Plant Maintenance & Continuous Improvement Manager

Role: Plant Maintenance & Continuous Improvement Manager

Sun Gro Horticulture is one of the most prominent North American horticultural companies, employing over 800 staff and serving customers worldwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1929, it has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers, shipping over 70,000 truckloads of product annually. Sun Gro products are made to exacting standards and conform to high product quality and performance criteria.

Sun Gro Horticulture recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. The primary goal of Sun Gro® is to promote individual employees’ sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with Sun Gro Horticulture. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at, Sun Gro.

 

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Job Summary:

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for the maintenance of all process equipment throughout the plant and for leading continuous improvement and safety performance programs. This role will supervise and support teams to drive operational excellence, employee development, and superior business results.

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Location:

Western Region – Travel within various plant locations required

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Compensation:

$90,000

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Benefits:

• Health Insurance (includes telemedicine, virtual health, FSA, HCSA & other benefits)

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Health Spending Account

• Employee Support and Mental Wellness

• Short-term disability

• 401k Match

• Paid vacation

• Floating days

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employee Engagement Events

• Awards and Recognition

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Service Awards

• Employee Perks & Discounts

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Job Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in safety performance, ensuring all employees work safely to meet corporate safety goals

• Allocate appropriate resources to staff to achieve safety and operational objectives

• Measure, monitor, audit, and evaluate safety performance across all operations

• Communicate the importance of health and safety to employees, contractors, and visitors

• Design and lead long-term improvement plans for the facilities

• Monitor operational performance and effectiveness of all processes

• Manage company assets effectively

• Dedicate efforts to employee development and succession planning

• Coach, mentor, and support teams to achieve business plan goals

• Develop standard work procedures, job skills, and problem-solving capabilities within the team

• Apply Lean manufacturing principles and the 4 rules of production

• Monitor team performance and maintain accurate records

• Coordinate with other teams and leadership to analyze cause-and-effect and implement solutions

• Recommend and carry out approved capital projects

• Manage inventory and ensure optimal maintenance of plant equipment

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to plan, organize, and monitor activities according to priorities

• Strong decision-making skills focused on process improvement

• Mechanical aptitude and experience in a plant environment

• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment

• Knowledge of safety programs and Lean manufacturing principles

• Strong communication, writing, and facilitation skills

• Ability to mentor and teach team members

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Education and Experience:

• Trade background is an asset

• First Aid, Hazard Identification, WHMIS certifications

• Experience in a plant environment with supervisory responsibilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, front-end systems, and QC systems

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Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of walking, sitting, standing, and lifting

• Ability to travel over various terrains within the Western Region

• Occasional climbing, stooping, and bending

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

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Work Environment:

• Typical production facility environment

Exposure to dust and noise levels

• This is a safety sensitive position