For over 50 years, LifeLabs has been Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. We are passionate about empowering healthier Canadians through accessible, accurate, and innovative diagnostic services.
We are committed innovators, operating Canada's first commercial genetics lab, and the country's largest online patient portal, with more than 8 million Canadians receiving their results online. More than 112 million laboratory tests come through LifeLabs’ laboratories annually, and our team of more than 6,000 passionate, caring, and diverse professionals works together as one to provide high quality testing and results that Canadians can trust.
We know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us. At LifeLabs, you can make a meaningful impact on Canadians’ lives every day.
Our teams are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers, reflecting our deep commitment to our core values of caring, agility, teamwork, and a customer-centered approach. As part of this commitment, LifeLabs prioritizes the ongoing development of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program to better serve the needs of our diverse workforce and the communities we serve. We continue to take steps to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves.
These values are not just words on a page, they guide our actions and decisions every day and have come to define our team culture.
Position Summary:
As the Manager, Continuous Improvement, you’ll play a key role in strengthening LifeLabs’ operational excellence and supporting a culture of safety, quality, and continuous learning. Working closely with Operations and Support teams, you will lead initiatives that create meaningful, lasting improvements in efficiency, team engagement, and overall service delivery.
You’ll apply your expertise in Lean methodologies to enhance processes- and just as importantly, to inspire and equip colleagues at all levels to lead positive change. This is a hybrid/virtual role based in Toronto, Ontario, with occasional in-office days (approximately 1–2 times per month) and periodic site visits as needed to support project work and collaborate in person.
What You’ll Do:
Continuous Improvement Leadership:
Lead and facilitate CI projects that strengthen safety, quality, delivery, cost efficiency, and employee engagement.
Train, mentor, and coach employees at all levels in Lean/Six Sigma principles and problem-solving methods.
Develop and deploy Lean tools and methodologies that build CI capabilities across LifeLabs.
Partner with leaders to foster a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.
Establish and monitor KPIs to measure progress, outcomes, and long-term impact.
Facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and root cause analysis workshops.
Support change management efforts to ensure alignment, buy-in, and ongoing adoption of improved processes.
Data-Driven Process Enhancement:
Analyze data and business processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for productivity gains or cost savings.
Provide recommendations that translate challenges into measurable operational improvements.
Enhancement Request & Prioritization:
Serve as the primary contact for system enhancement and feature requests, gathering and clarifying requirements from stakeholders.
Maintain a centralized backlog for enhancement requests and ensure clear, consistent updates.
Use data-driven prioritization methods (e.g., RICE, impact/effort) to align enhancements with strategic goals, technical feasibility, and resource capacity.
Collaborate with product owners and development leads to scope features and assess complexity.
What You’ll Bring:
5–7+ years in a similar role, with success translating strategy into practical execution and guiding teams to results.
Degree in Engineering, Business, Science, or equivalent experience.
Proven ability to lead CI initiatives in complex, high-volume environments.
Applied knowledge of Lean tools (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, JIT, Standardized Work, Poka-Yoke).
Experience deploying Lean/Six Sigma across multiple sites; Six Sigma certification is an asset.
Strong ability to coach, influence, and motivate teams without direct authority.
Understanding of EHS principles and relevant regulatory requirements.
Additional Requirements:
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
Hybrid/virtual role with 1–2 in-office days per month based on business needs.
Periodic site visits may be required to support project work and collaborate with teams in person.
Why Join Us?
At LifeLabs, you’ll have the opportunity to lead meaningful change that directly improves the experience of our employees, patients, and partners. You’ll work with engaged leaders who value curiosity, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making- and you’ll help shape practices that elevate safety, quality, and operational performance across the organization.
This role offers variety, visibility, and purpose. You’ll partner with teams across functions and regions, tackle complex challenges, and see the real impact of your work through measurable improvements. If you’re energized by continuous improvement, motivated by helping others grow, and looking for a place where your ideas can spark lasting change, you’ll find a fulfilling home at LifeLabs.
What We Offer:
LifeLabs’ compensation programs are commensurate based on the role, skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, beliefs, age or any other personal characteristics. Pay programs are communicated regularly in an accessible and transparent manner.
LifeLabs is also proud to offer resources, opportunities, as well as a collaborative and supportive environment that enables our team members to thrive.
In addition to a competitive compensation package, LifeLabs provides a comprehensive total rewards program, specific to the job position. Your package may include:
Employee Group Benefits: Competitive coverage for employees and their families to support their overall health and wellness needs, including Extended Health Care, Dental Care, and Life Insurance.
Retirement Savings Plan
Vacation and Wellness Days
Employee Wellness and Giving Programs: Our award winning mental, physical and financial wellness programs aim to address the comprehensive well-being of our team members, including resources like the Employee & Family Assistance Program, financial planning tools, and employee recognition initiatives.
Professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discount programs, including WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc., and optional health-related benefits.
In accordance with LifeLabs’ Accessibility Policy, and the applicable Accessibility Acts within the provinces we operate in, accommodations are available by request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter or email careers@lifelabs.com.
Vaccinations are highly encouraged at LifeLabs’. Vaccinations and/or immunization screening may be mandatory for selected employees if regulated by provincial or regional governments, or through employer-led vaccination policies in the facilities we service. Please ensure you ask if this position requires the successful candidate to be vaccinated or undergo immunization screening.
Ready to empower healthier Canadians? Apply today!
