Manager, Operations Efficiencies

Lactalis Canada; Mitchell; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company recognized as one of Canada's Top Employers! As an Operations Efficiencies Manager, you will drive change management and implement best practices to optimize raw material management and enhance plant efficiency. Your role will involve coaching employees, leading continuous improvement projects, and collaborating with site leaders to achieve business targets. With a commitment to sustainability and employee growth, this innovative firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for professional development. Be part of a team that values your uniqueness and fosters a culture of belonging.

Benefits

4 Weeks of Vacation

Performance-Based Bonus System

Tuition Reimbursement Plan

Pension Program with Employer Match

Learning and Development Opportunities

Volunteer Day

Benefits Starting Day 1

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a similar role within the dairy industry.
• Strong knowledge of process and dairy equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in driving change and improvement efficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance plant efficiency.
• Perform audits to identify and reduce liquid losses.
• Train leaders on best practices in raw material management.

Skills

Problem Solving

Analytical Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

University Degree in Food Science or Engineering

Equivalent Work Experience

Tools

GMP (Gestion Matière Process)

Job description

Job Title: Operations Efficiencies Manager

Location: Mitchell, Ontario

Relocation assistance can be offered

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 like Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogurt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings. In fact, 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.

About the opportunity:

The Operations Efficiencies Manager will support a culture of change management and implement best practices in raw material management and continuous improvement at the site. Identify and drive strategies designed to improve plant mass balance, reduce losses and cost. Implement strategic initiatives agreed upon by management to completion. Train leaders on best practices that result in improvements in such areas as losses reduction, yields, efficiencies, raw materials and final outputs.

The attributes we are looking for:

• Perform material diagnostic audits on site, to identify and detect liquid losses, optimization of product recovery, standardization variances, and implement Lactalis best practices. Present site leaders with findings and improvement opportunities to support budget target and savings plan.
• Drive improvement processes in all areas of the plant (lean manufacturing) to reduce costs. Develop and implement tools and templates that can be used by site leaders to recognize cost saving areas within the scope of their responsibilities.
• Coach employees on the methods, philosophy, tools and techniques of process improvement, raw material best practices to better support the business in responding to challenges.
• Lead the standardization of site processes. Develop tools, training documents & best practices to be followed to streamline work and improve efficiency.
• Plan, lead & execute continuous improvement projects.
• Generate and trend weekly and monthly plant mass balance results by extracting and analyzing inter-site agreements, equipment, workshop, and material reports from GMP (Gestion Matière Process = Raw Material & Process management). Conduct root cause analysis by leading working group and assist by providing corrective actions and explanations on butterfat, protein, SNF and solid variances.
• Implement key performance indicators and controls to build a framework that measures results and supports the overall site objectives. Train leaders to identify and support teams to be experts in their area and find improvement opportunities.
• Partner with site leaders to meet business targets aligned with site location objectives by identifying areas & projects that improve efficiency.

What you will bring:

• University degree (or equivalent level of work experience)
• Degree/Diploma in Food Science, Engineering or related field
• 3-5 years relevant experience in similar role and industry
• Excellent problem solving, analytical and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of process and dairy equipment an attribute
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing
• Communication skills both orally and in writing and effectively present material to multiple stakeholders
• Ability to work in cross functional teams and driving change
• Demonstrated project management experience
• Effective leadership skills and the ability to influence others
• Ability to adapt and manage multiple priorities that often conflict
• Demonstrated experience driving change and improvement efficiencies

What Lactalis will offer:

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

• A Competitive Base Salary
• A Performance-Based Bonus System
• 4 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

Our ESG commitment:

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.

Our commitment to DEI:

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 (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), 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.