Process Optimization Manager

Position Title: Process Optimization Manager 

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time ​

Position Location: Portage La Prairie 

Requisition ID: 29655 

McCain Foods (Canada) has an opening for a Process Optimization Manager at its potato processing facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

Reporting to the Production Manager, this position will organize, schedule, monitor, and audit production line activities to ensure conformance to established requirements regarding cost, quality, productivity, safety (both personnel and product), sanitation, and employee competence. Provides information and follow-up on overall product conditions (meeting or not meeting specifications, problem areas with equipment, specifications, packaging supplies, raw product challenges, pack and line schedule, etc.) to Supervisors and operators for optimum efficiency. Ensure uniform application and interpretation of established SOP’s, specifications, shift-to-shift congruency, and coordination of employee training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for overseeing the sanitation department to ensure plant sanitation and GMPs are met.
• Works effectively with Maintenance to ensure equipment efficiency.
• Drives SCA action list for the plant as well as driving and supporting Continuous Improvement ideas along with problem solving & troubleshooting opportunities that arise on shift.
• Plant lead for all new product test runs.
• Line centric lead for MDI activities for production.
• Support / drive our site’s daily meeting structure (Shift handoff, Product Review, Morning meeting, Boil-out meeting, TSU meeting, and weekend planning.)
• Coaching & mentoring plant associates on change management and driving / sustaining positive business practices and tool applications on the shop floor.
• Shift discipline, support relating to the human resource functions of managing a team.
• Participate in interviewing prospective new employees and departmental promotion candidates, as well as participating in daily management sensory.
• Perform shop-floor audits & inspections as required. Lead and participate in high level plant investigations.
• Support and drive interdepartmental initiatives for Safety, QC, Costing, and HR & Maintenance.
• Proactively foster and promote the safe work habits of employees.  Ensure proper safety policies and procedures are followed.  Active participation in health & safety initiatives, taking a lead role in safety optimization in the drive towards zero incidents.
• Work closely with Shift Supervisors/Shift Managers and Production Manager to achieve production goals and objectives efficiently and oversee abnormality management on the shop floor.
• Win with customers and consumers by ensuring all product quality specifications are being followed and adhered to, with an emphasis on minimizing variance.
• Ensure all HACCP guidelines, rules and regulations are followed throughout the food production process, including the proper completion of all required documentation.
• Oversee performance management system for production employees including performance appraisals, coaching and progressive discipline as required.
• Develop the continuous improvement spirit through the support of Lean Sigma principles and Kaizen breakthrough events.
• Participation in departmental planning sessions, production meetings, post-run reviews
• Miscellaneous related duties that may be assigned from time to time, including conducting test runs on new or existing products, accident investigation, etc.
• Proactively foster and promote the safe work habits of employees. Ensure proper safety policies and procedures are followed. Active participation in health and safety initiatives, taking a lead role in safety optimization and the drive towards zero incidents.
• Work closely with the shift Manager and the other Production Supervisors to achieve production goals and KPIs efficiently. Responsible for ensuring the production department meets targets set forth in quality, safety productivity, cost, delivery, people and environment (QCDSPE). 
• Experience managing performance and work quality of direct reports.
• Proven experience in managing budgets.
• Experience resolving conflict and issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to people at all levels of the business.
• Ability to motivate yourself and others to achieve personal and departmental objectives.
• Ability to prioritize work, demonstrate flexibility and work effectively under pressure.
• Can make sound judgements and decisions when dealing with complex issues in high pressure situations.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Advanced experience leading, coaching, and influencing others.
• Sound fact-based decision making and problem-solving skills with a focus on delivering results and resolving day to day operational challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and successfully lead projects/work teams.
• Experience successfully leading change management activities.
• Strategic planning skills- short, medium, and long term.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in one of the following disciplines: Engineering, Science or Business or a related field is preferred.  Equivalent relevant experience may be considered for internal candidates.
• 5-8 years’ leadership experience.
• 5-8 years’ food or beverage manufacturing experience.

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