Job Description

Department:

Engineering and Continuous Improvement

Location:

Guelph

Reports To:

Sr. Director, Engineering & Continuous Improvement

Job Summary

The Process/Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve production efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness. This role involves working cross-functionally with production, quality, maintenance, and design teams to ensure seamless production operations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Design, implement, and improve manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety. Analyze production processes to identify areas for improvement and cost reduction. Develop process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes for manufacturing issues. Monitor and analyze production metrics to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement. Identify and execute capital projects to improve production processes and efficiency. Review vendor proposals for new equipment purchase or modification of existing processing equipment, engineering services. Manage projects following a stage gated process including developing and managing project schedules and budgets, identifying resources required, presenting recommendations. Write technical reports and analyses to support design submissions. Review shop drawings for compliance and participate in the development of engineering standards. Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. Train production staff on new processes, procedures, and equipment. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen events.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. 5-10 years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering, preferably in food and beverage (dairy experience an asset). Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and automation technologies. Experience with process mapping, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement frameworks. Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) and process simulation tools. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent project management and organizational skills. Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration. Experience with ERP/MRP systems is a plus. Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments. Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis tools. Familiarity with ISO and other quality management systems. Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) an asset.

Gay Lea Foods is a proud Canadian-owned dairy food and beverage company with a robust portfolio that includes 7 established brands such as Gay Lea Butter, Nordica Cottage Cheese, Ivanhoe Cheese, Salerno Cheese, and Hewitt's Dairy. Our wide range of products are sold in Retail, Foodservice, Industrial, Co-pack, and Export markets, developed and produced out of our 13 manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Alberta.

Delivering high-quality and innovative products - from the consumer favourite Spreadables and North America's first Smooth(TM) Cottage Cheese, to Nothing But Cheese(TM), an innovative snack made with 100% cheese, is what makes us market leaders in our categories. Our grassroots approach to business is what guides our direction and differentiates us from our competitors.



Our employees inspire our culture of excellence and entrepreneurship. We hire innovative and passionate professionals who know that greatness is achieved through people, partnerships, and acting with a business owner mindset.

For more about us visit:

http://www.gaylea.com



Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.



Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.



Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.



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