Director of Production

As the Director, Production, you will play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining partnerships with co-manufacturers to ensure the efficient and effective production of our products. You will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end co-manufacturing process, from selection and onboarding of partners to ongoing relationship management and performance optimization. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to drive quality, innovation, and cost-effectiveness across our co-manufacturing network. This role reports to the Senior Director, Supply Chain and will be hybrid in Vancouver, BC.

**Who Are We?**

SmartSweets is revolutionizing the candy industry by innovating the delicious candy you know and love with less sugar. We are passionate about growing and championing a diverse Squad of high-performing individuals and are fueled by our sweet culture. We are proudly Female-Founded and on our way to kicking 5.5 billion grams of excess sugar out of candy in a single year, what we call our Mission to Mars.

**How You Will Support Our Mission (Responsibilities)**:

- Single point of accountability and primary internal contact for all manufacturing activities
- Major contributor to implementation of network and/or specific manufacturing changes (product innovations, packaging changes, formula changes, productivity projects, product transfers, etc.)
- Develop, review and manage manufacturing contract SLAs and contribute to manufacturing proposal reviews for new and existing innovations
- Annual Operation Planning execution and monthly budget variance analysis, including review and governance for pricing, spend and obsolescence
- Track and analyze production metrics to identify trends, issues, and areas for improvement
- Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them effectively
- Develop and implement standardized processes, systems and procedures to streamline co-manufacturing operations
- Regularly communicate with partners to address issues, provide feedback, and develop and drive continuous improvement
- Capacity and capabilities management and execution with supplier/business partners
- Ensuring quality protocols, guidelines and metrics are implemented and adhered to
- Collaborate with internal departments to ensure operational deliverables are met
- Invoicing/PO approval accuracy and timeliness
- Develop team members and promote a culture of continuous learning and innovation, championing professional development to support long-term career aspirations
- Travel required across North America up to 10% of the time

**What You Bring (Qualifications & Experience)**:

- + 5 years experience in CPG Manufacturing at a management level, preferably in the food industry
- Expert level MS Excel, experience with Netsuite (ERP) is an asset
- Self-motivated and excited to excel within a fast-paced company, comfortable adapting to and driving change
- Must have the ability to travel across North America
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Food Science, or related field an asset
- Proven track record of successfully managing manufacturing operations and driving continuous improvement initiatives
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, execute, and monitor projects within scope, budget, and timeline
- Financial acumen, with experience in budget management, variance analysis, and pricing governance
- Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop team members
- Proficiency in data analysis and problem-solving, with the ability to interpret data to make informed decisions and drive improvements
- Experience in risk management and implementing strategies to mitigate potential risks
- Professionalism, initiative & drive for results

**Compensation and Sweet Perks (Benefits)**:

- Bear Benefits (aka. free candy)
- Bonus based on personal & company performance
- Extended health and dental benefits and EAP
- Paid Vacation Days
- 5 Paid Restore Days (aka. sick days)
- 2 Gummy Days (aka. personal days)
- SweetWeek (aka. company shutdown in December)
- Life, Work, Flow Philosophy (aka. flexible work environment)
- Summer FriYAYs (aka. half days off on Friday in the summer)
- Monthly Cell Phone bill reimbursement
- Home Allowance to optimise your remote workspace
- Parental Leave Top Up Program (inclusive to all parents)
- Individual Development Program and funding
- Community Love (aka. paid Volunteer Day)
- Puppy Friendly Office
- Regular Squad Social Events
- **Our Commitment to Celebrating Individuality - Representation & Inclusion**_
- We are committed to elevating the voices of Squad and community members on the mission to Kick Sugar, Keep Candy We believe representing the uniqueness of all makes us stronger as a whole. We are making a difference by encouraging all Squad Members to practise allyship, educat