Operational Excellence (OPEX) Manager

Location:  Torlake 
Employment Type:  Salaried 
Work Arrangement:  Onsite 
Employment Status: Full-time
Vacancy Type:  Addition and Replacement

Position Summary:

The OPEX Manager will be responsible for accelerating the OPEX change efforts at their assigned production plant by leading organizational/leadership development processes, promoting employee engagement, and driving quality and productivity improvements. As part of the Plant Leadership Team the OPEX Manager will provide necessary coaching to the team and other individuals regarding organizational effectiveness, operational improvements, and execution of best practices. Monitor progress and advance the transformation to world class over time through continued coaching. Provide support to location personnel to make certain that progress meets location targets.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for implementing strategy and guiding advancement of OPEX at assigned production location. 
• Collaborate with the Production Manager(s), Quality Managers, and others at the location to develop the sites business plans, priorities/goals and use this knowledge to prioritize Continuous Improvement activity at the production location. 
• Be a role model for the Mindsets and Behaviors necessary to create an environment of trust, participation and accountability.
• Consult with OPEX Methodology Leaders to identify best practices and to simplify and standardize work to deliver improved performance. 
• Actively review site practices to identify opportunities and advise on appropriate organizational interventions (i.e. training, coaching, etc.) for improving site systems and practices to achieve desired outcomes. 
• Guide locations in determining the priorities for process improvements that impact production and business results and champion waste elimination and reduction.
• Build a coaching culture and provide individual coaching to site and above site leadership throughout the change and transformation process.
• Monitor Improvement progress and sustain transformational gains over time through continued metric review and consultation with key stakeholders.
• Responsible for the oversight and direct supervision of the Fuel for Growth projects that will deliver >3% savings per year.
• Lead Improvement Projects utilizing standardized OPEX tools and methods to improve plant performance and achieve results for operations customers. 

Education and Experience:

• College diploma or a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations, or comparable technical field; or 3 - 5 years in a Business improvement role and/or operations experience 
• Professional certifications and experience especially helpful in the field of OPEX, World Class Manufacturing, World Class Operations, IWS, TPM, Autonomous Maintenance, Training Development, Organizational Development, Coaching, Lean and Change Management 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of production operations, particularly at the plant level 
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and implement organizational and cultural change and deliver results
• Be a recognized role model in key leadership development skills of feedback, coaching, listening, empowerment, and difficult conversations 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills which include building rapport and maintaining strong relationships across all levels, sensitivity to individual and team needs, collaborating effectively to accomplish work, effective facilitation and teaching skills
• Effective with coaching and influencing individuals and teams without authority 
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and solution focused problem solving skills 
• Results oriented with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret information from a variety of sources
• Project management capability with effective time management skills and ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities 
• Ability to see the big picture translating details into an organizational perspective
• Knowledge and strong working competence in MS Office toolset 

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits, with coverage beginning on your 1st day of employment.

• Health, Prescription Drugs, Dental & Vision
• RRSP Program
• Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short & Long Term Disability, Out of Country/Emergency Medical Travel, and other optional benefits.
• Employee Appreciation Events​ and Employee Assistance Programs
• College Assistance Program
• Annual salary Base Range of $88,545.00 - $113,890.35*
• Annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions)

*The “base salary range” provided above is a good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position in the specified markets. Ventura Foods Canada reserves the right to pay outside of the given range based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: candidate skills and experience, complexity of the job, budgetary factors, and location/geography. Ventura Foods Canada conducts regular reviews of compensation ranges and therefore reserves the right to alter this range at any given time.

Physical Demands:
All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:
Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

• Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
• Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
• Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Our Culture
Our Culture reflects our commitment to treating every employee with respect and creating an environment where people can do their best work. We rely on a variety of strengths, backgrounds, and experiences across our teams to help us innovate, grow, and deliver for our customers. By fostering a workplace that is supportive, collaborative, and grounded in integrity, we continue to attract strong talent and meet the high expectations of a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Ventura Foods Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds. We welcome and encourage all qualified applicants to apply. Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Ventura Foods Canada may use AI in certain steps of the recruitment process.