Plant Manager (Food)

Pan-Pacific Personnel Inc.; Barrie; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group insurance from day 1 (extended health, dental, vision care)

On-site parking available

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Barrie, Ontario, is seeking a Plant Manager. The successful candidate will lead and develop all plant operations, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. They will manage production schedules, drive operational excellence, and build a high-performing team. The role requires 7–10 years of relevant experience, strong leadership skills, and a Bachelor's degree in a related field. Compensation is competitive with benefits from day one after a probation period.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations.
• Experience in managing production operations and performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations including production and logistics.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and audit readiness.
• Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement methodologies.

Skills

Leadership in food manufacturing

Knowledge of HACCP

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

ERP systems experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Job Title: Plant Manager (Food)

Reference #: PFPMON040226

Duration of Employment: Permanent Full-time

Employer: International Food Manufacturer

Location: Barrie, ON (public transit not available, you will need your own vehicle. On-site parking available.)

Starting Date: End of March to April

Training will be provided at the company’s Vancouver facility for the first 3 months.

Probation: 3 months

Work hours: At the initial start-up phase, all employees will work 9:00am - 5:30pm. In the future, when the operation transitions to a two-line system, a two-shift rotation will be implemented as follows: Early Shift: 5:30am - 2:00pm, Late Shift: 2pm - 10:30pm. Production Manager is highly likely to be assigned to the early shift (starting at 5:30am). (30 min. meal break + 20 min. paid coffee break).

Compensation: $75-82K/yr (DOE)

Benefits: Group insurance from day 1 (extended health, dental, vision care, prescription drugs) after 3-month probation period

Main Job Duties

• Lead, manage, and develop all plant operations including production, maintenance, sanitation, quality, warehousing, and logistics.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP, FDA, USDA, GMP, SQF, FSMA) and maintain audit readiness at all times.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Manage production schedules to meet customer demand while minimizing downtime and waste.
• Monitor KPIs and take corrective actions to meet plant performance goals including efficiency, yield, labor productivity, cost control, and quality.
• Oversee the implementation of health and safety programs; ensure OSHA compliance and promote a safety-first culture.
• Coordinate with QA/QC teams to maintain the highest standards of product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and manage plant budgets, capital projects, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Build and lead a high-performing team through effective communication, training, and performance management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments such as R&D, Supply Chain, and HR to support business objectives.
• Serve as the point of contact for internal and external audits and inspections.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, FDA/USDA regulations, and food safety programs.
• Proven success in managing production operations, people development, and performance metrics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing technologies.
• Must hold a valid forklift license; support will be provided to renew an expired license if required.
• Able to lift up to 50lbs. (Occasionally)
• Ability to work in a production environment (temperature variations, noise, standing/walking for extended periods).
• Availability to work flexible hours as needed to meet operational demands.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree a plus).
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada – No visa support from the employer.
• Able to work on Sat/Sun if necessary.

*Please apply only if you possess all of the requirements.

* Please visit https://www.panpacialpersonnel.com, go to 'POSITION AVAILABLE', click ‘Production Manager (Food)’ and apply.

* We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.