Manager Production

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Vancouver seeks a Manager, Production to oversee operations within the Supply Chain. This role is crucial for optimizing processes while fostering a team culture that values leadership and empowerment. Ideal candidates will have experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering, with a strong technical foundation and a passion for developing people. Responsibilities include ensuring operational integrity, compliance, and team mentorship, contributing significantly to community health and safety initiatives.

Benefits

4 weeks' vacation

Annual performance award up to 10%

Comprehensive health benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Employee discounts and wellness program

Qualifications

• Proven experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering.
• Strong understanding of technical processes and systems thinking.
• Ability to grasp complex interdependencies across operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction and leadership for production and distribution operations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational goals.
• Build a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

Skills

Technical manufacturing fundamentals

People development

Process optimization

Lean concepts

Complex problem solving

Education

Post-secondary education in engineering or technical field

Job description

Overview

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Job category: Supply chain and logistics

Job posting ID: 7873

Employment status: Regular full-time

Position's anticipated start date:

Number of positions available: 1

Classification: MGMT

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

Application deadline: Will be posted until filled

• This external job posting may close earlier than the advertised deadline. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

Application requirements

• Your up-to-date resume.
• Job specific cover letter. Help us understand:
• Your manufacturing/technical background and key accommplishements
• Examples of how you've led, mentored, or influences others (formally or informally)
• Why you're interested in stepping into people leadership
• What excites you about this misson-driven role
• We recommend you save a copy of the job posting for reference throughout the recruitment process.

Do you currently work for Canadian Blood Services? All employees must apply via the internal career page.

Together, we can make all the difference in the lives of others.

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.

Here's what makes this role different: This isn't just about managing operations - it's about building a team culture where people feel valued, empowered, and accountable. We're looking for someone who can both optimize our production and distribution department AND create an environment where team members thrive.

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

Your role

What You’ll Do

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

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 BCY 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

• 4 weeks' vacation
• Annual performance award up to 10%
• Comprehensive group health, dental and vision benefits for you and your family
• 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, 4750 Oak St, Vancouver, BC
• Requirements to be on-site 100% of the time/5 days of the week
• Travel is required for regional 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.

This position must meet the Trustworthiness and Reliability Verification requirements of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and is subject to criminal records and employment verification checks.

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! This could be your next step towards a meaningful and inspiring career. Come to work each day knowing that you save lives.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those considered for an interview or those invited to participate in an assessment will be contacted. Applicants who require accommodation should discuss their needs with us.