Responsibilities:

• Oversees all aspects of daily plant operations through personal interaction with plant employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Ensures production processes are run smoothly and efficiently, with safety being a top priority.
• Sees that immediate issues on the floor are addressed promptly and constructively.
• Provide regular coaching, guidance and direction to every department within the plant.
• Meets weekly/biweekly for one on one individual and departmental performance reviews.
• Reviews, and monitors and reports on production key performance indicators, identified trends, and makes recommendations to enhance productivity.
• Directs the production planning and scheduling process by evaluating projected sales volumes, inventory requirements, and raw product availability; ensures adequate supplies are readily available to achieve production plan.
• Monitors inventory levels for both raw and frozen products.
• Analyzes and identifies the cause of product deficiencies, and implements measures to improve production methods, equipment performances, and quality of product.
• Guides and assists all teams in solving production problems, and ensures that high standards are adhered to for general maintenance, safety, and preventative maintenance.
• Ensures that the Safety Committee is properly staffed and meets monthly to review and implement safety policies and procedures.
• Reviews yearly budget of plant costs and monitors monthly variances to the budget.
• Monitors operation reports and takes any necessary corrective actions to minimize costs.
• Develops and maintains a work environment that ensures positive employee relations, flexibility, and quick response.
• Stays current on production trends and recommends any changes in policies and procedures with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Manage and co-ordinates all plant inspections with third party and customer audits, and ensure strict adherence to HACCP, CFIA, GMP, BRC and all audit requirements.
• Manage costumer requirements and focus on quality, food safety and animal welfare.
• Maintains close interdepartmental relationships throughout the company, Canada-wide.
• Participates in the research, development, and design of long-range strategic objectives of operations and works with other department managers laying out and planning potential future operational changes.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, or equivalent experience and post secondary education.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget management.
• Lean Manufacturing Skills an asset.
• Ability to implement new business strategies with strong change leadership skills.
• Evaluate business risk.
• Computer skills including Word & Excel.
• Demonstrated high leadership qualities in leading a business and team, keep operations running smoothly.
• Experience in a consumer goods environment.
• Knowledge of safety systems and processes.
• Ability to identify opportunities and follow through on the execution and improvement.

Core Competencies:

• Strong critical thinking and communication skills (written and verbal) to share ideas and influence others, including senior management team.
• Coach supervisors and front-line staff, enhance performance through development and retention of high-potential employees.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, to be able to work with both plant employees and executive committees.
• Create a high performing team with clear direction to achieve realistic and challenging goals.
• Excellent analytical & organizational skills.
• Problem-solving - must be able to quickly ascertain a situation and be decisive in solving it, such as identifying defects in a production line.
• Strong prioritization skills with a proactive, hands-on approach.
• Time management - ability to meet production deadlines, shipping dates and more.
• Negotiation skills and the ability to influence others.
• Problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.