Operations/ Continuous Improvement Student - Winter 2027

Job summary

The student will support continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, and project management tasks within a manufacturing environment. They will also assist with data analytics, production support, and safety-related activities to drive operational excellence.

Job details

CONSTRUCT YOUR CAREER AS AN Operations/Continuous Improvement STUDENT (WINTER 2027)! Are you an ambitious post-secondary student looking to make your mark beyond the classroom? Construct the foundation of your career with the J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) Construction & Equipment Division this Winter 2027! If you're looking for a position where you'll gain meaningful, hands-on industry experience, we'd love to hear from you. * Join our team for 4 months, starting in Winter 2027 (January – April) * You'll be based out of Bouctouche, New Brunswick, with housing assistance available for eligible students * Since January 2024, J.D. Irving, Limited has committed to reimbursing co-op fees up to $1,000 for students completing their work terms with the company * Applications are accepted by both co-op and non-co-op students WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR WORK TERM? From your first day, you'll be working on meaningful projects alongside experienced professionals while helping drive operational excellence across our manufacturing environment. You'll engage with senior leaders and experienced professionals through coaching, mentorship, and career development opportunities. You'll also participate in student-focused events, tours, and networking opportunities with fellow students across J.D. Irving, Limited. Most importantly, you'll work directly with a manager who is passionate about helping students develop their careers, build confidence, and strengthen future leadership skills. This is more than just a work term. It's an opportunity to contribute to real business improvements, gain valuable hands-on experience, and build the skills needed for a successful career in manufacturing, operations, and continuous improvement. RESPONSIBILITIES Get ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to projects that have a direct impact on our operations. Responsibilities may include: Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization * Support Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives focused on efficiency, productivity, quality, and waste reduction * Assist with projects focused on maturing process control systems and operational performance * Analyze current processes and identify opportunities for improvement using Lean principles and data-driven decision making * Participate in problem-solving activities and continuous improvement workshops Project Management * Support with ongoing and future capital and operational projects * Assist with project planning, tracking, reporting, and stakeholder coordination * Participate in project meetings and contribute to project execution activities Data Analytics & Technology * Utilize ERP systems, dashboards, and business intelligence tools to analyze operational performance * Support data collection, reporting, and visualization efforts * Explore opportunities to leverage AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot, to improve workflows and enhance productivity Production & Operations Support * Work closely with production teams to understand manufacturing processes and operational challenges * Assist with process documentation, workflow mapping, and standardization efforts * Support operational initiatives aimed at improving safety, quality, and performance Health & Safety * Participate in safety initiatives, inspections, and continuous improvement activities * Learn how safety is embedded into daily operations and decision making * Support a culture of proactive hazard identification and risk reduction Mentorship & Career Development * Receive mentorship from experienced leaders and subject matter experts * Gain exposure to manufacturing operations, project management, continuous improvement, and business processes * Develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills through real-world experiences QUALIFICATIONS Qualifications We're looking for students who are eager to learn, take initiative, and contribute to meaningful projects. The ideal candidate: * Is currently enrolled in their second or third year in a Mechanical Engineering * Has an interest in continuous improvement, operations, manufacturing, or project management * Is comfortable learning and utilizing new technologies, including AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot * Has some experience with technical drawings, process mapping, or drafting software * Is an independent learner who can take initiative and work effectively with minimal supervision * Demonstrates strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities * Possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills * Is motivated, curious, and eager to contribute to a team environment * A valid driver’s license is preferred Ready to Construct Your Career? Join us and gain the experience you need to launch a successful career in operations, manufacturing, and continuous improvement. Apply today and start Constructing Your Career with Kent Homes and the Construction & Equipment Division of J.D. Irving, Limited! Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities. Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply. Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly. We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Join Kent Homes, one of the largest and most innovative modular home manufacturers based in Atlantic Canada, where quality craftsmanship, innovation, safety and sustainability are embraced by our team members every day. Since 1958, we've been committed to delivering quality built homes with 100% quality assurance, offering tight control over costs, timing, and materials—guaranteeing a seamless process with no surprises. With our 150,000 square foot facility in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, we build year-round, serving communities across the Atlantic Provinces as well as Ontario. Our team is made up of talented builders and other great tradespeople, engineers, sales professionals, and more—all committed to a culture of that ensures employee and customer satisfaction. If you’re ready to make a difference, Kent Homes is the place to build your career!

What you’ll do

The student will support continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, and project management tasks within a manufacturing environment. They will also assist with data analytics, production support, and safety-related activities to drive operational excellence.

Requirements

Candidates must be currently enrolled in their second or third year of a Mechanical Engineering program. Applicants should have an interest in manufacturing and operations, along with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Housing assistance
• Co-op fee reimbursement

Listed skills

• Continuous Improvement · Preferred
• Process Optimization · Preferred
• ERP systems · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Safety Compliance · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Continuous improvement
• Process optimization
• Lean principles
• Data-driven decision making
• Project management
• Data analytics
• ERP systems
• Business intelligence
• Process documentation
• Workflow mapping
• Safety compliance
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Leadership
• Technical drawing
• Microsoft Copilot
• Self-Directed Learning
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Operational Performance Management
• Lean Principles
• Workflow Management
• Process Mapping
• Curiosity
• Project Implementation
• Willingness To Learn
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Valid Driver's License
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Analysis
• Dashboard
• Business Intelligence Tools
• Business Process
• Decision Making
• Customer Service
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Data Collection
• Project Planning
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Sales
• Innovation
• Interpersonal Communications
• Problem Solving
• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Operations
• Manufacturing Processes
• Project Management
• Mentorship
• Modular Building
• Operational Excellence

Job areas

• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Construction
• Data & Analytics
• Management & Leadership
• Continuous Improvement Specialist
• Operations Project Manager
• Management and Organization Analysts
• Project Management Specialists

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