Specialist, Operational Excellence

Highlights of the job

EPCOR's Corporate Services group is excited to announce a full-time, permanent opportunity for an Operational Excellence Specialist. This role is part of Learning and Development, Operational Excellence Team and is based at our EPCOR Tower location in downtown Edmonton, Alberta.

We welcome applications from both current EPCOR employees and external candidates. Current employees are reminded to use their "@epcor.com" email address when submitting their applications.

Step into a transformative role where you’ll spearhead ambitious redesign and improvement projects, driving organizational excellence and innovation. As a strategic partner to the business unit, you'll revolutionize work processes, ensuring that services remain both affordable and effective. Armed with behavioral insights, cutting-edge data analysis, and powerful decision-making tools, you'll help shape a competitive and forward-thinking organization.

As a Specialist, you will lead bold initiatives that redefine how work is done across the business unit. From reshaping organizational structures to crafting new classifications and roles, you’ll play a pivotal part in developing functional areas from concept to reality. Additionally, you’ll take charge of designing and optimizing business information systems and reporting tools, ensuring they align seamlessly with the organization's long-term strategic vision.

What you’d be responsible for

You are accountable to the Linear Asset Operations Director and will have the following key accountabilities (but are not limited to these):

Strategic Contribution

• Shaping EDTI’s business strategy and align with EUI and Operational Excellence goals.
• Collaborating with senior leadership to drive process improvements.

Business Knowledge

• Analyzing business processes, systems, financial principles, and data to enhance performance and customer satisfaction.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Developing small applications and reports to meet business needs.
• Working with analysts and IT teams to define system requirements and ensure strong IT support.

Budget Management

• Identifying budget requirements for redesign initiatives, including structure and staffing needs.

Research & Process Redesign

• Conducting research on industry best practices to optimize processes and achieve performance goals.
• Ensuring effective cross-functional accountability and implementation.

Training & Policy Development

• Developing, reviewing and implementing policies to ensure compliance, efficiency and risk mitigation.
• Providing consulting, training and mentorship in organizational design and process improvement.

Project Management

• Overseeing multiple process improvement projects, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget.
• Coordinating teams, assigning responsibilities and managing risks using project management tools.

Enterprise Assessment

• Using organizational mapping tools to assess structure, management systems and job accountabilities.

Leading Improvement Projects

• Redesigning processes, roles and tools to enhance performance.
• Establishing metrics to track progress and aligning performance with strategic goals.
• Monitoring cost savings and working with Finance to ensure they are reflected in budgets.
• Mentoring and developing junior team members and supporting professional development.

Change Management

• Developing and executing strategies for smooth transitions during process changes.
• Engaging stakeholders, managing expectations and mitigating resistance.
• Collaborating with HR on changes affecting employee roles and structure.

Process Documentation

• Ensuring consistent documentation of processes, integrating cross-functional and financial considerations.
• Managing SharePoint information and oversee final approvals.

Research for System Improvements

• Supporting IT enhancements, project management methods and change strategies through research and analysis.

What’s required to be successful

Qualifications, experience and behaviours you possess are:

Education/Certification/Training

• Completion of a Degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering or Operations Management (or a related field) from a recognized post-secondary educational institute.
• Certification or education in business process redesign required (e.g. Hammer, Six Sigma).
• Certified in Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt), or equivalent process improvement certification.

Experience that includes

• 10+ years’ related/similar work in process improvement.
• 5+ years’ leading redesign projects.
• Project management, proficient in tools like MS Project, Asana, or similar.
• In a Management role is preferred.

• Proven success in driving process improvements, achieving measurable gains in efficiency and cost savings.
• Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills, with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management, fostering productive relationships.
• Skilled in change management frameworks not limited toADKAR and Kotter’s 8-Step Process.

Technical Skills

• IS Systems: Experienced in EDTI IS systems, databases, and reporting tools.
• Data Analysis: Advanced Excel skills with expertise in statistics and performance metrics.
• Process Design: Proven ability to apply methodologies in redesign projects.
• Process Mapping: Skilled in creating clear, integrated process maps, identifying skill gaps, and improving workflows.
• Organization: Capable of managing large, multi-stakeholder projects effectively.
• Facilitation: Strong ability to lead meetings and drive consensus.
• Project Management: Skilled in planning, tracking, and delivering high-impact projects, including execution of implementation plans.
• Change Management: Ability to develop and execute strategies for complex changes, including stakeholder analysis, communications, and behavioral impact measurement.
• Training: Proficient in designing and delivering training sessions.
• Decision Making: Adept at assessing risks and opportunities, guiding leadership through organizational change.
• Language and Communication: Able to tailor communication styles for different audiences and clearly articulate complex concepts.

Other important facts about this job

This is a professional level position and typically works Monday to Friday (40 hours per week) and will be located in the EPCOR Tower.

Learn more about Working at EPCOR!

Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Glassdoor or Facebook!

Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age, successfully attained a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education) and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.
• Prior infractions for unsafe driving behaviours will be evaluated and considered for non-selection regardless of current demerits on file.