Operational Excellence Manager

Job Purpose

The Operational Excellence function at Smiths Interconnect is responsible for implementing the Smiths Excellence System (SES) and Lean tools across all sites. Its goal is to support business needs by working closely with all functions and locations to drive continuous improvement and optimize value streams. This helps the organization scale operations improve efficiency and manage risk while ensuring compliance and accurate reporting.

The function also promotes accountability for processes across the business. Team members are expected to bring a practical commercial approachbalancing governance and best practices with flexibility and speed in a fast-moving innovative environment.

Responsibilities

• Implement and deploy SES and Lean tools across all sites ensuring alignment with business strategy and maximizing commercial impact.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives that improve process efficiency scalability and compliance.
• Lead and influence cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable improvements in performance quality and cost.
• Empower and upskill internal teams through structured training in SES Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Mentor Six Sigma belts and project teams facilitating workshops and Kaizen events to drive hands-on learning and results.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across all levels of the organization.
• Analyze existing processes identify inefficiencies and develop business cases for improvement initiatives.
• Lead Six Sigma and Lean projects focused on risk reduction efficiency gains inventory optimization and NPI integration.
• Utilize tools such as value stream mapping root cause analysis and performance metrics to guide decision-making.
• Partner with Production Engineering Quality HR and Supply Chain to align improvement efforts with operational goals.
• Facilitate the development of end-to-end value stream maps and action plans to enhance customer performance and business outcomes.
• Support project hopper creation and prioritization using frameworks like the Y-Tree.
• Develop and track metrics to measure process performance and identify future improvement opportunities.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and report on project outcomes to leadership and stakeholders.
• Deliver presentations and training sessions on measurement analysis improvement and control techniques.
• Actively participate in the global SES Community of Practice sharing best practices and supporting the success of other belts.
• Survey and analyze industry best practices to inform internal strategies and drive innovation.
• Ensure consistency and effectiveness in SES deployment across sites.

Qualifications :

Required
Bachelors degree in Engineering Quality Business Administration or a Technical Discipline (i.e. IE EE ME QE) is required or commensurate experience.

Demonstrated experience in related/similar role in Lean/Six-Sigma Engineering Operations or Quality field in a manufacturing setting. Aerospace defense space experience.

Ability to travel domestically and internationally <65%

Preferred
Masters degree or higher

Six Sigma Black Belt or Project Management certification.

Years of Experience
10 or more years

At least several years of experience in leading continuous improvement activities at a site level (Six-Sigma Black Belt Lean Leader or similar function) or commensurate significant experience in operations quality and/or manufacturing roles of increasing scope is desired.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to identify and develop high-potential talent while building organizational capabilities. Demonstrates Smiths values and leadership behaviors.
• Strong understanding of financial impacts related to operations and quality in a global manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional global teams in problem-solving process improvement and implementing solutions.
• Collaborates with leaders to align priorities using the Y-Tree framework create project hoppers and support ongoing prioritization.
• Applies expertise to contribute to company objectives and achieve goals through practical and effective solutions.
• Develops advanced concepts techniques and standards; creates new applications based on professional principles and theories.
• Leads Six Sigma and Lean projects risk analysis project management efficiency and inventory optimization and initiatives tied to new product introductions and global quality/operations.
• Strong change management coaching interpersonal and communication skills. Acts as a clear advocate for change setting measurable targets and aligning teams to achieve transformation.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity maintains focus on core processes while continuously aligning stakeholders on complex challenges and ensuring benefits are delivered and sustained.

Controlled Goods and Technology

A part of this position you will be required to examine handle or transfer highly confidential equipment and technologies including technical data or any technical assistance (such as instructions training etc.) classified as controlled goods. These goods have military or strategic significant are critical to national security and are strictly regulated under the Defence Production Act (DPA) and the Controlled Goods Regulations (CGR) as part of Canadas Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

As a condition of an offer of employment you must agree to undergo a security assessment conducted by Smiths Interconnect Canada designated official in compliance with the CGP and DPA requirements. This screening includes the verification of proof of citizenship or permanent resident status a criminal record and other security check. The disclosure of controlled goods to unauthorized persons is a criminal offense under Canadian law therefor you will be required to strictly comply with all Canadian laws that apply to controlled goods. 

Additional Information :

Impact: Planning and Decision Making

• Assignments are defined by activities and objectives; work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting goals.
• Decisions directly impact work processes and outcomes. Errors or delays can result in significant time resource and cost implications.

Scope Complexity and Impact

• Interprets and applies policies processes and procedures that may affect multiple sections and subordinate work units. 

Liaisons

• Motivates teams to consistently pursue and achieve results that drive business performance.
• Engage stakeholders using data and analytics to monitor progress review plans and ensure targets are met or exceeded fostering continuous improvement. 

Health Safety and Environment Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods (minimum of 2 hours) and move throughout office areas.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 10 pounds and perform basic physical movements such as bending reaching twisting kneeling and gripping.
• Manual dexterity and coordination to operate office equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple objectives adapt to changing priorities and complete tasks despite interruptions.
• Must read write speak and understand French and English; respond to visual and auditory cues.
• Complete all work in a safe manner and follow all safety requirements consistent with supporting the Companys goals.
• Lifting guidelines in accordance with the Manual Lifting Guidelines noted in the Safety Handbook.
• Follow all environmental requirements consistent with supporting the companys environmental performance goals.
• Complete and actively participate in all other EHS training requirements.

Work environment is typically considered within a Smiths location during normal or extended business hours to include offices manufacturing plants and repair facilities.  Work environment may also include customer sites including oil well sites and meeting venues. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and approved PPE is required when on the factory floor.

Why Smiths Interconnect

Global Impact: As part of Smiths Group a global engineering leader youll work on breakthrough technologies that make a difference in the industries that shape the future.

Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career progression across Smiths Interconnect and the wider Smiths Group.

Innovative culture: Join a collaborative and innovative team where your ideas and contributions are valued and rewarded.

Competitive Package: We offer a competitive salary benefits package and performance incentives.

Location: Kirkland is a thriving business hub on Montréals West Island offering easy access to major highways the international airport and downtown. Its an ideal location for professionals combining strong industry presence with a high quality of life.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race colour religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin economic status disability age or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics where we celebrate support and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation including but not limited to interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our careers website (Careers - Smiths Group plc).

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin economic status disability age or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics where we celebrate support and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation including but not limited to interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our careers website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time