Production Manager

**Position**: Production Manager
**Location**: Oakville, Ontario
**Status**: Full-time, Permanent (1)

Quadra is one of the largest distributors of chemicals and ingredients in North America. We have facilities strategically located across Canada and the United States to service our customers. Our Oakville, Ontario facility, part of our Ingredients division, specializes in developing, commercializing, and producing high-quality and functional food ingredient dry blends sold across various market segments. This is also the location of our R&D and Applications lab where the team supports not only our manufacturing business but also our distribution business through technical support, concept development and other innovation inspiration for our customers.

We are currently recruiting a seasoned Production Manager that has a passion for maintaining high-quality standards and continuous improvement initiatives. Reporting to the Regional Manufacturing Operations & Continuous Improvement Manager, the Production Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations, while fostering high performance and continuous improvement methodologies in productivity, safety, and profitability.

As a Production Manager, you will manage and supervise operations personnel to ensure the manufacture of high quality and cost-effective products that meet the expectations and needs of customers while ensuring a safe working environment for employees. We are looking for a charismatic leader with experience in the food production/manufacturing industry. We're looking for a self-motivated individual who's not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get involved on the floor.

What would be your main responsibilities as a Production Manager?:
People Leadership
- Oversee the daily operations and goals of a team comprising approximately 20+ direct operations and distribution employees
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the operations, while managing the day-to-day operations
- Provide training and development opportunities to foster the growth and skill development of the production team
- Collaborate effectively with department heads to ensure smooth execution of production schedules and meet customer demands
- Lead recruitment efforts, talent management, and assist with the development of our human development programs

Productivity & Process Improvements
- Develop and utilize operational analytics to monitor and measure performance, aiding in problem-solving and operational optimization
- Lead and execute improvement projects aimed at enhancing overall production processes and identifying cost-saving opportunities
- Implement industry standards and best practices as it relates to production process developments, risk assessment and system requirements

Quality & Safety Initiatives
- Maintain a primary focus on employee safety and product quality while seeking ways to enhance efficiency and lower unit costs
- Foster the development of production quality and control systems to uphold the highest quality standards
- Monitor and assess safety margins and cultures through internal committees, ensuring compliance with industry standards
- Develop and uphold sustainability, environmental, health and safety practices
- Collaborate closely with our internal teams to sustain the highest level of food safety standards
- Ensure compliance with GMP, BRCS, and other regulatory and customer quality and safety requirements

What are the requirements needed to have success in this role?:

- Hold a post-secondary degree/diploma in a relevant field such as Engineering or Food Science, or equivalent industry experience
- Possess at least 8 to 10 years’ of proven management experience within manufacturing or production environments
- Experienced leader with effective communication capabilities to communicate to all levels of the organization
- Proven leader that works effectively in a teamwork-oriented, high-performance culture, delivering results while providing exemplary customer service to both internal and external stakeholders
- Strong experience and understanding of the food manufacturing/production process with stringent quality requirements
- Knowledge of machinery, equipment, and technology relevant to the food production/manufacturing industry
- Strong organization skills with a proven experience to plan and coordinate production schedules, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to meet production targets
- Proven problem-solving skills to face challenges such as quality issues, supply chain disruptions, equipment
- Demonstrate effective communication skills and flexible time management to prioritize workload effectively
- Show a willingness to provide hands-on support and leadership on the plant floor
- Experienced to manage change and challenges while maintaining consistency and stability
- Possess experience and background in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
- Knowledge or experience with food science certifications such a