The Role
The Process Improvement Specialist optimizes manufacturing efficiency using Lean principles, data analysis, and project management to improve processes across plants.
Summary Generated by Built In
Sunrise Farms is a group of companies with primary focus in the poultry industry.
From our hatcheries to our “ready to eat” state of the art cooking facilities we service customers in the retail, food service and industrial sectors. We are proud of our support of the Canadian farm as well as our investment in the latest equipment and technologies at our facilities across Canada. Our test kitchens have the most current cooking equipment replicating that used in commercial establishments, to facilitate precision testing. This way you know the product you receive will perform to your expectations. We are proud of our long-standing partnerships with family-owned Canadian chicken farmers to produce high quality products.
Role:
The Process Improvement Specialist is responsible for optimizing manufacturing efficiency, standardization, and productivity. Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will bring a service oriented approach to the production floor, using data analysis and Lean Manufacturing principles to improve operations across our primary processing facilities.
Reporting Structure:
This position is a direct report to the Plant Manager at the Surrey Plant. The Process Improvement Specialist will support our Surrey and Cloverdale plants to improve plants productivity, optimize processes and achieve cost savings.
Responsibilities:
Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities and manage the full lifecycle of process improvement projects (Lean, 5S), implementing both strategic directives and self-generated initiatives.
- Perform hands-on data collection and complete in-depth analysis, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of all test results.
- Analyze Mass Balance and Yield: Monitor input/output data to minimize waste and maximize protein recovery across processing lines.
- Design and conduct experiments (DoE) on production lines to optimize throughput using statistical data.
Capital Projects & Equipment
- Identify equipment requirements to meet capacity goals.
- Work collaboratively in capital investment initiatives, including project management for new equipment installations and process upgrades.
- Assist in commissioning new machinery and introducing new processing technologies.
Compliance & Standardization
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) focused on efficiency and safety.
- Ensure all processes comply with Quality standards, HACCP, CFIA regulations, and Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) policies.
- Collaborate with Safety and Quality teams to audit and design safe manufacturing processes.
Collaboration & Leadership
- Serve as the technical bridge between Corporate and Plant departments (QC, Production, R&D, Finance).
- Conduct process improvement training for staff across relevant departments.
- Work directly on the production floor to troubleshoot issues and support hourly and salaried staff.
- Ensure business continuity by covering critical Production Planning and Operations tasks during peak periods or staff absences.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field is required; a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Process, Industrial, or Mechanical) is preferred.
- 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (Food/Meat processing preferred).
- Working knowledge of HACCP, CFIA standards, and food safety requirements.
- Lean Six Sigma certification is an asset.
- Strong proficiency in Lean Management, 5S, and Statistical Process Control.
- Experience with Project Management and Capital Expenditure (CapEx) planning.
- Proficiency with statistical analysis tools and advanced Excel (e.g., Pivot Tables, data modeling) to validate test integrity.
- Problem Solver: Ability to troubleshoot under pressure and facilitate change management.
- Communicator: Excellent verbal and written skills to influence stakeholders and train staff.
- Flexible: Willingness to work flexible shifts to meet business needs and maintain a presence on the production floor
#INDLP
#LI-IG
At Sunrise Farms we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or any other identifying characteristic are encouraged to apply.
Please note that the expected new hire salary range provided is derived from a group of like roles within Sunrise Farms. The final offer amount for this role will be dependent on geographical region, applicable experience, and skillset of the candidate.
Top Skills
5S
Advanced Excel
Cfia Standards
Haccp
Lean Manufacturing
Statistical Process Control
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The Company
What We Do
Sunrise Farms is a group of companies with primary focus in the poultry industry including: hatchery operations; poultry farming; primary processing; further processing; and distribution of food across Canada.
From the humble beginnings of one small processing facility in Surrey, British Columbia in 1983, we have since grown to serve a wide range of customers, both domestically and internationally. Our Canadian family owned and operated businesses produce quality food products from processing plants located in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.
Included in our businesses are:
- Sunrise Poultry Processors Ltd. - produces fresh and frozen poultry protein
- Grand River Foods Ltd. - produces ready to eat food products
