Job Description

Role: Regional Industrial Engineer

Sun Gro Horticulture is one of the most prominent North American horticultural companies, employing over 800 staff and serving customers worldwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1929, it has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers, shipping over 70,000 truckloads of product annually. Sun Gro products are made to exacting standards and conform to high product quality and performance criteria.

Sun Gro Horticulture recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. The primary goal of Sun Gro® is to promote individual employees’ sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with Sun Gro Horticulture. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at, Sun Gro.

Job Summary:

Reporting to plant and regional leadership, the successful candidate will work closely with all North American plants and bogs to support and lead initiatives related to SunGro’s growth, modernization, standardization, and improvement plans. The RIE will frequently travel to SunGro plants and bogs in New Brunswick and Quebec to implement impactful process and efficiency improvements. This role requires a bilingual English/French candidate capable of translating and implementing company policies, procedures, and protocols.

Compensation:

100,000+ annually

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (includes telemedicine, virtual health, FSA, HCSA & other benefits)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Spending Account
• Employee Support and Mental Wellness
• Short-term disability
• RRSP Matching
• Paid vacation
• Floating days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Engagement Events
• Awards and Recognition
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards
• Employee Perks & Discounts

Job Responsibilities:

• Define, manage, and execute improvement projects and initiatives within assigned regions
• Lead evaluation, implementation, and commissioning of capital projects in collaboration with plant management teams
• Manage financial spend of capital projects to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with the right quality
• Draft and design layouts of equipment, materials, and workspace for maximum efficiency using drafting tools and software
• Review budgets, production schedules, engineering specifications, and related manufacturing information
• Support implementation and adoption of standardized CMMS programs across all SunGro sites
• Apply continuous improvement and lean manufacturing toolsets within SunGro Operations Model for Excellence (SOME)
• Apply statistical methods to determine manufacturing processes, staffing requirements, and production standards
• Travel frequently to map harvest- and peat-processing steps and identify opportunities for capacity improvement and cost reduction
• Confer with vendors, staff, and management regarding purchases, procedures, specifications, and project status
• Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility use
• Recommend and implement process, system, or equipment improvements to optimize resources and workflow
• Plan and establish sequences of operations from peat harvesting through processing and shipping
• Communicate process improvements and changes to operators and management to ensure understanding and buy-in
• Other duties as required by the business

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong change management skills with proven ability to gain employee buy-in for process changes
• Hands-on, “can do” attitude to complete projects successfully
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills across cross-functional teams with diverse skill sets
• Detail-oriented with ability to communicate complex issues and solutions in clear, simple terms
• Ability to relate process improvement and change to measurable business impact
• Proficient with 2D/3D modeling software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• Automation experience with PLCs and electrical systems is an asset
• Strong project management skills, including managing projects over $1M per asset
• Excellent, concise, and adaptable communication skills

Education and Experience:

• Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering preferred
• PMP designation preferred
• 7+ years’ experience in fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environments
• Experience with capital projects, layout design, process improvement, and Lean manufacturing

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 kg
• Frequent travel up to 75% within region; occasional travel across Canada and the US
• Full, clean driver’s license required

Work Environment:

• On-site at various plant and bog locations across New Brunswick and Quebec
• Typical of a manufacturing/plant environment with exposure to machinery, dust, and outdoor conditions

Site Locations:

• Kent, NB
• Burnt Church, NB
• Inkerman, NB
• Lameque, NB
• Colombier, QC
• Port-Cartier, QC

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to live in the assigned area as needed
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally
• This is a safety sensitive position.