The Manager Continuous Improvement (CI) leads the strategic deployment of the Cornerstone Production System (CPS) across enterprise business functions upstream of Manufacturing and Supply Chain. This role is accountable for driving transformation initiatives embedding Lean thinking and developing a culture of operational excellence across commercial and transactional departments. Acting as a change leader and CI expert the Manager partners with senior and executive leadership to deliver measurable improvements in business performance customer value and employee capability.
This role influences multiple business units functions and regions ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and standardization of Lean practices across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic CI Leadership
- Lead the deployment of Lean principles Kaizen methodology and CPS across commercial and enterprise support functions (e.g. Sales Finance Engineering Customer Service etc.).
- Align CI initiatives with corporate strategy and drive measurable progress toward annual and long-term performance targets.
- Collaborate with business unit leaders and executives to identify and prioritize transformation opportunities with high business impact.
- Enterprise Transformation
- Oversee CI efforts across multiple sites and departments ensuring consistent adoption of CPS principles tools and behaviors.
- Facilitate strategic planning processes using Lean methodologies to support cost quality and service-level improvements.
- Serve as the enterprise change agent to support underperforming areas or high-priority business initiatives.
- Capability Building & Leadership Development
- Design and lead capability development programs for CI Managers site leaders and future Lean champions through CPS College kaizen facilitation and structured coaching.
- Build and mentor a high-performing network of Lean facilitators and CI practitioners across the organization.
- Governance & Performance Management
- Develop and execute CI governance frameworks to monitor Lean maturity audit compliance and ROI of transformation initiatives.
- Lead monthly reviews of departmental CI Annual Plans ensuring adherence to goals and providing strategic intervention when necessary.
- Innovation & Best Practice Sharing
- Promote cross-functional and cross-site knowledge sharing of Lean best practices tools and success stories.
- Support new product introductions with pre-launch and post-launch Kaizen and process optimization initiatives.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Build strong partnerships with senior stakeholders and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on CI-related decisions.
- Present CI strategies results and business cases to leadership teams and corporate forums.
Qualifications :
- Bachelors degree required; Masters degree (e.g. MBA Operations or Engineering discipline) strongly preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience leading Lean and Continuous Improvement efforts across business functions.
- Proven track record of driving enterprise-wide or business-unit-wide transformation and achieving measurable results.
- Deep expertise in Lean principles Kaizen methodology and business process reengineering.
- Strong executive presence and ability to influence and communicate with senior leadership.
- Exceptional facilitation coaching and change leadership skills.
- Experience working in a matrixed cross-functional and global organization preferred.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 75% including international travel as needed.
This position offers a hybrid work arrangement from either our Calgary or St. Thomas location and requires up to 75% travel which may include international destinations
This position plays a critical role in advancing Cornerstones operational excellence journey and requires a highly motivated strategic thinker who can inspire others lead by example and deliver sustainable results.
Additional Information :
Cornerstone Building Brands Canada is committed to an inclusive equitable and accessible workplace. We will accommodate applicants needs upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time