Site Operational Excellence Leader

The Operational Excellence Leader is responsible for leading and supporting the deployment of Operational Excellence and Lean methodologies across sites, driving sustainable operational improvements and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Acting as a Lean Subject Matter Expert, the lead facilitates Kaizen events, training, and cross-functional collaboration to align improvement initiatives with strategic business priorities. Leads value stream mapping exercises, coaches Visual Daily Management Systems, and mentors Lean and Six Sigma projects to enhance quality, cost efficiency, and delivery performance. The role ensures consistent application of best practices while promoting a positive, data-driven, and innovative work environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of OPEX and Lean tools across the site to drive sustainable operational improvements.
• Act as a Lean SME, facilitating Kaizen events, workshops, and training sessions aligned with SES principles.
• Promote and coach the use of Visual Daily Management Systems, including Leader Standard Work, Visual Management, and Daily Accountability.
• Act as a strategic partner to Production, Engineering, Quality, HR, Materials, and other departments to align improvement efforts with business priorities.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to develop end-to-end value stream maps, define future states, and build actionable roadmaps.
• Support Hopper projects where required, and project ideation for Lean and Six Sigma initiatives.
• Coordinate and support NPI activities across operational teams, ensuring readiness and smooth handoff to Manufacturing.
• Participate in design and Manufacturing Readiness Reviews, and collaborate with Engineering, Design and Quality to define acceptance criteria and technical requirements.
• Liaise between internal teams and external stakeholders (other Smiths sites, suppliers, customers) to ensure timely and effective communication.
• Document lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of NPI processes, focusing on quality, cost optimization, and delivery performance.
• Coach teams and provide leadership by utilizing Lean techniques such as Kaizen activities, Gemba walks, etc., and data-driven reviews to identify improvement opportunities.
• Use analytics and performance metrics to monitor progress, influence decisions, and drive accountability.
• Support and mentor Lean and Six Sigma projects focused on throughput, cycle time reduction, Financial and productivity gains.
• Comply with Smiths policies, quality, safety, health, and environmental programs.
• Promote a positive organizational environment and participate in training and development activities.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and support a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

• Must possess a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt preferred).
• 2 or more years of experience
• Significant relevant experience in lieu of degree considered
• Change Management, Project Management (e.g., PMP), or Organizational Development is an asset.
• Experience in Lean, Operational Excellence, or Continuous Improvement roles within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience leading Kaizen events, facilitating cross-functional workshops, and coaching teams in Lean principles (Preferred).
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and working across multiple departments and sites (Preferred).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and coach at all organizational levels.

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 Canada’s 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.

Impact: Planning and Decision Making

• Ability to plan multiple activities (CSI/FAI) at once and to successfully follow through to completion.
• Work with Engineering, Customer Service, Operations and Quality teams across the globe
• Insight into a wide variety of product lines
• Firsthand experience with customer requirements and expectations

Scope, Complexity and Impact

• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Independently determines and develops approach to solutions.
• Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

Liaisons

• Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts.
• Represents organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.

Health, Safety and Environment Requirements

• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extend periods of time; a minimum of 2 hours.
• Must be able to maneuver to all areas of the office, shop, warehouse, or manufacturing plant
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip items while working at assigned desk area.
• Must have the manual dexterity and coordination to operate office equipment.
• Must be able to simultaneously manage several objectives, changing priorities and reassign priorities to complete assignments.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English and French.
• Must be able to respond to visual and aural cues.
• Complete all work in a safe manner and follow all safety requirements consistent with supporting the Company’s goals.
• Lifting guidelines in accordance with the Manual Lifting Guidelines noted in the Safety Handbook.
• Follow all environmental requirements consistent with supporting the company’s 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, you'll 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 Montréal’s West Island, offering easy access to major highways, the international airport, and downtown. It’s 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 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 career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)