Continuous Improvement Lead

ABOUT CROWN:
CROWN Metal Packaging Canada LP, a wholly owned company of Crown Holdings, Inc. . is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of packaging products for consumer goods. At Crown, we are passionate about helping our customers build their brands and connect with consumers around the world.  We do this by delivering innovative packaging that offers significant value for brand owners, retailers, and consumers alike. With operations in 39 countries employing approximately 23,000 people and net sales of approximately $12 billion, we are uniquely positioned to bring best practices in quality and manufacturing to our customers to drive their businesses locally and globally.  Sustaining a leadership position requires us to build a team of highly talented, dedicated, and driven individuals. 

DIVISION OVERVIEW:
Crown’s Beverage Division manufactures a variety of packaging solutions for soft drinks, craft beers, coffees and teas as well as new energy drinks. Crown Beverage leads the packaging industry with innovative technologies that redefine how the world looks at beverage cans. With a large printable surface area and a wide range of sizes, shapes and decorating options, our aluminum cans are the perfect packaging format to create compelling brand presence where it counts. Here is your chance to join the Crown Beverage Division.

Main Purpose of the Job

Lead and support operational excellence initiatives by combining continuous improvement (CI) leadership with data-driven process and supply chain management solutions. Drive Lean methodologies, system developments, and best practices across the organization to enhance efficiency, reduce waste/costs, improve workflows, and sustain a culture of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual CI strategy aligned with divisional and corporate goals.
• Lead CI Steering teams and cross-functional groups to ensure initiatives are implemented and sustained.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and Lean thinking across all plant departments.

Process & Performance Improvement

• Analyze workflows, supply chain processes, and performance data to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Implement Lean tools and methodologies such as but not limited to Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, 5S, TPM, Kanban, Poka Yoke, Gemba, and Kaizen.
• Establish standardized procedures and systems to ensure consistency, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and leading indicator metrics to measure initiative effectiveness.

Systems & Data Analytics

• Deliver strategic ideas for further system developments, dashboards, and automated reporting.
• Configure and sustain notification and note systems to enhance visibility and decision-making.
• Verify and implement new tools/methods at regional and local levels; ensure sustainability of improvements.
• Support corporate entities in digitalization, IoT, and machine data projects to advance manufacturing excellence.

Training & Collaboration

• Provide practical CI training for plant teams and mentor CI Champions.
• Create a repository for CI/Lean/Safety tools and enable broad access to learning resources.
• Promote high-class operational standards and preventive measures across operations.

Projects & Initiatives

• Lead CI and Lean Supply Chain projects from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Encourage and sustain deployment of Lean Supply Chain Management practices in all core processes.
• Facilitate corporate and divisional programs such as Reliability, Safety Steering, Summits, and Kaizen events.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• BS in Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years supervisory or project management experience.
• Strong background in manufacturing, CI, and Lean management.
• Experience in supply chain analysis, data systems, and project leadership.
• Understanding of high-speed manufacturing equipment (preferred).

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of CI principles, Lean methodologies, and supply chain management.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and system development skills.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and change management abilities.
• Entrepreneurial and systematic thinker; interested in IoT and the future of manufacturing.
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical & Working Conditions

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands, reach, and communicate effectively.
• May lift/move up to 30 lbs.
• Plant and office environment with varying noise levels and exposure to mechanical equipment.
• Travel up to 75% monthly to support divisional plants and initiatives.
• Expected to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, adhering to Crown policies and OSHA standards.