Operations Manager

Department:  Operations Reports to:  Director of Operations Status: Full-time Location: Hamilton, Onsite  Food & Safety Quality Level:  1 Job Scope:    Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily plant operations—including processing, manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, and distribution—while ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. This role manages operational teams, drives performance against key metrics, ensures compliance with regulations and company standards, and supports continuous improvement initiatives within the facility. Key Responsibilities: Oversee daily operations with regards to safety, efficiencies, production volumes and KPIs Foster and sustain a positive employee relations environment by ensuring all employees are treated with respect, concerns and feedback are addressed in a timely and consistent manner, and communication remains open, transparent, and supportive. Manage the performance and development of plant leadership team Provide guidance to Operations leaders on staffing, workload planning, performance and conduct management, and coordination with maintenance and safety teams to ensure labour efficiency, KPI achievement, and consistent, people‑focused leadership. Report production volumes, efficiencies and yields to senior executives Prepare proposals and justifications for capital and operational budget Maintain and improve health & safety and environmental standards in the work place Lead meetings and projects to optimize production operations Liaise with various external customers such as CFIA and local municipality officials Utilize DAX for Project Management of capital expenditures Ensure plant compliance to government regulations and company specifications for HACCP, sanitation and safety through supportive collaboration with appropriate personnel Monitor and maintain the Quality, Food Safety and SQF systems Responsible for signing all Pre-requisite Programs (PRP) and HACCP plans Implement Total Production Manufacturing (TPM) principles across the plant Drive significant cost reductions across all aspects of manufacturing including increased line efficiency, waste control and higher labour productivity Drive cost savings goals through the use of sustainable continuous improvement tools such as 5S and Kaizen, focusing on total plant OEE percentage   Responsible to train operators on all changes in the Food Safety & Quality system as communicated by Management and QA Maintain a balanced budget and explain any budgetary discrepancies Attend all training and course as requested or required Other duties as assigned by management   Qualifications: University degree in one of the following disciplines: Food Science, Business, Engineering or Operations Management   Minimum 8 years’ facility management experience in a food manufacturing environment Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to mitigate conflict and build teams Flexibility to adapt to a 24 hr/ 7 day operation schedule Leadership experience in a unionized environment an asset   Proven decision making ability using various analytical tools, such as variance reports and down time analysis Extensive knowledge in GMPs, HACCP and health and safety standards Cultural sensitivity and an ability to build rapport with a diverse workforce in multicultural settings Strong proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and WMS/ERP