Vice President Manufacturing

The Vice President Manufacturing, Canada Cheese & Ingredients (C&I) Category, is responsible for leading the overall manufacturing strategy of our C&I plant network across Canada. This position is a key member of the Global Operations leadership team and will report directly to the SVP Global Operations with a matrix relationship to the C&I Category Commercial Vice‑President. This role is responsible for leading systems, processes, and talent to optimize operations and embrace a performance‑based culture as it relates to safety, quality, people, delivery, cost, and pursuit of operational excellence. Role will manage a diverse team to develop talent, establish short‑and‑long‑term objectives and priorities, and set and measure KPIs and metrics. This position will work closely with other senior leaders across the business and work to ensure our systems, talent, and processes keep pace with our fast growth and dynamic environment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provide strategic and tactical leadership and direction to the Canadian Cheese & Ingredients Category Plant Manufacturing Leadership team (~8 sites) Set strategic goals for operational efficiency and increased productivity while providing clear direction and vision to inspire and empower staff to achieve excellence. Responsible for driving KPI’s and plant performance in terms of safety, quality, on‑time delivery, inventory, and cost while collaborating globally and cross‑functionally to accomplish business objectives. Analyze existing systems, processes, staffing, equipment, and materials to develop strategies to increase throughput, identify cost reductions, and improve scheduling and profitability. Lead adoption of the Agropur Operating System (AOS) throughout the organization to improve quality, delivery, cost, and innovation with a continuous improvement mind‑set. Effectively communicate key strategies, decisions, operational challenges and countermeasures up and across the organization. Partner with HC to identify strategies to develop, promote and retention key talent in the organization through engagement, communication, change and performance management initiatives. Establish annual targets and / or budgets based upon key performance indicators and in alignment with Agropur’s strategic plan. Responsible for delivering on financial commitments. Partner with the Product Development / Commercial teams to develop new products and ensure customer needs are met. Drive a culture that upholds our values, continuous improvement, accountability, and high performance. Continue to build and develop a highly engaged, high‑performing, growth‑oriented organization. Other Duties and Responsibilities Supervisory Responsibilities Responsible for positive employee relations, employee engagement and inclusion, leading a performance driven culture, and adhering to Agropur’s talent management practices. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies, procedures and guidelines. Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices. Safety Protocol Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures. Correct or report any observed safety hazards. Support safety policies and programs. This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time. Qualifications Education Required Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemistry or related field required. Master’s degree in Business Management preferred. Equivalent combination of education and / or experience may be considered. Experience Required Minimum fifteen (15) years of demonstrated experience in leadership or management required, preferably in dairy or food industry. Minimum ten (10) years of experience at a senior / executive level required. Proven leader in multi‑discipline, multi‑site operations (global experience preferred), and ability to lead an organization through transformational change. Prior experience in a Lean or Six Sigma culture where the focus is on continuous improvement and / or experience with operational excellence programs (i.e. IWS and TPM) Proven track record to work cross‑functionally and within matrix organizations to achieve business outcomes. Ability to travel up to 50% (domestic and international). Skills Required High level of leadership skills including strategic thinking, fostering teamwork, cultivating relationships, and demonstrable experience leading teams through change. Knowledge in business acumen, understanding of current and future policies, practices, trends, technology and information affecting the organization, familiarity with the competition, and comprehension of how strategies work in marketplace. Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with executives, managers, colleagues and individuals inside and outside the organization. Makes good decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experience and judgement; most solutions are correct and accurate when judged over time. Demonstrate ability to drive organization change through strong interpersonal and communication skills and formal problem‑solving techniques. Is proactive in considering staffing and succession needs, hires the best people, is not afraid of selecting strong people, assembles talented staffs. High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation. Effective formal presentation skills, commands attention, and can manage group process during the presentation. Implement processes to organize and complete tasks, organize people and activities to support the process flow, ability to measure process success, insight to see opportunities for synergy and integration, and the aptitude to simplify complex processes. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines. Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Word, Outlook and field‑specific software. SAP experience and / or implementation preferred. Advanced math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, comparative analysis, measurements, statistical analysis, regression analysis, calculus). Knowledge of dairy processing highly desirable. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment. Exhibit a professional manner in collaborating with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships. Core Competencies Create a customer centric experience; dedication to providing the highest quality services which meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers. Drive continuous improvement; while embracing change that comes with it, always find better ways to perform work; strive to innovate. Being accountable; can be counted on to commit and achieve goals successfully. Build strong teams; creating a climate in which people feel empowered to be their best. Lead self‑development; committed to and actively work to continuously improve personally and professionally. Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants. We will work with candidates who request accommodation. Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec. In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text. #J-18808-Ljbffr