Continuous Improvement Analyst - (12 Month Term Certain)

at  Agriculture Financial Services Corporation

At AFSC, we want to work with talented people from a wide range of backgrounds. We strive to create a psychologically safe environment where we can all be ourselves and perform to the best of our abilities. We care about each other, about Alberta and about agriculture. We are innovative, knowledgeable, and diverse and love what Albertan agriculture produces for people around the world. The perseverance and hard work we see from our clients inspires us to show that same work ethic in everything that we do. Working together, we grow and sustain the agriculture industry in Alberta.
Posting will close 12th August 2024.
Location is flexible, within Alberta, dependent on the successful applicant.
However, periodically may be asked to work in other AFSC branches. Travel in these circumstances will be reimbursed according to AFSC’s Employee and Board of Directors Expense Policy.
Reporting to the Manager, Projects and Strategic Services, the Continuous Improvement Analyst is responsible for the design of efficient and effective business process improvement strategies and solutions along with related high level project management. This role is responsible for leading and supporting various strategic improvement initiatives, working with project sponsors across the organization in the review of current business processes, procedures, and policies, solving complex operational problems, and building lean leadership capability. This position is suited for a self-starter able to demonstrate initiative with the ability to work both independently and in cross-functional teams
This role structures and defines solutions to business problems using a wide range of methods and tools. Continuous Improvement Analysts may work on a specific project through some or all of the project lifecycle, or they may work on several assignments in their area of specialism (e.g. a particular business area or a particular skill such as process analysis or data analysis).
What will your growth opportunities look like in this role?
The opportunity to impact & influence how we do business with our clients in a simplified way presents unlimited growth opportunities by working with various stakeholders across the corporation.
This role structures and defines solutions to business problems using a wide range of methods and tools – the opportunities are endless for you to bring your creative and agile mindset to AFSC.

What will you be responsible for?

• Continuous Improvement (CI) Analyst is responsible for guiding CI projects through the full project life cycle to improve quality, reduce costs and improve delivery and make it easier for our clients to do business at AFSC
• Perform root cause analysis, strategic business analysis, and project planning to prioritize and initiate improvement projects, both internally and in support of other functions.
• Utilizing various communication channels, share and promote continuous improvement best practices with employees and managers to facilitate a collaborative, continuous improvement culture.
• Research, evaluate, and implement current industry best practice methods, procedures, and technology, as relevant to assigned projects or department in general.
• Perform process and gap analysis to ensure compatibility and interoperability of processes and systems for AFSC
• Excellent interpersonal skills in order to effectively gather process requirements, obtain approvals, build relationships and provide sufficient influence to achieve success

What are we looking for from you?

• High degree of tenacity, self-motivation, innovation, and critical thinking.
• Excellent Communication Skills with ability to present to all level of the organization including Executive Leadership to Senior Leadership.
• Ability to interpret internal and external issues and recommend solutions/best practices to solve complex problems.
• Excellent analytical skills to gather and analyze/synthesize data, confirming its accuracy and adequacy.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills including the ability to produce and present clear specifications, presentations, procedures, and reports.
• Creative problem solver that can break down complex problems into meaningful parts in order to identify and solve for improvement areas
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools, and their application

QUALIFICATIONS:

• College Diploma with 3 years within a continuous improvement role or equivalent such as process analyst or business process analyst
• Green belt certification. Yellow belt acceptable with satisfactory experience.
• Experience with continuous improvement techniques such as 5S, Lean, Six Sigma, and Root Cause & Risk Analysis

What else is in it for you?

• Health, dental, and vision benefits on your first day of employment
• Health Spending Account
• Corporate functions
• Winter Holiday closure
• PSPP contributions
• Generous vacation and special leave days
• Health and wellness initiatives

About AFSC
For over 80 years Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) has provided Alberta’s agricultural producers and agribusinesses with loans, crop insurance and farm income disaster assistance. At AFSC, we’re proud of the work we do to help build a strong, growing and diversified agriculture and agri-food industry in Alberta. Many AFSC team members are also producers and know first-hand the challenges and rewards Alberta producers face.
https://afsc.ca/about-afsc

• Continuous Improvement (CI) Analyst is responsible for guiding CI projects through the full project life cycle to improve quality, reduce costs and improve delivery and make it easier for our clients to do business at AFSC
• Perform root cause analysis, strategic business analysis, and project planning to prioritize and initiate improvement projects, both internally and in support of other functions.
• Utilizing various communication channels, share and promote continuous improvement best practices with employees and managers to facilitate a collaborative, continuous improvement culture.
• Research, evaluate, and implement current industry best practice methods, procedures, and technology, as relevant to assigned projects or department in general.
• Perform process and gap analysis to ensure compatibility and interoperability of processes and systems for AFSC
• Excellent interpersonal skills in order to effectively gather process requirements, obtain approvals, build relationships and provide sufficient influence to achieve succes