Warehouse Lead - Visual Workplace & 5S

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 2,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs world-wide.

Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles - from bush flying to commercial aviation - and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance.

Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.

Warehouse Lead, Visual Workplace & 5S

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Supply Chain, the Warehouse Lead, Visual Workplace & 5S is responsible for the development, implementation, and sustainment of visual workplace solutions across warehouse, manufacturing, and MRO environments. The role leads projects related to shadow board creation, tool organization, workplace standardization, visual controls, and Lean 5S initiatives. This position works closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and Health & Safety teams to improve efficiency, safety, inventory control, and workplace organization.

The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement initiatives, coordinate deployment activities, and ensure visual management systems are effectively implemented and maintained to support operational excellence, productivity, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Visual Workplace & Tool Organization

• Design, develop, and deploy shadow boards for tools, equipment, consumables, and operational assets across manufacturing, warehouse, and MRO environments.
• Create and maintain visual controls including labels, signage, floor markings, storage identification systems, point-of-use inventory solutions, and location management standards.
• Develop and implement workplace organization standards that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance safety.
• Standardize tool storage and management processes across multiple facilities and departments.
• Conduct workplace assessments and identify opportunities for improved organization, workflow, and space utilization.
• Create visual work instructions, standards, and training materials to support operational consistency.
• Support visual factory and visual management initiatives that improve operational performance and employee engagement.

Lean & 5S Leadership

• Lead and facilitate 5S initiatives including Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain activities.
• Plan and coordinate Kaizen events and workplace organization projects.
• Conduct routine 5S and visual workplace audits and develop corrective action plans where required.
• Monitor compliance with established visual workplace and organizational standards.
• Promote employee involvement and ownership of workplace organization initiatives.
• Train employees and leaders on Lean principles, visual management practices, and 5S methodologies.
• Develop audit processes and sustainment plans to ensure long-term success of implemented solutions.

Project Management & Continuous Improvement

• Lead visual workplace and workplace optimization projects from concept through implementation.
• Coordinate project activities across multiple operational groups and stakeholders.
• Develop project schedules, resource plans, and implementation timelines.
• Track project progress and communicate status updates to leadership.
• Support facility layout changes and workplace redesign initiatives.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through improved visual management and organization.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities including root cause analysis, problem-solving, and process improvement initiatives.

Operational Support

• Support warehouse, manufacturing, maintenance, and MRO teams in improving material flow and workstation organization.
• Assist with inventory location management, storage optimization, and point-of-use material presentation.
• Ensure visual management systems support operational objectives and business requirements.
• Work closely with leadership teams to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Promote and support a safety-first culture through organized, clean, and standardized workplaces.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in warehouse, manufacturing, maintenance, operations, or continuous improvement environments.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and sustaining 5S and visual workplace programs.
• Experience designing and deploying shadow boards, visual controls, and tool organization systems.
• Experience coordinating projects and leading cross-functional improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles.
• Experience conducting workplace audits and developing corrective actions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Certification, Six Sigma certification, or equivalent continuous improvement training.
• Experience in aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, MRO, logistics, or industrial operations.
• Experience using design software, CAD tools, or visual layout software.
• Knowledge of warehouse operations and materials management processes.

Key Competencies

• Lean & Continuous Improvement
• 5S Leadership
• Visual Workplace Design
• Project Coordination
• Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
• Stakeholder Management
• Communication & Training
• Planning & Organization
• Attention to Detail
• Change Management
• Safety Leadership
• Customer Service Mindset

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Ability to work in warehouse, manufacturing, and maintenance environments.
• Ability to conduct audits and project work throughout operational facilities.
• Occasional travel between company locations may be required.

Why work at De Havilland?

De Havilland Canada is a Canadian-owned and operated aircraft manufacturer dedicated to providing rewarding opportunities in a diverse and welcoming workplace.

• Work with a team that makes a true difference in the world-making it possible for people to travel around the globe efficiently, comfortably and safely.
• We’ve manufactured over 5,600 aircraft including the most advanced turboprop in the air today. Our experience and expertise in constructing the highest performing aircraft in the industry is second to none.
• Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are dynamic workplaces led by teams that support and encourage all employees.
• With a passionate team of innovators and a global network of support, De Havilland Canada proudly carries on it’s tradition as a leader in aerospace.

In addition to plenty of opportunities for career growth in a stimulating work environment, De Havilland Canada offers:

• Competitive wages
• Paid vacation
• Extended health benefits (medical, dental, vision, paramedical)
• Life insurance
• RRSP/DPSP Plan
• Employee and family assistance program

At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC), we are committed to protecting our people, customers, shareholders and the public through Health & Safety Excellence. As such, it is expected that all employees maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and to perform key physical tasks of the position described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights and with or around chemicals. Employees are expected to adhere to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work which must include but is not limited to the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is required.

At De Havilland Canada, we aim to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, are encouraged to apply. De Havilland will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Any offer of employment is conditional on the completion of positive and satisfactory background checks, which may include, proof that you are legally entitled to work in Canada, professional references, verification of employment history, verification of educational background and criminal background checks.