Continuous Improvement Manager

The Opportunity:

The Continuous Improvement Manager will lead the onsite Lean Production System (LPS) program, acting as the key driver to advance the plant’s operational maturity across all facets of the LPS framework. Your primary responsibility is to champion continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and operational goals. You will develop, implement, and coordinate a comprehensive roadmap and performance targets across all LPS pillars, fostering a culture of sustained operational excellence

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by July 22. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Support the site’s LPS phase progression and coordinate the maturation of LPS pillars across the plant.
• Collaborate with the Site Leader to ensure delivery of site targets and uphold LPS standards throughout the facility.
• Assist Site Pillar Leads with the initial deployment of LPS systems onsite and extend support to remaining lines post-deployment.
• Conduct regular health checks of program pillars to assess progress and identify improvement opportunities.
• Define and implement strategies to update pillars based on changes communicated by Central Pillar Owners.
• Synthesize information across all pillars to monitor and report on site LPS progress and challenges.
• Share best practices with LPS Leads across other sites, leveraging insights from cross-site learnings to drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with Site Pillar Leads to drive the improvement of metrics and goals across all pillars.
• Lead targeted LPS initiatives aimed at minimizing quality issues and enhancing overall performance.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on LPS standards, best practices, and the execution of management systems.
• Coach the site leadership team to elevate the maturity of their respective pillars.
• Develop leaders into effective trainers and coaches for line-level team members, including supervisors and operators.
• Demonstrate an active involvement/commitment to a progressive health and safety program and food safety program.

What You’ll Bring:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a manufacturing setting, preferably with direct involvement in Lean or Continuous Improvement roles.
• Deep knowledge and hands-on experience with LPS frameworks, principles, and pillar-based continuous improvement systems in manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to lead and sustain CI initiatives that drive operational excellence, process optimization, and waste reduction.
• Strong skills in planning, coordinating, and executing complex projects, including deployment and maturation of improvement programs.
• Experience managing organizational change, influencing stakeholders at all levels, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ability to coach leadership teams and develop internal trainers to build capability and sustain LPS practices across all levels.
• Strong capability in analyzing performance metrics, identifying gaps, and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively synthesize, report, and share best practices across multiple teams and sites.
• Proven success working with diverse teams including plant leadership, operations, maintenance, and quality to drive aligned improvements.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and familiar with Lean management tools and software systems.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable improvements in key operational metrics such as quality, efficiency, and safety.

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, ‘speaker series’ events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.