increase productivity in a high‑mix production and assembly environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives on the shop floor, including 5S, Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and converting batch‑and‑queue processes to one‑piece flow where practical.
- Analyze and redesign manufacturing processes, including workflow, space utilization, equipment layout, ergonomics, and machine guarding, in collaboration with operators, supervisors, and equipment vendors.
- Establish and maintain labour and material standards; provide data‑driven recommendations by calculating production costs, reviewing schedules, and forecasting capacity and future requirements.
- Coordinate with Maintenance to ensure critical equipment remains reliable and available, and that standard operating procedures are followed and continuously improved.
- Develop and maintain process documentation and KPIs (e.g., throughput, scrap, changeover time, OEE) to track improvement activities and results.
- Train and coach technicians and front‑line employees on new processes, standards, and Lean practices to sustain improvements.
- Stay current with best practices in Lean, industrial safety, and manufacturing technology through workshops, publications, and professional networks.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Process, or Manufacturing Engineering (or closely related discipline).
- Minimum 5 years in a manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or process improvement role within a discrete manufacturing environment (e.g., furniture, automotive, metal fabrication, assembly).
- Demonstrated experience leading Lean Manufacturing projects (5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, standard work, one‑piece flow, SMED); Six Sigma or related CI training/certification is an asset.
- Proven ability to analyze data and translate it into practical process changes, including labour standards, line balancing, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
- Strong project management skills and experience working cross‑functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams.
- Excellent communication and coaching skills, with a hands‑on, shop‑floor‑focused working style.