The KPO Manager leads continuous improvement initiatives, coaching teams on lean practices, facilitating kaizen events, and driving operational excellence across the organization.
Adi Development Group is a vertically integrated real estate investment management company with divisions spanning investment management, development, construction management, and forming operations. With over 4,000 units and $3B of built value under development throughout the GTHA, we are on an insurgent mission to reinvent the customer experience and deliver homes faster, better, and more cost effectively. We champion ownership and encourage our team members to think and act like owners, while developing the next generation of leaders.
Adi has built and refined a management system that connects strategy deployment to daily execution. As we scale, we are strengthening the Kaizen Promotion Office (KPO) to embed continuous improvement more deeply into how work gets done across the organization.
The KPO Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives across the business and developing problem-solving capability at the front line and mid-management levels. Reporting into senior operational or CI leadership, this role focuses on execution, coaching, and delivery—translating strategy into practical improvements through disciplined lean practices.
This role is ideal for a seasoned lean practitioner who thrives at gemba, can lead kaizen activity end to end, and enjoys developing others while delivering measurable operational results.
Key Responsibilities
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- Support the deployment of strategic priorities into operational improvement initiatives. Facilitate A3 problem-solving with leaders and teams, support review and follow-up cycles, and help ensure alignment between objectives, metrics, and daily management.
- Lead value stream mapping and process improvement efforts within assigned functions or projects. Apply root cause analysis, data analysis, standardized work, visual management, and KPI development to improve quality, reduce waste, and shorten lead times.
- Plan, facilitate, and follow through on kaizen events using the shingi model. Own preparation, scoping, execution, and sustainment for assigned kaizens. Ensure improvements translate into measurable performance gains and that participants build lasting problem-solving capability.
- Design, implement, and coach teams on daily management systems, including tiered meetings, visual boards, and standard work for leaders. Reinforce discipline and consistency to ensure improvements are sustained.
- Coach team members and leaders at gemba on lean thinking, structured problem-solving, and continuous improvement behaviors. Mentor participants through A3s and improvement work, building confidence and capability over time.
- Contribute as a core member of the Kaizen Promotion Office. Support the development of junior CI team members, share best practices, and help evolve KPO standards, tools, and ways of working as the organization grows.
Strategy Deployment & Execution Support
Value Stream & Process Improvement
Kaizen Planning & Delivery
Daily Management Systems
Capability Development & Coaching
KPO Team Contribution
Experience
- 7–12 years of progressive experience in continuous improvement / lean roles
- Demonstrated experience leading kaizen events and improvement initiatives in operational environments
- Experience applying value stream mapping, A3 problem-solving, daily management, and standard work
- Exposure to construction, manufacturing, or other operationally intensive industries strongly preferred
Capabilities
- Strong working knowledge of lean principles, QC tools, and problem-solving methodologies
- Ability to facilitate groups, coach leaders, and influence without formal authority
- Practical, results-oriented mindset with the ability to connect improvement work to business outcomes
- Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence; credible with frontline teams and managers alike
- Comfortable working in ambiguity and driving execution in evolving environments
Education & Certifications (Preferred)
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Management, or related discipline required
- Lean Silver or Gold certification (AME/SME/Shingo Alliance or equivalent
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
- TWI (Job Instruction, Job Relations, or Job Methods) exposure or certification
- Experience with Toyota Production System–influenced operating systems considered an asset
Why This Role
- You'll Make a Huge Impact: This role sits at the center of Adi’s commitment to operational excellence. As KPO Manager, you will play a critical role in turning strategy into action, building capability where work happens, and helping shape how the organization thinks and operates as it scales.
- Competitive Paid Time Off: Team members are provided with comprehensive paid time off inclusive of paid Vacation, Wellness and Sick days annually.
- Competitive Salaries: This role has a competitive base salary range of $100,000 - $125,000 annually, with compensation reflecting the seniority and scope of the role.
- Employee Home Ownership Program: Adians have the opportunity to live in the beautiful communities we create through our Employee Home Ownership Program. Eligible team members will receive a % discount off the total purchase price.
- Comprehensive Benefits Plan: Adi provides all full-time team members and dependents with coverage for dental, prescriptions, vision care, paramedical practitioners, life insurance and more.
- Flexible Health, Lifestyle & Wellness Personal Spending Account: Annual health, lifestyle & wellness spending accounts that can be used for fitness classes, gym memberships, family & pet needs, additional health benefits and more!
Adi Development Group is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of our customers and communities in which we live and serve. Adi Development Group is committed to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential. We hire based on merit and are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Adi Development Group will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. If you are selected for an interview and you require accommodation, please inform Human Resources.
Top Skills
A3 Problem-Solving
Lean Principles
Quality Control Tools
Six Sigma
Value Stream Mapping
Adi Development Group Burlington, Ontario, CAN Office
1100 Burloak Drive, Suite 700, Penthouse Level, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7L6B2
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