Specialist, Operational Excellence

Copper Cliff, ON, CAN

ID: 1089338

Job Description

Ready to build a rewarding career in an industry that is growing?

Who We Are

We are a global mining company dedicated to safely delivering nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals essential for the world’s energy transition.

Our mission is to improve lives and shape a better future together.

From utensils to cellphones to satellites, our operations simplify daily life and enhance connectivity. Our metals are integral to life-saving medical equipment and the electric vehicles driving the fight against climate change – our work truly matters.

Join our diverse team of 15,000 talented individuals committed to transforming critical minerals into prosperity and sustainable development in countries like Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Japan. We invite you to use your skills with us and contribute to something meaningful and enduring.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Specialist, Operational Excellence to join our Mines Technical Services team in Sudbury. This is a permanent position.

The Specialist, Operational Excellence is a pivotal role designed for an individual who is passionate about driving organizational excellence through training, innovation, and the implementation of the Vale Production System (VPS). As a key player in our mission to be benchmark in safety, leader in sustainable mining, best in class reliable operator and a reference in creating and sharing value you will be instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline. Your expertise will empower our workforce, ensuring that every team member understands their critical role in our collective success.

Additionally, in this position you will:

- Deliver comprehensive training concepts on the Vale Production System (VPS) principles, ensuring all employees are well-versed and capable of applying these methodologies to their daily activities.

- Lead the implementation of VPS policies and practices, focusing on achieving a safe, reliable and sustainable operation.

- Drive the continuous evolution of VPS by integrating lessons learned and refining methodologies, techniques, and tools. Work closely with teams to make problems visible, engage in effective problem-solving, and foster a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges.

- Train and coordinate Six Sigma projects and apply lean manufacturing principles to drive efficiency and excellence.

- Implement structured routines, methodologies, and tools to sustain and enhance operational results. Standardize processes and procedures to ensure safety, predictability of results, and the seamless implementation of best practices.

- Develop and deploy strategic development plans, ensuring all employees understand their roles and how their activities contribute to Vale’s overarching goals.

- Mentor and develop personnel at all levels of the organization, promoting the relentless elimination of waste, reduction of cycle times, and systematic problem-solving.

- Coordinate and lead cross-functional problem-solving sessions, challenging the status quo and ensuring best practices are shared and replicated throughout operations.

- Monitor and analyze performance data to identify key improvement areas and implement strategic actions and initiatives. Conduct thorough analysis of implemented actions, with a steadfast focus on achieving tangible results.

About You

Education:

- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.

- Certifications in Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt), Continuous Improvement, or related areas.

Experience:

- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in operational excellence, continuous improvement, or a similar role within a large organization.

- Proven track record of successfully implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.

- Extensive experience in training and mentoring teams, with a focus on developing a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.

Skills:

- Advanced knowledge of Vale’s Management Model (VPS).

- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.

- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

- Superior communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

- Advanced knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies, tools, and techniques.

- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a focus on aligning operational excellence initiatives with organizational goals.

- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing demands.

- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and drive continuous improvement initiatives in a complex organizational setting.

What We Offer You

- Competitive compensation including a variable annual incentive plan

- Participation in a competitive Defined Contribution Pension package

- Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, health and dental coverage, flex accounts, disability plans and optional insurances)

- Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation, personal, sick, parental)

- Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth

- Employee Family Assistance Program

- Virtual Healthcare online

- Online training and career development opportunities

Why Sudbury

Greater Sudbury is a vibrant city in northeastern Ontario, renowned for its rich mining history and significant role in Canada's mineral production. The city sits atop one of the world's largest and oldest meteorite impact sites, the Sudbury Basin, which is exceptionally rich in nickel, copper, and other critical minerals that are needed for the green economy. The mining sector is a cornerstone of Sudbury's economy, driving both employment and economic growth, and Vale Base Metals plays a pivotal role in this regard. Our commitment to the community is as deep as our mines.

Include to Transform

At Vale Base Metals, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive work environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. Vale encourages everyone to express their ideas and opinions and values the plurality of individual profiles. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are critical to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal consideration that makes us different.

Vale is an equal opportunity employer seeking to increase diversity across our operations and improve equal opportunity at Vale and in the mining industry.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accommodation is available throughout our recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Pay Grade: F4T

Apply by: September 25, 2025

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