Manager, Production

Canadian Blood Services; Calgary; On-site; CAD 108,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health services organization in Calgary seeks a Manager, Production to oversee production and distribution operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation in manufacturing and a caring, people-first leadership approach. Responsibilities include process optimization, team leadership, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This full-time role offers a meaningful opportunity to impact lives daily, with a salary range of $108,493.00 - $125,026.00.

Benefits

Annual performance award up to 10%

Defined benefit pension plan

Employee discounts

Wellness program

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, production, or industrial engineering.
• Strong understanding of technical processes and systems thinking.
• Ability to lead with empathy and a commitment to people development.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction, leadership, and oversight for production and distribution operations.
• Apply lean thinking and continuous improvement to the supply chain.
• Lead a team of supervisors to ensure smooth production and distribution operations.

Skills

Process optimization

Leadership

Continuous improvement

Technical problem solving

Education

Post-secondary education in engineering, science, or technical field

Job description

Job category : Supply chain and logistics

Job posting ID : 7927

Employment status : Temporary full-time

Position's anticipated end date : 2028-09-29

Classification : PTS / MGT / IT B

Salary / Rate of pay : $108,493.00 - $125,026.00

Application deadline : 2025-11-14

Application requirements :

• Your up-to-date resume.
• Job specific cover letter.
• We recommend you save a copy of the job posting for reference throughout the recruitment process.

Be part of a dynamic, collaborative and caring organization committed to saving and improving lives. Thousands of patients depend on us every day for reliable access to safe blood, plasma, stem cells and organs and tissues.

If you are looking for a rewarding experience with a values and mission-driven team, join Canada’s Lifeline and make a meaningful difference.

We acknowledge that the work of Canadian Blood Services spans many Territories and Treaty areas across the country, and we are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who have guided us in this important work. We recognize the land and waters that have inspired our work and offer gratitude to those Indigenous peoples on whose territory we work, live and play.

About This Opportunity

Are you a manufacturing or industrial engineering professional who's ready to step into leadership? Do you love optimizing processes AND developing people?

Canadian Blood Services is seeking someone with strong technical manufacturing fundamentals and a people-first leadership approach to join our Supply Chain Operations West team as Manager, Production.

You might be the right fit if you :

• Have worked in manufacturing, production, or industrial engineering (any sector - automotive, pharma, electronics, food production, etc.)
• Understand process flow, lean concepts, waste elimination, and continuous improvement
• Love getting your hands dirty with complex technical problems
• Lead with empathy - you build people up rather than just directing them
• Believe that mistakes are learning opportunities, not reasons to criticize
• Are ready to step into formal people leadership (even if you haven't managed direct reports before)

What we'll develop together :

• Blood services industry specifics (we know this is unique!)
• GMP / Quality Assurance systems for our environment
• Budget management and strategic planning
• Leadership skills and management capabilities

What You'll Do

You’ll provide direction, leadership, and oversight for production and distribution operations across Alberta and Saskatchewan. Working closely with supervisors, team members, and cross-functional partners, you’ll ensure efficient, effective, and compliant operations.

Your key focus areas :

Drive Process Excellence :

• Apply lean thinking and continuous improvement to our supply chain
• Identify opportunities to optimize systems, workflows, and service delivery
• Use your technical background to solve complex operational problems
• Partner with cross-functional teams to strengthen operations across PRN and beyond

Build and Lead Your Team :

• Lead a team of supervisors to ensure smooth production and distribution operations
• Create a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and innovation
• Guide and mentor your team toward excellence
• Foster an inclusive environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered
• Make people leadership a strength, not just a requirement

Ensure Operational Integrity :

• Manage operations to meet or exceed regulatory requirements and organizational goals
• Oversee the approved budget for Production and Distribution
• Partner with functional departments on operational goals and performance metrics
• Maintain responsible and strategic stewardship of resources

What We're Looking For

Essential Qualifications

Technical Foundation :

• Post-secondary education in engineering, science, or technical field (or equivalent experience)
• Background in manufacturing, production, industrial engineering, or process improvement
• Strong understanding of technical processes and systems thinking
• Ability to grasp complex interdependencies across production, distribution, and business operations
• Familiarity with process optimization, lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement methodologies

Leadership Mindset :

• Demonstrated passion for people development and positive leadership
• Track record of building inclusive relationships and collaborative environments
• "People-first" mindset with a genuine commitment to team culture
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Natural ability to inspire and motivate others, even without formal management experience
• Belief in leading with empathy, accountability, and kindness

Professional Competencies :

• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Strong digital literacy (spreadsheets, automation tools, data analysis)
• High level of personal accountability and resilience
• Service-oriented approach to leadership
• Problem-solving orientation with ability to think creatively

Nice-to-Have :

• Experience in advanced production or manufacturing environments
• Exposure to GMP or Quality Assurance systems
• Budget or financial management experience
• Familiarity with quality systems like ISO, GMP, or regulatory frameworks
• Direct people management experience
• Knowledge of supply chain or logistics operations

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

What We Offer You

• Payment in lieu for vacation and benefits
• Annual performance award up to 10%
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources
• Supportive environment to grow your leadership skills
• Mission-driven work that saves lives every day

What You Can Expect

• This role is based at Canadian Blood Services, 2775 116 Ave NE, Calgary, AB
• Requirements to be on-site 100% of the time / 5 days of the week
• Travel is required for regional (Alberta and Saskatchewan) site visits and national meetings

We're looking for potential, not perfection. If you have the technical foundation and the heart for leadership, we want to hear from you.

Diversity and inclusion play a vital role in ensuring health equity for patients across Canada. We are committed to reflecting Canada’s population in our organization and fostering an environment where all employees can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities to succeed and contribute.

If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply by providing your up-to-date resume. This could be your first step towards a meaningful and inspiring career. Come to work each day knowing that you save lives.

Applicants who require accommodation should discuss their needs with us.