Lead a transformational manufacturing expansion for a growth-oriented Canadian food business
Claridge Partners is a British independent executive search consultancy specialising in senior leadership appointments across the food and FMCG sectors. We are delighted to be working exclusively with a well-established North American food manufacturer on this important appointment.
We are seeking an experienced Project Director to lead a significant manufacturing expansion at the company’s Canadian operation. The initial engagement is for approximately three months on a contract basis, covering the feasibility, planning and initial phase of the project. The second phase will be agreed as the project progresses, with the potential for a further six-to-nine-month fixed-term engagement. Regular travel to Canada will be required.
The opportunity
Privately owned by a UK company, our client is a well-established food manufacturer supplying private-label, co-pack and branded frozen and refrigerated baked and prepared foods to retail, foodservice and other customers across North America.
The business is approaching a significant inflection point, with confirmed and prospective new business expected to drive a substantial increase in volume. Meeting this demand will require significant investment in manufacturing capacity, capability and supporting infrastructure. Whilst additional production capacity and manufacturing efficiencies are being implemented within the existing facility, there is a need to add additional lines and expand the manufacturing footprint, which could include moving to a larger new facility (via interim premises if needed in the short-term) or enlarging the current manufacturing facility. Accordingly, the project will include a detailed feasibility and planning phase, followed by the implementation of the chosen option.
Reporting to senior ownership and operational leadership, you will act as the single point of accountability for the project, sitting above project managers, contractors and construction teams and safeguarding the interests of the business throughout.
You will be instrumental in:
- Leading the feasibility study, options appraisal and business case.
- Developing the master plan, budget and programme across the expansion.
- Evaluating brownfield, new-build and alternative routes to increasing capacity.
- Appointing and coordinating architects, engineers, contractors and equipment suppliers.
- Overseeing capital equipment procurement, installation and commissioning.
- Ensuring storage, material handling, transport and logistics requirements are built into the project.
- Maintaining rigorous cost, schedule, quality and risk control.
- Working closely with operations, engineering and finance to translate strategic objectives into a deliverable project.
About you
We are looking for an experienced project and manufacturing leader who combines strong technical and commercial capability with the confidence and maturity to operate at senior ownership level.
You will bring:
- A strong track record delivering capital projects within food manufacturing, ideally involving new production lines or facility expansions.
- Ideally, relevant experience in savoury and sweet pies, bakery and pastry products or prepared foods.
- Experience of construction and fit-out across brownfield and new-build environments.
- The ability to manage phased capacity growth within live manufacturing operations.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing infrastructure and operational needs, including utilities, processing and baking equipment, packaging, storage, material handling, work-flows and logistics.
- Commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting and cost control.
- Excellent stakeholder-management skills, working with owners, senior management and external partners.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership project for someone who can quickly establish credibility, challenge thinking where necessary and bring practical experience to a significant period of growth and investment.
Why join this business?
This is an opportunity to play a defining role in the future capacity and development of an ambitious North American food manufacturer.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Shape a major manufacturing expansion from feasibility through implementation and commissioning.
- Influence the long-term manufacturing footprint and investment strategy.
- Lead a multi-phase capital programme with the potential for a new facility.
- Work directly with ownership and senior leadership.
- Make a tangible impact on a growing food business with significant customer demand across North America.
If you are an experienced food manufacturing project leader with the technical, commercial and stakeholder-management capability to lead a transformational expansion, we would love to hear from you.
Any direct applications will be forwarded to Nick Claridge at Claridge Partners.
