Director, Operations

Position Summary:

Reporting to the VP, Operations, the Site Director, oversees primary chicken processing, driving continuous improvement across all aspects of manufacturing, engineering, logistics, human resources, quality and food safety and service to optimize plant performance. The Director is responsible for leading a team of people to exceed and deliver on key performance indicators for cost, safety and regulatory compliance, maintenance and engineering, environment, quality, and customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategically manage capacity to meet and broader Sofina operations goals beyond specific plant location. Accountable for product yield, labour efficiency and overhead expenses.
• Foster a safe working environment through the development of strategies focused on accident reduction as well as energy and waste minimization. Ensures compliance to all OHS and environmental regulatory and corporate standards. Oversee in depth root cause analysis of any non-compliance, and effective and timely implementation of corrective and preventative measures.
• Promote a culture of best-in-class preventative Maintenance programs, focusing on reliability improvement and capital reinvestment as required.
• Oversight of all QA programs and processes to ensure required food safety and product quality standards in accordance with all functional company standards and government regulations.
• As a hands-on Coach of the Operational Team, in coordination with Human Resources, identify and develop the capability and skill set of direct reports to achieve business results. Manage performance and encourage development activities, providing feedback and guidance.
• Foster an environment that supports the key company values and beliefs.
• Through influence and motivating others ensure effective communication throughout the organization.
• Promote a collaborative employee and labour relations environment, building positive relationships with Union representatives.

Requirements: 

• Post Secondary Degree in a related field, and minimum of 10 years Plant or Technical Management experience; Food Processing industry preferred.
• Diverse Plant operations knowledge acquired through comprehensive related experience, with previous Plant leadership.
• Demonstrated people management and development capability and proven success in leading and inspiring teams to excel.
• Experience with development and deployment of Continuous Improvement principles and programs.
• Exceptional communication skills including experience engaging with DEI initiatives, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of a matrix organization.
• Critical thinker with the ability to apply strategic practices, ensuring execution and delivering results while respecting corporate values.
• Strong business acumen coupled with an ability to translate business strategy into practical application.
• Collaborative/entrepreneurial leadership mindset with demonstrated ability to lead change and drive sustained business results.

#SMARK