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Department: Engineering Location: Onsite in Hamilton The pay range for the role is $95,300 to $145,300 plus bonus, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings plan, paid vacation, and other perks and opportunities. Job Summary The Lead Process Engineer plays a strategic role in driving operational excellence for a facility or manufacturing network through the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes and supporting infrastructure. This position leads complex, cross-functional initiatives to support commercial growth, improve production efficiency, employee safety, product quality, and cost-effectiveness. In addition to bringing technical expertise, the Lead Process Engineer is responsible for managing and developing more junior engineers and technicians, and leading large cross-functional teams or project groups to ensure successful execution of continuous improvement programs and large, complex capital projects. Key Responsibilities Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes across the facility or manufacturing network Manage and develop more junior engineers and technicians, setting SMART goals, creating development action plans and providing performance feedback Supervise large cross-functional teams or project groups, ensuring alignment with business goals and timely delivery of project milestones. Communicates progress effectively with senior stakeholders; excels at mitigating project risks. Analyze operational data across facilities and complex operations to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. Drive root cause analysis and corrective action processes for complex manufacturing issues. Develop and maintain engineering process standards; ensure compliance across facility and sites through robust audit processes. Develop and execute of project scope, targets, and deliverables for large, complex projects. Design and prepare project plans, process and equipment specifications, and cost estimates (capex and operational expenses) for the implementation of production processing lines and equipment. This includes performing the applicable research for project design requirements and calculations. Gain appropriate approvals from management and stakeholders. Expertise on current technologies in their specialized process area. Shares best practices across the organization. Leads review of process implementation & Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs). Collaborates with Automation Engineers on HMI and program requirements. Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and R&D teams to ensure seamless integration of new processes and equipment. Where applicable, safely manage external human resources such as vendors and contractors by providing appropriate safety training and awareness. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for improvement in safety, quality, reliability, cost, and customer service and reduce equipment failures to preserve asset value. Promote excellence in all activities, including the functional groups, to support safe operation, optimal quality, improved reliability and productivity, waste reduction and cost improvement. Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies. Support strategic planning and long-term process development roadmaps. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering are preferred disciplines). 10+ years of experience in process or manufacturing engineering, preferably in food and beverage (dairy experience an asset). Proven experience leading technical and cross-functional teams or junior staff. Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, and continuous improvement methodologies. Demonstrated success in managing large, complex capital project implementations and cross-functional initiatives. Strong analytical, problem-solving, troubleshooting and project management skills. Strong process development experience (e.g. CIP, pasteurizer or sterilizer systems) is an asset. Strong track record of implementing complex change. Expertise with ERP/MRP systems and statistical process control (SPC). Strong technical understanding of ISO and other quality management systems. Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and process simulation tools. Knowledge of Rockwell, Siemens, or any other PLC programming Languages is an asset Understanding of utilities and energy risk management. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong presentation skills and the ability to influence and lead across departments. Work Environment and Requirements Position is based out of a manufacturing facility GMP and safety apparel is required in production areas Significant time will be spent in production areas through project work and supporting the production, maintenance, quality and safety teams Required to travel domestically and internationally (on occasion) for vendor meetings and equipment selection and testing. Gay Lea Foods is a Canadian, dairy farmer‑owned co‑operative with a clear purpose: to enrich life with dairy. Founded in 1958, the co‑operative produces high‑quality dairy products while creating lasting value for farming families, meaningful opportunities for employees, and positive impact in communities across Canada. As a co‑operative, Gay Lea Foods believes that when the business succeeds, its members, people, and communities should succeed along with it. To learn more, visit gaylea.com. Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace. Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process. Gay Lea Foods may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the recruitment process, including screening and assessment. We are currently accepting applications for this open position. Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods. Wishing you all the best with your career search!

What you’ll do

The Lead Process Engineer drives operational excellence by designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes and infrastructure. This role involves leading large cross-functional teams, managing junior engineers, and executing complex capital projects to improve efficiency, safety, and quality.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and over 10 years of experience in process or manufacturing engineering, preferably within the food and beverage industry. Candidates must demonstrate success in managing complex capital projects and proficiency in CAD, ERP/MRP, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Benefits

• Bonus • Comprehensive benefits • Retirement savings plan • Paid vacation

Listed skills

• Project management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Process Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Project Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis
• Capital Project Management
• CAD Software
• ERP/MRP Systems
• Statistical Process Control
• ISO Quality Management
• PLC Programming
• P&ID Review
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Budgeting and Cost Estimation
• Staff Development

Job areas

• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Management & Leadership
• Food & Beverage
• Agriculture