Lead Process Optimization. Eliminate Losses. Deliver Operational Excellence.
About the Role
As the Manufacturing Excellence Lead, you will play a critical role in driving operational excellence by eliminating process losses, improving equipment performance, and building technical capability within production teams. Acting as a key partner to Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Continuous Improvement teams, you will lead initiatives that optimize manufacturing processes, improve reliability, and strengthen operational standards.
This role is hands-on and highly visible, requiring a strong presence on the production floor, where you will coach teams, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
You will own and continuously improve key Daily Management Systems (DMS), including Centerlines (CL) and Changeovers (CO), while supporting the implementation of Integrated Work Systems (IWS), Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Operational Support
- Actively participate in Daily Direction Setting (DDS) meetings and support execution of daily production plans.
- Report and review key performance metrics including:
- Centerline completion and compliance
- Changeover performance and adherence to plan
- Process reliability and efficiency measures
- Partner with production teams to ensure operational targets are achieved while maintaining safety and quality standards.
- Provide coaching and technical guidance to operators, line leads, and equipment owners.
Continuous Improvement & Loss Elimination
- Identify, prioritize, and eliminate process losses through data analysis and structured problem-solving.
- Build process capability and improve process control strategies to drive sustainable performance improvements.
- Lead root cause investigations and loss elimination activities using reliability and problem-solving methodologies.
- Drive smart standardization initiatives and ensure best practices are implemented across the operation.
- Lead benchmarking activities and facilitate the replication of successful improvements across lines, departments, and sites.
- Support the implementation of Lean Manufacturing, IWS, and operational excellence initiatives.
Process Ownership & Technical Leadership
- Serve as the technical expert for a designated manufacturing process.
- Design, implement, and maintain systems for collecting and analyzing critical process and product data.
- Utilize data-driven insights to identify opportunities for process optimization and loss reduction.
- Develop and maintain process standards, centerlines, and operating procedures.
- Collaborate with equipment owners, line leaders, maintenance, and engineering teams to establish and improve process standards.
- Lead process validation, change management, and implementation of equipment or process improvements.
- Standardize and continuously improve Rapid Changeover (RCO) processes to maximize operational efficiency.
Daily Management Systems (DMS)
- Own and maintain key Daily Management Systems, including:
- Centerline (CL)
- Run-to-Target (RTT)
- Changeover (CO)
- Process Control Systems
- Monitor system effectiveness and drive continuous enhancements to improve line performance.
- Ensure DMS documentation remains current, accurate, and aligned with operational requirements.
Training & Capability Development
- Coach, mentor, and develop frontline teams in technical troubleshooting and operational excellence practices.
- Develop and deliver training programs related to process improvements, equipment changes, and manufacturing standards.
- Support skill development initiatives and foster a culture of continuous learning.
- Participate in corporate, technical, and industry training programs to expand expertise and share knowledge across the organization.
Floor Presence & Collaboration
- Spend approximately 80% of working time on the production floor supporting teams and driving improvements.
- Qualify in fundamental operating roles to deepen process understanding and enhance team credibility.
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Reliability teams.
- Work with site and regional process and equipment owners to identify and implement best practices.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Mechanical Technology, or a related field, or equivalent manufacturing experience.
- Experience in a food manufacturing, production, or continuous-process environment.
- Strong understanding of process improvement, process control, and operational excellence principles.
- Experience using structured problem-solving methodologies and data-driven decision-making.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical data and translate findings into actionable improvements.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and data analysis tools.
- Excellent communication, coaching, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Integrated Work Systems (IWS), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Lean Manufacturing, or High Performance Organization (HPO) environments.
- Experience leading continuous improvement projects and loss elimination initiatives.
- Knowledge of reliability engineering principles and statistical process control.
- Experience with Daily Management Systems (DMS), Centerlines, Run-to-Target (RTT), and Rapid Changeover methodologies.
- Familiarity with change management, process validation, and standardization programs.
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, varying temperatures, and production operations.
- Significant time spent on the production floor supporting equipment and operational teams.
- Ability to move throughout the facility, including production, warehouse, and maintenance areas.
- Occasional lifting, bending, climbing, and extended periods of walking or standing.
- Flexibility to support operational needs during planned shutdowns, start-ups, and improvement initiatives.
Barry Callebaut can offer you a challenging and dynamic international environment that includes a broad range of opportunities for personal growth and development. Apply for one of our interesting positions and start a great career in the wonderful world of CHOCOLATE. Barry Callebaut is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at the Brantford site.
Pay: $75,000.00-$95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have leading continuous improvement, process optimization, or manufacturing excellence initiatives in a manufacturing environment?
- Do you have experience working in a food manufacturing environment utilizing Lean, TPM, IWS, or continuous improvement methodologies? Explain.
Work Location: In person
