Production Manager

Cavendish Farms; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading producer of frozen food products is hiring a Production Manager in Lethbridge, Alberta. The role involves overseeing production activities, leading teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Candidates should have a background in food processing and management experience in similar environments. This position offers an opportunity to be part of a dynamic, dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality products.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of production experience in the food processing industry.
• 3+ years of experience in a management role, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Six Sigma training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop supervisory staff to optimize production volumes.
• Monitor plant performance and analyze data for improvements.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Post-secondary education in food science, business, engineering, or operations management

Tools

Microsoft Office

E1

Job description

The Production Manager is accountable for all production activities by leading and developing supervisory staff to optimize production volumes, achieve safety goals, and meet departmental cost objectives while producing frozen potato products that meet and exceed the quality expectations of our customers.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Coaching, engagement and performance management of team. Identify development and training opportunities, provide feedback and guidance in order to ensure success and develop for future roles. Interview, select and hire staff.
• Monitor plant performance: costs for recovery, rates, waste, source operational data and analyze data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Audit good manufacturing and sanitation practices to ensure quality standards are addressed, resolved and sustained.
• Planning: collaborate with Quality Assurance, Safety, Raw and other departmental leaders (daily/weekly) to achieve established quality, raw and financial targets
• Rework planning: providing team with support/guidance to achieve/exceed first time saleable target and reduce waste
• Coordinate employee schedules and ensure team leaders are equipped with necessary tools for effective shift/operations
• Strategy & Planning: Together with plant leadership team, develop short and mid-term site strategies and execution plans to satisfy demand (staffing, ingredient requirements, raw materials etc.).
• Provide guidance and supervision to Shift Managers and Packaging Supervisors so that Standard Operating Procedures are understood and followed.
• Assist the Director of Operations with developing a cohesive, competent management team and planning for capable management succession by effectively acquiring, developing, and motivating manufacturing personnel.
• Ensure plant compliance with Government regulations and Company specifications for HACCP, Sanitation, and Safety through supportive collaboration with the appropriate personnel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in one of the following disciplines: food science, business, engineering, or operations management.
• 5 or more years of production experience in the food processing industry.
• 3 or more years of experience in a management role preferably within a unionized work environment.
• Six Sigma training and experience would be an asset.
• The successful candidate will be results-oriented, thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment, and can develop positive working relationships with associates and employees.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven decision-making ability using various analytical tools (variance reports, downtime analysis, SWOT analysis, Six Sigma metrics, etc.);
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage conflict and build teams;
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and E1;
• A proven track record of being proactive and taking initiative;
• Knowledge of HACCP and Health and Safety regulations.

About Us

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About The Team

Cavendish Farms is a family-run company, where our team members are never just a number. We work from seed-to-table, providing opportunities to explore and grow. Headquartered in Dieppe, New Brunswick, Cavendish Farms is a leading producer of frozen potato products and appetizers throughout Canada, the United States, and around the world. We have Manufacturing facilities in PEI, Ontario, Alberta, and North Dakota and farm operations in the Maritimes and Minnesota and North Dakota. We also operate a research and plant breeding centre in PEI to develop new potato varieties and sustainable potato farming practices.

We have a proud history of values, quality and service, And bringing the goodness of the farm to the table is what we do best.