Director, Global Operational Excellence

**Changing the World, One Kibble at a Time**

Champion Petfoods is expanding We are excited to announce we are looking for a Director, Global Operational Excellence to join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion - with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands - is a key player in the global premium pet food industry. Our purpose, To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime, provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us - and the environment that sustains us - are top priorities.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

**Here’s the scoop - Summary**

The Director, Global Operational Excellence is responsible for Supply Chain strategy development, planning and deployment, and managing the overall change agenda for the Supply Chain team. This role drives Supply Chain performance improvement (FFG - Fuel for Growth), the operational excellence program, and the implementation of TPM and Lean operating systems. This role coordinates the overall cadence of the Supply Leadership Team, in support of the Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Reporting to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, this role will be located in Edmonton, AB in Canada or in Nashville, TN or Bowling Green, KY in the US.

**What a typical day looks like**:

- Collaborate with the cross functional partners to deliver exceptional performance
- Manages FFG pipeline sufficiency
- Ensure Lean and TPM solutions that enhance total pipeline performance
- Drive measurements, standards, and reporting to foster continuous improvement environment
- Maximize asset utilization through capacity planning and lean design
- Ensure effective project management skills within team
- Drive innovation solutions for our internal business
- Develop and foster a High Performance Team structure that supports team culture, cross-functional team work and provides strategic and tactical leadership to the Supply Chain team.
- Recruit, educate and develop a diverse group of high caliber associates.
- Ensure a robust talent pipeline including team succession plans.
- Identify and close competency skill gaps in the Operations/Supply Chain team.
- Champion effectiveness and functional competency building in the Operations/Supply Chain team.
- Motivate associates through skills development and responsibility in a professional environment.
- Manage, encourage, and reward appropriate risk taking and innovative thinking.
- Create a winning environment through high levels of associate engagement.
- Other duties as assigned.

**What are we looking for?**
- Bachelors degree in Engineering; advanced degree in Engineering or MBA preferred.
- Advanced training (obtained either outside or inside) in food safety, supply chain practices, Capital Appropriations Budget management, Lean principles, and SIOP.
- 10-15 years experience in applicable technical business position in food, beverage, pharmaceutical or related industry.
- Advanced working knowledge of consumer goods, operations & engineering.
- Working knowledge of business financials & performance and marketing.
- Supply chain management experience.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with other departments and key business partners.
- Demonstrated experience in change management / transformational projects.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Good interpersonal skills with ability to work successfully with diverse groups, including ability to accept and integrate constructive feedback.
- Strong organizational abilities, including planning, prioritizing, and execution skills, with ability to successfully manage and complete projects on time and within budget.
- Effective time-management skills with ability to plan and prioritize in order to meet deadlines and achieve objectives, both independently and within a team environment.
- Good judgment and strong decision-making abilities.
- Advanced knowledge of corporate capital management.
- Multi-unit, segment and/or site experience.
- Ability to travel up to 40%.
- Proven track record developing strategies, projects and associates.

**What can you expect from Champion?**
- Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
- Earnings: Competitive Wages that give financial peace of mind, RRSP with Company, and donation matching.
- Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and employee assistance programs to meet your individual or family needs.
- Continuing Education: In house & online learning & development, as