The Production Manager is responsible for driving in a safe way, operational excellence, ensuring food safety, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
Position Responsibilities:
- Safety Leadership: Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety Act, and local regulations. Manage and reinforce in a proactive way safety programs and maintain an exemplary safety record.
- Food Safety & Quality Assurance: Adhere to Food Safety and Quality Standard , GMPs, and sanitation protocols. Drive zero-defect culture and ensure compliance with audits and certifications.
- Operational Excellence: Achieve production targets through efficient resource management and waste reduction. Support the implementation of continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Kaizen) to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
- People Development & Engagement: Lead and mentor production supervisors and hourly associates, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
- Union & Associate Relations: Maintain positive labor relations and ensure compliance with the collective agreement. Encourage open communication and engagement to build trust and resolve conflicts constructively.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Sanitation teams among others to ensure seamless operations. Support asset management initiatives, including preventive maintenance and reliability programs.
Key Competencies
- Operational Excellence: Ability to standardize processes and drive efficiency.
- Leadership & Influence: Inspire teams to model a continuous improvement environment while achieving goals.
- Problem-Solving: Rapid response to production challenges with innovative solutions.
- Communication: Transparent and effective across all levels of the organization.
- Adaptability: Navigate change and lead transformation initiatives.
Education & Technical Background:
- Post-secondary education in Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical discipline.
- Formal technical baking education (e.g., AIB Certification) is a strong asset.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, GMPs, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
Experience:
- Minimum 5+ years of management and supervisory experience (unionized manufacturing environment preferred).
- Proven track record in food processing or related industries, with emphasis on high-volume production.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving operational excellence.
Skills, Competencies & Attributes:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word) and familiarity with ERP systems.
- Superior communication skills to thrive in a multi-cultural environment.
- Strong leadership presence with ability to develop and mentor talent for succession planning.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, make sound decisions, and manage complex operational challenges.
- Strategic thinker with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Ability to foster a positive labor relations environment.
- High level of adaptability and resilience in a dynamic production setting.
