Continuous Improvement Specialist

POSTING DATE: May 19, 2026

CLOSING DATE: May 29, 2026

JOB NUMBER: 2026-40

POSITION TYPE: Permanent

LOCATION: Athabasca Area, Alberta

Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to work out of our millsite near Athabasca, Alberta. The successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation of Al-Pac’s continuous improvement program and subsequently for the Stage 1 (Ideation) process within Al-Pac’s Project Delivery Model. This includes generation, identification, assessment and refinement of early-stage diversification and major cost savings’ initiatives.

Who Are We?

Al-Pac is the largest single-line kraft pulp producer in North America. Our mill is located near the communities of Athabasca, Boyle & Lac La Biche. We are leaders in our industry, from our quality products, mill operations and responsible forest management practices, to the way we grow and develop our team members and work with local communities. We are continuously exploring new and innovative ideas, while delivering premium products with a commitment to strong environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility – a commitment that is demonstrated by our long-standing Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification*.

Role Responsibilities

Deliver Al-Pac’s Continuous Improvement program:

• Engage with Leaders across Al-Pac to develop and implement processes used to continuously identify opportunities for growth, cost saving and process improvement activities across Al-Pac teams.
• Incorporates various Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement methodologies and elements into daily and strategic operations.

Lead internal idea generation activities, initiatives and formal events aimed at adding topics to the Ideation Funnel:

• Work with Leaders in across Al-Pac to identify, coordinate and deliver these activities.
• Lead Lean Six Sigma-style kaizen events (or equivalent), periodic brainstorming sessions with internal and/or external subject matter experts related to particular topic or thematic areas.
• Work with Leaders to prioritize identified topics for subsequent project delivery.

Develop internal capacity to enhance and sustain the continuous improvement ‘culture’ within and across Al-Pac:

• Implement the corporate continuous improvement strategy, including ongoing identification of training needs and options.
• Work with Leaders to identify candidates for Lean Six Sigma training (e.g. Lean Six Sigma belts of certifications) training.
• Lead the delivery of continuous improvement training programs.
• Coach and mentor team members on Lean Six Sigma methodology and tools (6S, KAIZEN, VSM, SDM, ODM, TPM, TQM, Visual Management, etc) to build ‘train the trainer’ internal capacity.
• Seek and secure leveraged funding to support training needs.

Administer, collate and track the inclusion, preliminary assessment and ranking of topics within the Ideation Funnel:

• Develop an effective and efficient workflow of idea generation and assessment.
• Oversee the systems and administration of in-flow and out-flow of ideas within the Ideation Funnel.
• Develop a scorecard method to standardize the evaluation process of ideas to prioritize for further due diligence.

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• Lead market studies (including management of external resources and coordination of internal SME contributions) in support of those assessments.
• Work with key internal & external subject matter experts to conduct preliminary assessments with the objective of bringing forward a narrowed list of high-quality ideas for feasibility assessment (Stage 2) and investment due diligence.
• Generate dashboards and progress reports, including Board presentations, as required.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in industrial or process engineering
• 8+ years' experience in a role focused on managing and leading continuous improvement programs, implementing Lean Six Sigma methodology and process improvements in a manufacturing environment
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt required, as well as additional advanced level Lean training preferred
• Experience in a kraft pulp manufacturing environment required
• Highly experienced in financial evaluation and assessment, business process mapping, and the design and operation of financial models
• Experience in implementing artificial intelligence based tools to achieve process improvement objectives

Other

• Project Management – vast expertise in develop, implementing and successfully delivering complex projects
• Communication - uses clear and effective verbal, written and presenting communication skills with diverse audiences without supervision.
• Problem Solving - excellent analytical skills. Strong problem solving and business acumen, with ability to operate in uncertain or changing environment.

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• Computer Skills - advanced knowledge of database programs such as Excel and Access as well as experience with MS Project; and
• Collaboration – highly developed ability to collaborate and have influence stakeholders at all levels and work effectively within a team environment, often without supervisor authority

What We Offer

• A competitive annual salary including a company-paid pension at 7% and matching RRSP up to 3%.
• Company-paid dental and extended health benefits, including a health care and taxable spending account and supplemental life insurance.
• Compressed work schedule (Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Four week’s annual vacation to start, increasing with years of service.
• Relocation Assistance Program, depending on eligibility.
• Team-based culture that encourages work-life balance.

To learn more about Al-Pac's current opportunities, please visit: alpac.ca/grow-with-us.

Legal Statement

Al-Pac is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We wish to express our thanks to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

*FSC-C021640