Operations Excellence Manager

Position Summary:

The OPEX Manager will be responsible for accelerating the OPEX change efforts at their assigned production plant by leading organizational/leadership development processes, promoting employee engagement, and driving quality and productivity improvements. As part of the Plant Leadership Team the OPEX Manager will provide necessary coaching to the team and other individuals regarding organizational effectiveness, operational improvements, and execution of best practices. Monitor progress and advance the transformation to world class over time through continued coaching. Provide support to location personnel to make certain that progress meets location targets.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for implementing strategy and guiding advancement of OPEX at assigned production location.
• Collaborate with the Production Manager(s), Quality Managers, and others at the location to develop the sites business plans, priorities/goals and use this knowledge to prioritize Continuous Improvement activity at the production location.
• Be a role model for the Mindsets and Behaviors necessary to create an environment of trust, participation and accountability.
• Consult with OPEX Methodology Leaders to identify best practices and to simplify and standardize work to deliver improved performance.
• Actively review site practices to identify opportunities and advise on appropriate organizational interventions (i.e. training, coaching, etc.) for improving site systems and practices to achieve desired outcomes.
• Guide locations in determining the priorities for process improvements that impact production and business results and champion waste elimination and reduction.
• Build a coaching culture and provide individual coaching to site and above site leadership throughout the change and transformation process.
• Monitor Improvement progress and sustain transformational gains over time through continued metric review and consultation with key stakeholders.
• Responsible for the oversight and direct supervision of the Fuel for Growth projects that will deliver >3% savings per year.
• Lead Improvement Projects utilizing standardized OPEX tools and methods to improve plant performance and achieve results for operations customers.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations, or comparable technical field; or 3 - 5 years in a Business improvement role and/or operations experience required.
• Professional certifications and experience in the following areas are highly desirable: Operational Excellence (OPEX), World Class Manufacturing, World Class Operations, Integrated Work Systems (IWS), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Autonomous Maintenance, Training Development, Organizational Development, Coaching, Lean Management, Change Management.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of production operations, particularly at the plant level
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and implement organizational and cultural change and deliver results
• Be a recognized role model in key leadership development skills of feedback, coaching, listening, empowerment, and difficult conversations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills which include building rapport and maintaining strong relationships across all levels, sensitivity to individual and team needs, collaborating effectively to accomplish work, effective facilitation and teaching skills
• Effective with coaching and influencing individuals and teams without authority
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and solution focused problem solving skills
• Results oriented with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret information from a variety of sources
• Project management capability with effective time management skills and ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities
• Ability to see the big picture translating details into an organizational perspective
• Knowledge and strong working competence in MS Office toolset

Why Join Us:

Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves. When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits, with coverage beginning on your 1st day of employment.

• Health, Prescription Drugs, Dental & Vision
• RRSP Program
• Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short & Long Term Disability, Out of Country/Emergency Medical Travel, and other optional benefits.
• Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs
• College Assistance Program

Physical Demands:

Regularly requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Physical strength and dexterity sufficient to perform the required task(s). Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Additional demands may be required.

Work Environment:

In addition to normal business hours, work schedules may include after hours and weekends as needed. May work outside and in adverse temperatures which include extreme hot, cold, and humidity. Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds. We welcome and encourage all qualified applicants to apply. Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.