Process Excellence Specialist

Posting #: 26-40
Location: Corporate, Kitchener or Sault Ste. Marie
Reports to: Director Retail Operational Excellence
Job Type: Regular Full-Time

Are you a community-minded person that’s passionate about investing locally and giving back to your community? Do you like working with other awesome and like-minded people toward a common goal?

Here at Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU), we are all about putting our money where our mouth is and keeping our dollars local and investing back into our members, staff, and community; and we are looking for people like you to join our team.

The Role

 The Process Excellence Specialist is responsible for leading and supporting enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.  This role will analyze processes, identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, enhance member experience, ensure regulatory compliance and compliance to YNCU policies and procedures, and drive measurable performance improvements.

This is a highly collaborative position that works cross-functionally with business units across the credit union to optimize workflow, support automation, serve as a change agent, coach, and facilitator to embed a culture of continuous improvement.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Process Excellence & Analysis

• Lead end-to-end process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools (e.g., DMAIC, BPM, value stream mapping, root cause analysis).
• Identify inefficiencies, risks, and opportunities for improvement across member-facing and back-office processes.
• Analyze operational data to quantify issues, establish baselines, and track performance improvements.  Monitor the sustainment of process improvement initiatives.
• Develop future-state process designs that align with strategic goals and regulatory requirements.
• Roll out process improvements across multiple sites and support the development and delivery of training materials in partnership with learning and development.

Project Leadership & Facilitation

• Facilitate cross-functional workshops, kaizen events, and process mapping sessions.
• Manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, scope, and outcomes are met.
• Collaborate with business owners to define project charters, success metrics, and implementation plans.
• Support change management efforts to ensure sustainable adoption of improvements.

Stakeholder & Member Focus

• Partner with leadership, administration and frontline teams to improve member experience, service quality, and turnaround times.
• Ensure process improvements align with credit union values, member-centric culture, and overall strategy and risk tolerance.
  Consistently communicate project status, results, and benefits clearly to stakeholders at all levels.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure redesigned processes comply with applicable regulations, internal controls, and audit standards.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks during process changes.
• Support documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and controls.

Continuous Improvement Culture

• Coach and mentor employees on Lean Six Sigma principles and problem-solving techniques.
• Challenge current state by continuously looking – internally and externally – for best practices and areas of improvement.
• Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Develop and deliver training or awareness sessions on process improvement tools.

This position is for an existing vacancy within our team.

What we are looking for

•  Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt accreditation
• Post-secondary diploma/degree in the field of Business, Operations Management, Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in implementing and integrating process improvements within a member/customer facing business
• Experience working in financial services or credit union is an asset
• Experience working with Agile methodology is an asset
• Confident, polished communication skills - comfortable engaging senior decision makers and industry leaders.
• Well-developed presentation and analytical skills
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Excel
• Experience with Microsoft’s Office 365 Suite
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and available reliable vehicle
• Ability to travel to all YNCU locations
• Must be bondable

Why work at YNCU?

YNCU employees get to be a part of the growing credit union movement and help us get the word out on why banking locally is so important. We’re your friendly, helpful, and financially savvy neighbour who provides tailored financial services to our members, supports small businesses, creates local jobs, and gives back to causes that matter. Through our Good Neighbours Employee Volunteer Program and Monthly Staff Donation Draws, we even let you choose the causes we donate to and support. YNCU is recognized for the following:

• B Corp Certified
• Competitive Compensation, Incentive Programs and Benefits
• 37.5-hour work week
• 7% matching pension
• Benefits are 100% paid for by YNCU
• Wellness Initiatives including our Employee and Family Assistance Program, premium membership for Calm, Consult+, and LIFT Virtual Fitness
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Community Sponsored Events Employee and paid Volunteer opportunities
• Opportunities to get involved with fun and meaningful committees
• Free banking account
• Discounted Employee Rates

Salary range: $80,000-$85,000
The compensation offered to the successful applicant for this role will be determined by the candidate’s relevant skills and experience and internal equity. More information about our total rewards package will be available during the hiring process.

YNCU strives to be a diverse workplace reflective of the communities that we live in. We are committed to a diverse workforce and invite everyone to apply. YNCU makes hiring decisions solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

YNCU is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by national, provincial, or municipal laws. This applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.

Your Neighbourhood Credit Union will provide accommodations for persons with disabilities, where needed, to support their participation in our recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources at careers@yncu.com.