Operational Improvement Specialist

POSITION: Operational Improvement Specialist (Hybrid)

POSITION TYPE: Permanent Full-Time

COMPANY: Lynx Equity Limited

BUSINESS TYPE: Private Equity

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer

LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario

START DATE: ASAP

HOURS: Monday- Friday

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Lynx Equity Limited is a Canadian-based manager of private equity funds. We currently have 50 portfolio companies across North America and Europe. Our portfolio will continue to grow as we acquire new companies.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Operational Improvement Specialist is responsible for driving operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives. The role is responsible for analyzing company processes and making suggestions on areas of improvement. Collaborating with portfolio company leaders, the successful candidate will drive implementation and sustain improvements.

The Operational Improvement Specialist is responsible for initiating and leading various projects to maximize the financial health of the organization. This includes identifying opportunities for synergies across the portfolio, analysing financials, mitigating risk, managing crisis situations and engaging in ad-hoc projects. The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and must demonstrate a strong attention to detail and the ability to balance multiple demands simultaneously. We are looking for someone with a positive attitude who is self-motivated, flexible, willing to take on new tasks, and committed to working hard with the Lynx team.

The position is based in Toronto, Ontario and will require frequent travel to portfolio companies in the GTA, and occasional extended travel within Canada and the US.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations

• Work with the COO and Portfolio Company Management Teams to:
  • Assess the current work flow, processes and procedures then develop and implement a strategic plan to make improvements
  • Develop, track, report and improve key operational key performance indicators (KPIs) that will ensure sustainability and improved profitability, including but not limited to:
    • Direct labour costs
    • Head count
    • Quality assurance: Project deficiencies, warranty costs
    • Ontime delivery
    • Customer net promotor scores
    • Scrap rates
    • Equipment uptime
    • Supplier performance: on-time delivery, quality, pricing
    • Safety performance: near misses, incidents, lost time days
• Plan, facilitate and execute continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma principles such as Kaizen, 5S, Fishbone, 8D and 5 why root cause analysis
• Document and monitor improvements to ensure new best practices are maintained
• Conducting training needs analysis, then implement the required training plan
• Perform plant layout design and optimization;
• Create a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging suggestions and implementing improvements;
• Support the framework of growth and change by providing leadership through coaching, mentoring and learning opportunities;
• Review current business systems such as ERPs and CRMs, then recommend and implement improvements required to help improve operations
• Identify risks and assemble plans to mitigate or address high risk areas
• Provide technical and process support to subsidiary companies
• Engage in continual personal development needed to meet job objectives;

Human Resources

• Assist with the recruiting of employees at portfolio companies;
• Work with the Lynx Human Resources Department to create employment agreements/ amendments and negotiate compensation for key portfolio company staff;

Finance

• Perform business case studies to ensure projects provide a return on capital deployed;
• Analyze operational KPI’s to ensure they are positively affecting company financials performance;

Other

• Study historically successful organizations, leaders and managers and use the lessons learned to improve our portfolio companies;
• Obtain various information as needed from portfolio company management teams;
• Conduct additional tasks as directed by Lynx’s executive management team;
• Facilitate cultural change in portfolio companies to ensure best practices are being implemented and followed;
• Assist with auditing of portfolio companies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education in an Engineering discipline or relevant work experience for the role
• 10 years of progressive experience in the manufacturing or construction sector with engineering and process development experience;
• Minimum of 3 years experience in either Continuous improvement, TPM, Six Sigma, or Lean manufacturing, deployment. World class manufacturing will be an advantage
• Desirable certifications: Six Sigma Black Belt or similar
• An entrepreneurial spirit with an attitude of ultimate accountability
• Proven capability of leading a transformation effort, including change management, ensuring stakeholder engagement and robust communication
• The ability to coach, inspire and work with cross functional managers, supervisors, and employees;
• Ability to influence with integrity at all levels of the organization and make strategic decisions
• Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships
• Must have the leadership presence to energize, drive and lead the teams
• Ability to establish credibility and be decisive but able to recognize and support the organization's preferences and priorities
• Self-motivated; takes initiative
• Good judgment; ability to prioritize and work independently
• Strong presentation skills
• Strong analytical, numerical and reasoning abilities
• Team-oriented; willingness to pitch in and help out at all levels of business
• Ability to prioritize and follow through on tasks to completion
• Proven organizational and time management skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal skills to communicate in English with all levels of the organization
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Accountable and flexible
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point);
• Advanced Excel skills, visual basic programming skills will be an asset.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Manual dexterity required to operate computer and peripherals
• Repetitive work
• Ability to work in an open concept office with noise and distractions
• Sitting for long periods
• Valid Drivers License required
• Travel with Ontario and occasionally to other provinces, the United States and Europe

COMPENSATION & PERKS

• Annual Salary $90,000-125,000 CAD depending on qualifications and experience
• Three weeks annual vacation
• Healthcare benefits
• RRSP plan
• Hybrid work arrangement
• Casual work environment

HOW TO APPLY – Please apply by submitting your resume to hrresumes@lynxequity.com

Although we appreciate each application, only those being considered for the position will be contacted. No recruiters, phone calls, emails, or inquires through LinkedIn, please.

At Lynx Equity, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment/interview process, please let us know when selected to take part in our recruitment process so that reasonable arrangements can be made for the appropriate accommodations to be in place