Plant Manager – Food Production

Lock Search Group; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Extended health benefits

Job summary

Lock Search Group, a growth‑oriented food manufacturer in the Greater Vancouver Region, seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead the production operation. Reporting to the COO, you will drive safety, quality, and efficiency while introducing lean initiatives and coaching a diverse workforce.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in food manufacturing, SQF/HACCP knowledge, ERP experience, and a track record of optimizing processes and delivering results in a non‑union facility.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• SQF & HACCP environment knowledge.
• Proven track record of improving operational performance.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset and process optimization experience.
• Experience with ERP systems and implementing new systems.
• Familiarity with Canadian labour laws and health & safety regulations.
• Degree in food science, engineering, or business administration is a plus.
• Eligible to work in Canada without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all day-to-day plant operations to meet safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency targets.
• Lead production, maintenance, warehouse, and operational teams with accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement operational systems and best practices to improve performance and workforce capability.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and company standards.
• Track KPIs and production metrics to identify opportunities for optimization.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to support growth initiatives and strategic objectives.
• Build and mentor high-performing teams through coaching and succession planning.
• Drive customer satisfaction by delivering safe, efficient, high-quality products.

Skills

Leadership

Operational leadership

Communication

Continuous improvement

Problem solving

ERP experience

Lean manufacturing

Team coaching

Resource allocation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Cameron Lappin of Lock Search Group is partnering with another proud, and innovative food manufacturer in the Great Vancouver Region. As our client continues its scaling and growth, they are now seeking to bring on an experienced, hands‑on Plant Manager to lead their production operation at their Greater Vancouver operation. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this newly created leadership role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact by strengthen the team through coaching and mentoring, as well by introducing new systems, and optimization strategies, within this non-union operation.

The Plant Manager will oversee all day‑to‑day operations within the facility, including production, manufacturing, safety, and warehousing. This role is instrumental in driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, productivity, safety, and overall plant performance. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership capabilities, a solid understanding of production, and lean manufacturing principles; in addition, a proven ability to optimise resources and improve processes. They will be an effective communicator and team leader, able to motivate and develop a diverse workforce while maintaining high standards of quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all day‑to‑day plant operations to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency targets are achieved
• Lead production, maintenance, warehouse, and operational teams while fostering a culture of ‘being kind and collaborative’ but also one of accountability and continuous improvement
• Develop and implement operational systems, processes, and best practices that improve performance and workforce capability
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, regulatory, and company standards
• Introduced and monitor KPIs, production metrics, and operational performance to identify opportunities for optimisation
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with senior leadership to support organisational growth initiatives and strategic objectives
• Build and mentor high‑performing teams through coaching, development, and succession planning
• Drive customer satisfaction by ensuring products are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within food and beverage manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) environments, either as a currently Plant Manager or in a Production/Operation Manager with a minimum of 5 years previous experience in a food manufacturing setting
• Strong operational background overseeing production, maintenance, and warehousing functions within a SQF & HACCP environment
• Demonstrated success leading teams and improving operational performance in a manufacturing setting
• Knowledge of food safety standards, quality systems, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and leadership skills
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience implementing operational efficiencies and process improvements
• Track record working with ERP systems, as well implementing and operating new systems
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team
• Allocate resources effectively and make full use of assets to achieve optimal results
• Familiarity with industry standard equipment and technical expertise, also with Canadian labour laws, health & safety regulations
• Be knowledgeable of safety, quality, productivity and processes
• Post secondary education with a degree or masters, ideally in food science, engineering or business administration is a major plus,
• Competitive compensation package including a salary ranging from $130 to 165K (level is dependent on experience), annual bonus and extended health benefits is included
• Opportunity for long‑term career growth within an expanding organisation is readily available, including moving to multisite plant leadership

This is an excellent opportunity for an operational leader who thrives in fast‑paced manufacturing environments and is passionate about driving safety, quality, efficiency, and team development.

Only individuals deemed to have the skill set and experience to fit the role will be contacted. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship.