Operational Excellence Manager - Dairy Warehouse

Lactalis Canada; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company in Ontario is seeking a Manager of Operational Efficiencies to support change management and implement Lean Manufacturing practices. The successful candidate will drive improvement processes, lead cross-functional teams, and develop tools to enhance operational effectiveness. The role requires a university degree and 5 years of relevant experience. A competitive salary, benefits, and a performance-based bonus system will be offered.

Benefits

Competitive Base Salary

Performance-Based Bonus

4 Weeks of Vacation

Benefits starting day 1

Pension Program with Employer Match

Tuition reimbursement up to $3,000/year

Volunteer Day

Learning and Development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5 years relevant experience in similar role and industry.
• Experience in a food warehouse, ideally dairy.
• Ability to adapt and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Support change management and implement best practices.
• Drive improvement processes in all areas of the facility.
• Lead the standardization of site processes.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Communication

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Education

University Degree in Business, Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Title: Manager, Operational Efficiencies

Location: Oshawa

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. 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 from lean manufacturing to the site. Identify and drive strategies designed to reduce cost and/or grow revenue. Implement strategic initiatives agreed upon by management to completion and ensure the desired outcome is recognized in the P&L. Train leaders on best practices that result in improvements in such areas as yields, use of human capital, direct/indirect spend, efficiencies, raw materials and final outputs.

The attributes we are looking for:

• Drive improvement processes in all areas of the facility (lean manufacturing) to reduce costs. Develop and implement tools and templates that can be used (fishbone, SMED, RCA, TPM, etc.) 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 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 efficiencies.
• Plan, lead & execute continuous improvement projects that positively impact the P&L using a Lean methodology.
• 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 efficiencies.
• Lead cross functional teams to implement the best structure and culture in regards of lean manufacturing (training, engagement, and optimization of the resources).
• Support the implementation of a site objective plan by developing clearly defined deliverables for each site leader that is aligned to the established site objectives.
• Implement a strong selection process for key operator roles. Coordinate effective progress reviews with supervisors and trainees to confirm qualified employees.

What you will bring:

• University Degree in business, engineering or related field
• Five (5) years relevant experience in similar role and industry experience in Lean Manufacturing / TPM/ 6Sigma
• Experience in a food warehouse, ideally dairy
• Strong communication skills both orally and in writing and effectively present material to multiple stakeholders
• Proven strength in leading high performing cross functional teams and driving change
• Demonstrated project management experience
• Effective leadership skills and the ability to influence others
• Proven ability to develop and motivate teams
• Ability to adapt and manage multiple priorities that often conflict
• Excellent problem solving, analytical and decision making skills
• 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. We apply an equal access to employment program and invite women, aboriginal people, visible minorities, and people with disabilities to apply.

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.