(6-month contract) Production Transformation & Continuous Improvement Manager at Kongsberg Defense US

Kongsberg Discovery Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of KONGSBERG, is a global technology company, providing innovative and reliable technology solutions for all marine industry sectors including merchant, offshore, subsea, and naval. Headquartered in Horten, Norway, the company has manufacturing, sales, and service facilities internationally. Kongsberg Discovery is a market leader in systems for positioning, surveying, and navigation. We are determined to provide our customers with innovative and reliable marine electronics that ensure optimal operation both on and under the sea.

At KONGSBERG, we believe in tackling challenging problems and delivering extreme performance for extreme conditions. We do that through excellent products and services developed for delivering the greatest benefits to our customers.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Transformation Manager partners closely with the Director Operations to drive operational excellence through digitization, process improvement, and structured change management of a Design and Production facility including Electronics hardware assembly, machining and test. This role focuses on modernizing production systems, streamlining workflows, and leading improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, quality, and scalability.

The position becomes a strategic partner to the business – prioritizing, planning and executing transformative initiatives to modernize and double the throughput of a high tech manufacturing facility.

Role And Responsibilities

• Work as a team member to complete the implementation of new or modified production machines in conjunction with new manufacturing projects.
• Ensure that all levels of safety are implemented into each automation change.
• Completion of run at rate process performance testing in conjunction with manufacturing operations.
• Ability to support the redesign/engineer the machine components necessary to improve equipment performance.
• Must be capable to support in specifying and sourcing materials and equipment to best suit requirements.
• Solid understanding of Industrial electrical methods and general best practices relating to automation.

Production Leadership (Interim, partial Coverage)

• Provide full operational leadership of the production team during the Production Manager’s absence, with support from Dir. Operations
• Ensure production targets, safety standards, and quality requirements are consistently met
• Maintain workforce planning, scheduling, acting as primary point of contact for a multidisciplinary team
• Foster a collaborative and safety-focused workplace culture

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste within production operations
• Prioritize improvement opportunities based on impact, cost, and feasibility
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to drive measurable improvements
• Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor performance and track progress

Change Management & Team Engagement

• Lead change management efforts to ensure smooth adoption of new systems and processes
• Develop communication strategies that engage and align production teams
• Train and support team members through transitions and new workflows
• Build a culture of continuous improvement and innovation

Digitization & Systems Improvement

• Lead the ongoing transition from manual or fragmented processes to digital production systems
• Evaluate and implement tools to improve work order management, streamlining and automating production workflows.
• Partner with IT and external vendors to deploy and optimize digital solutions

Project Management & Delivery

• Develop clear project plans for improvement initiatives
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute projects from concept to implementation
• Ensure accountability, milestone tracking, and successful delivery of outcomes
• Report progress and results to senior leadership

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with Production Manager, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and IT
• Act as a bridge between operational teams and strategic priorities
• Facilitate problem-solving sessions and improvement workshops

Key Deliverables

• Digitized and streamlined work order system
• Reduction in production inefficiencies and cycle times
• Implementation of measurable continuous improvement initiatives
• Clear prioritization framework for operational improvements
• Successful delivery of cross-functional transformation projects
• High adoption rates of new tools and processes
• Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or equivalent experience
• 15+ years in manufacturing, production, or operations roles, at least 5 in electronics assembly
• Proven experience in process improvement, transformation through a structured, inclusive approach.
• Strong project management experience (formal certification is an asset)
• Experience implementing digital systems in production environments
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Change management and organizational influence
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Collaboration and cross-functional leadership

Employment Type: Temporary, fixed term. Minimum 6 months.

Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000 CAD annually, DOE

Work Location: Office located in Port Coquitlam, BC.

KONGSBERG provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job type Temporary;Fixed Term Contract

Working hours Full-time

Working days Day

Application deadline 07/17/2026

Location Port Coquitlam, BC

Company homepage http://www.kongsberg.com

Office address

Strandpromenaden 50

3183 Horten

See the location

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn