Winpak is seeking a Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead based in Winnipeg, Manitoba to join our Operational Excellence Department.
The Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead reports into the Manager of Operational Excellence, and plays a key role in driving operational excellence through the implementation and sustainment of Lean Manufacturing principles across the facility. This position is responsible for leading continuous improvement initiatives, facilitating process optimization projects, and promoting a culture of operational excellence. By leveraging structured problem-solving methodologies, data analysis, and change management practices, the CI Lead works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and sustain workplace organization standards while supporting the achievement of business objectives.
If you have a passion for process improvement, problem-solving, and driving meaningful change, this is an opportunity to make a measurable impact in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and facilitate Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and continuous improvement projects across the facility.
- Manage cross-functional improvement projects from planning through implementation, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational priorities.
- Develop project charters, define scope, establish timelines, and coordinate resources to achieve project goals.
- Monitor project progress, track action items, and communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders.
- Analyze production processes and data to identify waste, bottlenecks, root causes, and opportunities for operational improvement.
- Lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous enhancement of the facility's 5S workplace organization program.
- Develop and maintain training materials, standard work, visual management tools, and continuous improvement documentation.
- Coach and support employees and leaders in Lean principles, problem-solving methodologies, and continuous improvement practices.
- Maintain a strong presence on the production floor to engage employees, identify improvement opportunities, and support sustainable change.
- Support the Manager of Operational Excellence in developing and deploying continuous improvement strategies, tools, and training programs.
Required Qualifications:
- 3+ years of direct experience facilitating Lean, or continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
- 3+ years of experience successfully scoping, leading, and closing multi-day Kaizen, VSM, and 5S events with quantifiable results.
- 2+ years of experience demonstrating strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
- 2+ years of experience with manufacturing data analysis and operational performance metrics, including OEE, to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- 2+ years of experience using Microsoft Office suite (specifically Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for training delivery)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Lean Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred, or equivalent practical experience in executing structured Lean manufacturing frameworks.
Additional Information:
- This position is 100% onsite located in Murray Industrial Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
- There is limited bus access to this location.
- This position requires you to work 50% of the time in a manufacturing environment requiring exposure to heights, temperature variations, noise, and heavy industrial equipment. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required and will be provided.
- Ability to work flexible hours on occasion to support training, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple shifts, including afternoons and nights, as business needs dictate.
Why Winpak?
Winpak is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to support the physical, mental, financial, and social well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefit package includes the following:
- Medical, dental, vision & prescription coverage
- Travel coverage
- Disability coverage
- Voluntary life insurance
- Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
- Tuition assistance program
- Retirement savings plans
- A comprehensive employee and family assistance program which includes short term counselling, wellbeing coaching, financial and legal consultations services.
Winpak’s vision is to provide the best packaging solutions for people and planet. We are a leading supplier of innovative packaging solutions, known for providing high-quality products that meet the needs of a variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. With a commitment to sustainability, safety, and excellence, Winpak continues to grow as a global leader in the packaging industry.
At Winpak, inclusion is one of our core values. We believe that an inclusive culture fosters a sense of belonging, drives innovation, and provides our brand a competitive advantage. Our goal is to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination, and where every individual feels respected, valued, and appreciated.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to an equitable and inclusive recruitment process, evaluating applicants based on merit, capability, and qualifications related to the job - never on identity factors such as race, colour, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, or any other protected status. To support this commitment, if you require any accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
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