Production Manager

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Production Manager forms a dedicated team to run production, works on shift models and develops the supervisors and shift leaders. The Production Manager is responsible for leading production operations in a state-of-the-art premix ingredients facility (solid and liquid), ensuring full compliance with FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management System (FSMS) requirements. You are responsible for overseeing the daily operations on the production floor, ensuring that manufacturing processes run reliably and efficiently. You will also be responsible for managing a team of seven employees, ensuring quality standards are met, and optimizing productivity in accordance with HQ standards. This role requires balancing multiple priorities including production efficiency, team development, safety compliance, and consistent quality standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives. This position demands strong technical knowledge of premix manufacturing processes, exceptional leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex production schedules in a fast-paced environment.

Areas that play to your strengths

All the responsibilities we'll trust you with:

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  Leveraging automated dosing technology and SAP ERP systems to ensure traceability, accuracy, and compliance.

  Managing production during commissioning, ramp-up, and stabilized phases.
  Plan and organize the production process to ensure efficient and timely completion of manufacturing schedules.
  Monitor production to ensure that premixes are produced on time adhering to global standards.
  Implement rules and standards from HQ operations (Work through testing implementation and ramp up phases).
  Oversee execution of batch processing using automated ingredient dosing systems.
  Ensure all production activities comply with validated process parameters and control measures.
  Monitor and improve OEE, downtime, and cycle times for both solid and liquid premix.

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  Supervise and manage a team of production employees, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.

  Foster a positive and collaborative working environment, promoting teamwork and professional development.
  Lead and develop a high-performing production team of seven employees.
  Reinforce accountability for Food safety, Quality and Safety compliance.
  Support Production Supervisor in day-to-day execution and team development.
  Mentor the planner role to strategize and execute an optimized production plan to meet co-packer needs.

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  Ensure that all products meet the company's quality standards and regulatory requirements.

  Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to implement and maintain quality control procedures.
  Ensuring consistent execution of HACCP, PRPs, and operational controls.
  Ensure all employees are trained and competent in FSSC 22000 requirements, HACCP principles.
  Always lead by example to maintain GMP and hygiene standards.

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  Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer orders and optimize plant capacity utilization.

  Identify and implement improvements in the production process to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
  Use lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance productivity.
  Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvement.

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  Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations and maintain compliance with safety systems.

  Promote a safe work environment aligned with WorkSafe BC regulations.
  Ensure proper handling of ingredients, chemicals, and equipment with appropriate PPE.
  Conduct risk assessments and incident investigations to identify the root cause of accidents/incidents.
  Conduct regular safety audits and training sessions, also develop job standards analysis with H&S representatives.
  Establishing and maintaining a safety culture and function as a point person for health and safety audits.

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  Manage production resources, including raw materials, equipment, and labor, to optimize efficiency.

  Lead, train, and develop a team of six direct reports including production supervisors and shift leaders.
  Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching and mentoring, and address personnel issues promptly.
  Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement across the production teams.

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  Maintain accurate production records and prepare regular reports on production performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs).

  Analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
  Lead the daily management meetings and resolve matters through collaboration and communication.

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  Work closely with other departments, such as logistics, procurement, and quality assurance, HQ to ensure seamless operations.

  Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss production strategies and address any issues.
  Align with original premix plant to learn and share best practices to deliver consistent quality.

EXPERIENCE

Your areas of knowledge and expertise

that matter most for this role:

• 5-8 years progressive experience in manufacturing/production management with 2-3 years in supervisory roles.
• Experience in food manufacturing, chemical production, or premix/ingredient manufacturing would be an asset.
• Proven experience in managing a team of 10+ production staff.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficient in using production management software and tools (SAP, PLC, etc)
• Ability to analyze data and generate reports for daily management systems
• Knowledge of Canadian food safety standards, health and safety regulations, and labor laws.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean or Six Sigma, is an asset.
• Knowledge of Canadian building code, fire code, and environmental standards
• Knowledge of food industry standards (GMP, HACCP) and best practices (RCA) is an asset.
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Business Administration, Food Science, Chemistry, or related technical field. 
• Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Manufacturing certification, or CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) would be an asset. 
• This position operates in a manufacturing environment, which may include exposure to various food ingredients and production equipment.

• Travel 0-10%
• Permanent
• Benefits eligible