About Our Client: Our client is a Canadian-based producer of award-winning specialty cheeses known for combining traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern innovation.Position Scope: Reporting directly to the Senior Leadership Team, the Vice President of Operations will be a pivotal force in shaping and executing the operational strategy of the organization. This role is responsible for driving performance across operations and supply chain, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards, and optimizing systems to support quality, production, and delivery goals aligned with both current objectives and future growth.The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of operational, business, and financial acumen, paired with an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for continuous improvement. The VP, Operations will be a catalyst for change, capable of navigating resistance with resilience and empathy. They must be comfortable leading through ambiguity and fostering cross-functional collaboration, particularly in connecting operations with sales and other business units to drive integrated, customer-focused solutions.The VP of Operations will oversee a team of direct reports and will be expected to lead by examplebuilding trust, promoting accountability, and championing a culture of excellence and innovation.Responsibilities: Design and implement operations, quality, and compliance strategies to achieve the overall objectives for the organizationAdvise Senior Leadership Team on strategic business development and key corporate planning issues that relate to and impact OperationsCollaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to increase the overall efficiency and productivity of the organizationProvide team leadership to evaluate and take action that is consistent with the Company's overall strategySet performance goals/ key performance indicators (KPIs) tailored to the operations department and tied to long-term goals of the CompanyMonitor department performance against key performance indicators (KPIs)Lead plant production and supply chain strategiesDrive key initiatives to support implementation of productivity/quality improvements to minimize costs and enhance efficiencyProactively identify operational risks. Propose risk management strategies to address current risks and mitigate future risksEnsure all operations are aligned with the appropriate provincial, national, and international regulations (as applicable)Introduce greater visibility to results inclusive of KPI s and broader manufacturing analytics to measure performance against commitments and actively use results to redirect resources as requiredPlant ProductionAlign production, project management, and manufacturing plans to the organizations strategySet the plant production strategy to support due diligence and mitigate health and safety risksOversee the implementation of effective layout, workflow, equipment, and assembly proceduresReview production costs and product quality and modify production to maintain and enhance profitable operation of plantAssist with monthly production plan and shipping schedule and adjust the work force accordinglyMonitor and control the daily production activities such that production variances are at or below budgeted levelsClosely monitor efficiency of each product line operations to assure that jobs are run at or better than standardMentor and coach plant managers to support their growth and developmentWork closely with Sales and QA to ensure that customer KPIs are achievedLead capital project management, including capital expendituresSupply ChainReview inventory control programs to maintain and enhance profitable operation of plantsCollaborate with the VP of HR to forecast plant workforce needs and adjust accordinglyReport to senior leaders on internal and external supply chain measuresLead the integration of supply chain automation with human capital. Coach managers and teams to better collaborate with machines/technologyEstablish improvement measures for cycle count inventory control proceduresMentor and coach supply chain manager to support their growth and developmentOversee inventory expenditures with the objective of increasing turns and reducing exposure to future obsolescenceOperational TechnologyProactively identify and implement new information technology requirements for the Company, to create efficiencies (e.g., supply chain automation and robotics). May include obtaining or renewing all required business licenses and permitsLead manufacturing and processing plants to achieve KPIsEstablish operational excellence and consistency across plantsAlign the operational strategy to the overall company strategy and provide ongoing communication to plant managers regarding targetsOversee expansion and support change management initiatives to ensure successful implementationLeverage the companys ERP system to optimize data management, expand the ERP system's capabilities, and oversee the entire process from start to finish.Quality AssuranceImprove quality by setting the strategic direction for research and advising on new skills, processes, or methodsOversee the corporate product quality systems, including the setting of quality goals, managing and improving all aspects of the quality system and product quality with an emphasis on customer use and expectations.Ensure product quality to meet or exceed customer expectationsEnsure compliance with regulatory agencies and all applicable standards worldwideImplement quality design and quality assurance strategy for new product development and sustain business activitiesLead process enhancement initiatives to maintain an environment of continuous improvement throughout the organizationOversee Change Control approvals for production processes and equipment, ensuring that procedures are followed, and changes are documented, approved and assessed appropriatelyOtherCommunicate regularly with employees on strategy, direction, results etc.Provide support, feedback, guidance, and coaching/professional development opportunities to all direct reportsFocus on teamwork, employee involvement/development and process ownershipClearly communicate the strategic vision, translate it into practicable, tactical actions, and effectively deploy the operations team against those activities.Embrace and enhance the family business culture and core valuesAdhere to all Company established policies and proceduresOther duties as requiredEducation and Experience: University or college degree in engineering and/or business management, preferably with a focus on manufacturing. An MBA would be considered an asset15+ years of experience in management and plant operations in food manufacturing. Dairy or cheese manufacturing would be considered an assetKnowledge of MSOffice suiteKnowledge of CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) Regulations, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), Health and Safety regulations, CIP (Cleaning in Place) and SIP (Sanitizing in Place) Systems, and preventative maintenance of machinery and equipment for food manufacturing plantRequired Skills and Knowledge: Data-Driven Decision-MakingStrategic and Analytical ThinkingDigital LiteracyCollaborationLeadershipTalent DevelopmentContract NegotiationDelegationBudget PlanningRegulatory AnalysisCustomer ServiceFollow-UpInformation MonitoringJudgmentPlanning and OrganizingOral and Written CommunicationWork StandardsContinuous ImprovementTolerance for StressTask PrioritizationConfidentialityEnglish Language SkillsApplication Instructions: To apply, please send a resume to Aman Sodi at Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.
Job Title
VP, Operations - Cheese Manufacturing