Vice President Manufacturing

The Vice President Manufacturing, Canada Cheese & Ingredients (C&I) Category, is responsible for leading the overall manufacturing strategy of our C&I plant network across Canada. This position is a key member of the Global Operations leadership team and will report directly to the SVP Global Operations with a matrix relationship to the C&I Category Commercial Vice‑President. This role is responsible for leading systems, processes, and talent to optimize operations and embrace a performance‑based culture as it relates to safety, quality, people, delivery, cost, and pursuit of operational excellence.

Role will manage a diverse team to develop talent, establish short‑and‑long‑term objectives and priorities, and set and measure KPIs and metrics. This position will work closely with other senior leaders across the business and work to ensure our systems, talent, and processes keep pace with our fast growth and dynamic environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide strategic and tactical leadership and direction to the Canadian Cheese & Ingredients Category Plant Manufacturing Leadership team (~8 sites)

Set strategic goals for operational efficiency and increased productivity while providing clear direction and vision to inspire and empower staff to achieve excellence.

Responsible for driving KPI’s and plant performance in terms of safety, quality, on‑time delivery, inventory, and cost while collaborating globally and cross‑functionally to accomplish business objectives.

Analyze existing systems, processes, staffing, equipment, and materials to develop strategies to increase throughput, identify cost reductions, and improve scheduling and profitability.

Lead adoption of the Agropur Operating System (AOS) throughout the organization to improve quality, delivery, cost, and innovation with a continuous improvement mind‑set.

Effectively communicate key strategies, decisions, operational challenges and countermeasures up and across the organization.

Partner with HC to identify strategies to develop, promote and retention key talent in the organization through engagement, communication, change and performance management initiatives.

Establish annual targets and/or budgets based upon key performance indicators and in alignment with Agropur’s strategic plan. Responsible for delivering on financial commitments.

Partner with the Product Development/Commercial teams to develop new products and ensure customer needs are met.

Drive a culture that upholds our values, continuous improvement, accountability, and high performance. Continue to build and develop a highly engaged, high‑performing, growth‑oriented organization.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsible for positive employee relations, employee engagement and inclusion, leading a performance driven culture, and adhering to Agropur’s talent management practices.

Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies, procedures and guidelines.

Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.

Safety Protocol

Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.

Correct or report any observed safety hazards.

Support safety policies and programs.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications
Education Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemistry or related field required.

Master’s degree in Business Management preferred.

Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Experience Required

Minimum fifteen (15) years of demonstrated experience in leadership or management required, preferably in dairy or food industry.

Minimum ten (10) years of experience at a senior/executive level required.

Proven leader in multi‑discipline, multi‑site operations (global experience preferred), and ability to lead an organization through transformational change.

Prior experience in a Lean or Six Sigma culture where the focus is on continuous improvement and/or experience with operational excellence…