Manager, Continuous Improvement - Full Time, Toronto, ON

For over 50 years, LifeLabs has been Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. We are passionate about empowering healthier Canadians through accessible, accurate, and innovative diagnostic services.

We are committed innovators, operating Canada's first commercial genetics lab, and the country's largest online patient portal, with more than 8 million Canadians receiving their results online. More than 112 million laboratorytests come through LifeLabs’ laboratories annually, and our team of more than 6,000 passionate, caring, and diverse professionals works together as one to provide high quality testing and results that Canadians can trust.

We know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us. At LifeLabs, you can make a meaningful impact on Canadians’ lives every day.

Our teams are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers, reflecting our deep commitment to our core values of caring, agility, teamwork, and a customer-centered approach. As part of this commitment, LifeLabs prioritizes the ongoing development of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program to better serve the needs of our diverse workforce and the communities we serve. We continue to take steps to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves.

These values are not just words on a page, they guide our actions and decisions every day and have come to define our team culture.

Reports To: Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement

Purpose of the Role:

As the Manager Continuous Improvement you will collaborate with Operations and Support Group teams, to build operational robustness by supporting and facilitating the delivery of sustainable improvements. The Manager will develop and deploy Lean tools and methodologies to build LifeLabs capability to drive continuous improvement through employee engagement and ensure the proper application of standardized process improvement across all CI initiatives.

LifeLabs operates under a Hybrid workforce model. Further details will be provided during the interview stage. 

This vacancy is for an existing position.

Accountabilities:

• Manage the development and deployment of Lean tools and methodologies that will raise the skills and knowledge of LifeLabs employees
• Establish Continuous Improvement Roadmaps that will deliver significant and quantifiable improvements in various areas
• Provide training on necessary Lean tools and concepts to ensure effective deployment of Lean initiatives
• Facilitate continuous improvement of existing processes through RCIP and non-RCIP initiatives to ensure envisioned organizational benefits are achieved
• Manage stakeholder relationships to ensure operational concerns and support needs are understood and prioritized accordingly
• Provide coaching that will enable achievement of business results by identifying and eliminating waste and also promote the development of continuous improvement culture
• Capture and quantify objective and subjective benefits of continuous improvement activities
• Help deploy the Operations Management Process across Operations and other key LifeLabs departments
• Optimize workflows using tools such as Value Stream mapping and Standardized Work
• Provide input to development of CI Business plan by understanding internal business objectives, benchmarking external best practices, and identifying improvement opportunities

Minimum Hiring Requirements:

• University degree in Engineering, Business, Science or equivalent
• At least 5-7 years of experience in a similar role 
• Proven ability to take strategic direction and objectives and develop and deploy supporting tactical plans, then providing direction and overall team management to execute the plans
• Strong change leadership experience in a high volume, highly complex product/services mix environment with a passion for making significant improvements
• Thorough knowledge of Lean concepts and tools, such as Value Added and Non-Value-Added Work, Workflow, JIT, Jidoka, Visual Management, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, Single Piece Flow, Quality at Source, Poka-Yoke and Problem Solving and minimum of 5 years of experience deploying the concepts and tools to drive improvements
• Minimum 5 years of experience in leading and facilitating teams to implement new technologies or Continuous Improvement initiatives, such as kaizens, with a proven track record of delivering tangible benefits to the organization
• Related experience in Lean with a proven track record of Lean deployment and driving improvements in a multisite environment.  Proven ability to provide organizational excellence, guidance and tools to drive positive change. Six Sigma experience also an asset
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated experience in coaching and motivating teams and individuals, without direct authority, to perform at a high level
• Good understanding of EHS and experience of related Regulatory Compliance

LifeLabs’ compensation programs are commensurate based on the role, skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, beliefs, age or any other personal characteristics. Pay programs are communicated regularly in an accessible and transparent manner.

LifeLabs is also proud to offer resources, opportunities, as well as a collaborative and supportive environment that enables our team members to thrive.

In addition to a competitive compensation package, LifeLabs provides a comprehensive total rewards program, specific to the job position. Your package may include:
 

• Employee Group Benefits: Competitive coverage for employees and their families to support their overall health and wellness needs, including Extended Health Care, Dental Care, and Life Insurance.
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Vacation and Wellness Days
• Employee Wellness and Giving Programs: Our award winning mental, physical and financial wellness programs aim to address the comprehensive well-being of our team members, including resources like the Employee & Family Assistance Program, financial planning tools, and employee recognition initiatives.
• Professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discount programs, including WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc., and optional health-related benefits.

In accordance with LifeLabs’ Accessibility Policy, and the applicable Accessibility Acts within the provinces we operate in, accommodations are available by request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter or email careers@lifelabs.com.

Vaccinations are highly encouraged at LifeLabs’. Vaccinations and/or immunization screening may be mandatory for selected employees if regulated by provincial or regional governments, or through employer-led vaccination policies in the facilities we service. Please ensure you ask if this position requires the successful candidate to be vaccinated or undergo immunization screening.

Ready to empower healthier Canadians? Apply today!