Continuous Improvement Specialist

Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist

Sheldon Drive, Cambridge, ON, Canada

Reports To: VP, Machining

Direct Reports: 0

EQI Canada is seeking a motivated and results-driven Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist to lead and support the implementation of our Lean roadmap across the organization.

In this key role, you will establish CI standards, develop continuous improvement plans, deliver Lean training, and drive the execution of improvement initiatives throughout the facility. You will work closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to foster a culture of continuous improvement while supporting operational excellence initiatives focused on productivity, waste reduction, quality, safety, and efficiency.

This role will also collaborate on global CI projects supporting EQI manufacturing locations worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing profitability through:
• Productivity improvements
• Waste reduction
• Safety enhancements
• Collect and evaluate improvement ideas with the management team to define key CI projects and initiatives.
• Lead data collection, analysis, and reporting activities using DMAIC methodology to improve manufacturing performance and support problem-solving initiatives.
• Improve shop floor 5S standards and visual management systems by:
• Delivering training
• Guiding implementation
• Ensuring long-term sustainability
• Enhance shop floor meetings to support effective communication, accountability, and action tracking.
• Improve material and information flow while reducing WIP through effective Kanban implementation and optimization.
• Lead and coordinate CI-related audits, including:
• 5S audits
• Kanban audits
• Shop floor meeting audits
• Provide audit reports and actionable improvement recommendations.
• Monitor shop floor performance alongside Production Management to identify gaps versus standards and track corrective actions.
• Support Engineering and Production teams in improving changeover efficiency using SMED methodologies.
• Develop ownership and capability-building programs for key Lean tools and systems.
• Develop and implement the Lean roadmap for EQI Canada, including monthly progress reporting to the leadership team.
• Participate in global collaborative CI projects supporting EQI manufacturing operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in:

• Industrial Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Or a related field

Technical Skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Advanced Excel skills required
• Experience with:
• SQL
• Statistical software such as Minitab

Professional Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in:
• Lean Manufacturing
• Continuous Improvement
• Shop Floor Management
• Proven experience implementing Lean tools including:
• Value Stream Mapping
• Kaizen
• 5S
• Kanban
• SMED
• Strong background in data collection and analysis
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively
• Basic understanding of:
• ISO standards
• IATF requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt and/or Black Belt certification
• Experience with machining processes and equipment
• Experience working within a large global organization implementing Lean systems

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 10%, including travel to U.S. and other EQI locations

Why Join EQI Canada?

At EQI Canada, continuous improvement is part of our culture. This is an exciting opportunity to make a direct impact on operational excellence while collaborating with global teams and driving meaningful change across the organization.