Director, Supply Chain Network Dev & Continuous Improvement

Lactalis Canada; Ontario; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company in Ontario is seeking a Director, Supply Chain Network Development & Continuous Improvement to enhance operations and drive strategic initiatives. This pivotal role requires project management expertise and leadership skills to optimize supply chain processes. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of relevant experience and a strong background in continuous improvement methodologies. Competitive salary and benefits offered, including a flexible hybrid work model.

Benefits

Competitive Base Salary

Performance-Based Bonus

5 Weeks of Vacation

Pension Program with Employer Match

Tuition reimbursement plan

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in project management within Supply Chain or Operations.
• Proven leadership experience with knowledge of Supply Chain networks.
• Ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support the SVP in developing long-term strategic plans.
• Manage large-scale projects from inception to completion.
• Lead initiatives for continuous improvement in operations.

Skills

Leadership experience

Project management

Continuous improvement methodology

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science, Engineering, Business, or related degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

PowerBI

Job description

Overview

Position: Director, Supply Chain Network Dev & Continuous Improvement

Location: Etobicoke, Ontario

About Us

Welcome to Lactalis Canada – where we take pride in being recognized as one of 2025 GTA's Top Employers! As well as Forbes Canada, Top Canadian Employers for 2025! Our journey revolves around enhancing the lives of Canadians through a rich variety of dairy delights, including some of Canadian’s favourite dairy brands such as Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogurt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings. We’re proud to say our products grace the shelves of an incredible 94% of Canadian households. With a 140-year legacy driven by innovation and unwavering quality, we’re seeking like-minded individuals to join us in shaping our next chapter. Our flexible hybrid work model accommodates 40% remote work, adapting to the evolving needs of our workforce. Step into a collaborative hub with our revamped office, and enjoy free parking, endless coffee, delicious Lactalis snacks, an on-site gym, and more.

The Opportunity

The Director, Supply Chain Network Development and Continuous Improvement plays a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role requires strong project management skills and operational knowledge with the ability to build strong relationships with all partners, to deliver best in class results. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, this role is instrumental in delivering the Supply Chain strategy for the organization.

The incumbent supports the Supply Chain Leadership Team in setting the strategy to make Lactalis Canada’s Supply Chain Network agile and support the company’s long-term vision. As such, the Director is responsible to identify and manage specific projects to align the distribution operations strategy to the overall Lactalis Canada strategy. The Director leads the deployment and implementation of infrastructure, systems and process improvement projects that will improve our service levels, make our operations more resilient and optimize our operational costs.

Responsibilities

• Network Planning & Development: Support the SVP Supply Chain in developing and implementing the long-term strategic plans which support the corporate strategic road map. Including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives to drive sustainability and corporate responsibility. Lead network studies to assess and align network’s capacity with current and future needs. Articulate proper strategy to identify core projects to prioritize.
• Project Management: Manage complex large-scale projects from inception to completion, by using project management methodology to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Lead the development and execution of the Supply Chain Excellence road map in collaboration with colleagues. Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives, through the application of methodologies such as lean manufacturing, six-sigma, waste reduction, benchmarking, performance assessments and more, that will result in operational efficiencies, and realized annual cost savings. Ensure the development, implementation, and sustained adoption of operational best practices. Oversee the delivery of Infrastructure, IT, Operational and Building Maintenance projects pertaining to Supply Chain.
• Be a Collaborative Partner: Lead and direct Supply Chain improvement projects/action plans. Drive operational excellence to optimize service and cost by working closely with cross functional leaders and teams (Commercial, Sales, Industrial, HR, Finance, IT, etc.). Collaborate with key business stakeholders to positively influence and gather inputs into department strategy ensuring efforts are aligned to optimize results, processes, and ways of working.
• Data Analytics: Leverage existing and available data to identify opportunities, measure improvement and align Key Performance Indicators with collaborators to overall strategy and objectives.
• Build a culture of accountability: Ensure compliance to policies and training programs, develop and foster adherence to standard operating procedures, and in partnership with the leadership team, support the management of OPEX and related CAPEX budgets.
• CAPEX/Facility Maintenance: Lead the management of the total Supply Chain CAPEX program including all network development, productivity, and general maintenance projects.
• People Leadership: perform all aspects of people leadership including attracting, developing, and retaining talent to support and build the Supply Chain Network Development team of professionals. This team includes both the Network Development and Facility Maintenance colleagues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science, Engineering, Business, or other related university degree
• Proven leadership experience, ideally in an engineering role with extensive knowledge of Supply Chain networks and systems
• 10+ years of experience in project management within Supply Chain or Operations
• Demonstrated experience with continuous improvement methodology and change management
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodology and budgeting techniques with the ability to monitor, manage and control all costs/cost trends and provide reliable forecasts
• Ability to communicate effectively to engage and influence all key stakeholders
• Ability to develop highly performing people and teams by managing and enhancing their performance, development, morale, and results
• Self-motivated with a strong results orientation based on solid analytical thinking and judgment
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively within and across functions to achieve ambitious goals
• Proficient with WMS/TMS/Order Management and Planning systems
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools, Project Management tools, SAP, and PowerBI software
• Engaging leader with ability to act as a positive role model, influencing and motivating others and enhancing their ability to contribute to the organizational goals
• Effective communicator with ability to positively influence all key stakeholders
• Leadership capability that delivers results in a fast-paced environment
• French Speaking is an asset

This job description is intended to summarize the overall level of responsibility of the job and is not an exhaustive list of all the duties performed.

What Lactalis will offer

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:

• A Competitive Base Salary
• Company Vehicle or Car Allowance
• A Performance-Based Bonus System
• 5 Weeks of Vacation
• Benefits starting day 1
• A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%
• Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year
• A Volunteer Day to give back to your community
• Learning and Development opportunities
• A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility

ESG & DEI

Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.

At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.

Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities.

Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability, please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.

Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we'll contact you after signing a Job Offer.