Vice President Manufacturing

Vice President Manufacturing Location: Canada – Quebec, St‑Hubert. Full‑time. Job Requisition: JR30430. 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 reports directly to the SVP Global Operations with a matrix relationship to the C&I Category Commercial Vice‑President. The role leads systems, processes, and talent to optimise operations and embrace a performance‑based culture related to safety, quality, people, delivery, cost, and pursuit of operational excellence. It manages a diverse team to develop talent, establish short‑ and long‑term objectives, set and measure KPIs and metrics. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Set strategic goals for operational efficiency and increased productivity while providing clear direction and vision to inspire and empower staff to achieve excellence. Drive KPIs and plant performance in terms of safety, quality, on‑time delivery, inventory, and cost while collaborating globally and cross‑functionally to accomplish business objectives. Analyse 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. Communicate key strategies, decisions, operational challenges and counter‑measures up and across the organization. Partner with HC to identify strategies to develop, promote and retain key talent 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; deliver on financial commitments. Collaborate 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; build and develop a highly engaged, high‑performing, growth‑oriented organization. Supervisory responsibilities: responsible for positive employee relations, 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 and safety protocol. Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures, correct or report any observed safety hazards, and support safety policies and programs. Qualifications Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemistry or related field. Master’s degree in Business Management preferred. Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered. Experience Required: Minimum 15 years of leadership or management experience, preferably in dairy or food industry; minimum 10 years at a senior/executive level. Proven leader in multi‑discipline, multi‑site operations with global experience preferred, and ability to lead transformational change. Prior experience in Lean or Six Sigma culture with focus on continuous improvement or operational excellence programs. Proven track record of cross‑functional work within matrix organisations to achieve business outcomes. Ability to travel up to 50% (domestic and international). Skills Required: High‑level leadership skills including strategic thinking, fostering teamwork, cultivating relationships, and demonstrable experience leading teams through change. Strong organisational and time‑management skills. Effective verbal and written communication with executives, managers and colleagues. Sound decision‑making based on analysis, wisdom, experience and judgement. Ability to drive organisational change through interpersonal and communication skills and formal problem‑solving techniques. Proactive in staffing and succession planning. Strong interpersonal skills for handling sensitive and confidential situations. Effective presentation skills. Ability to organise and complete tasks, manage projects simultaneously under pressure. Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Office, and field‑specific software. SAP experience preferred. Advanced maths skills. Knowledge of dairy processing highly desirable. Core Competencies: Create a customer‑centric experience; dedication to providing the highest quality services. Drive continuous improvement and embrace change. Accountability and commitment to achieving goals. Build strong teams and empower them. Lead self‑development and continuous personal and professional improvement. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr