Production Manager - Atwood Ontario Dairy

Do you have a passion for Production Management? This is your chance! Join the Arla Operations team as our Atwood Facility Production Manager! This exciting role will be the perfect opportunity for you to be part of an exciting team and a dynamic, world-class Consumer Packaged Goods and Dairy Manufacturing company.

At Arla, we believe in the power of natural, healthy dairy as an important part of everyday life. With the Arla brand, we promise natural, healthy, sustainable food made with the purest milk. As a farmer-owned company, our mission is to ensure our farmers receive a fair price for their milk. Our products are enjoyed in more than 100 countries worldwide, with well-known brands such as Tre Stelle Feta Cheese and Castello Havarti®, found on breakfast, lunch, and dinner tables every day.

As our Production Manager, you will lead plant production and packaging teams in making high quality blue and gorgonzola cheese products at our Atwood dairy (Located in Atwood Ontario), ensuring that products are processed and packed according to Arla Foods standards while aligning with business strategies and Good Growth objectives.

About the role

Reporting to the Site Director, you will:

• Lead all plant processing and packaging activities, ensuring products are safe, high quality, and meet Arla standards


• Analyze and report on yields, component usage, quality, cost savings, and recipe conformance


• Lead, coach, and develop team members, including performance feedback and formal evaluations


• Develop and execute departmental KPIs and business plans aligned with overall plant strategy


• Monitor performance and report on deviations, implementing corrective actions as needed


• Ensure compliance with regulatory, food safety, and EHS standards (e.g., HACCP, CFIA, OSHA)


• Identify and eliminate hazards while promoting a strong health and safety culture


• Lead and maintain the SQF system and plant quality programs


• Develop and manage departmental budgets and resources to meet financial targets


• Ensure SOPs are developed, implemented, and audited for compliance across safety, quality, cost, and delivery


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and implement process enhancements on the shop floor


• Develop production and packaging plans to optimize efficiency and cost control


• Oversee plant maintenance and facility standards to support food safety and operational effectiveness


• Maintain and support Business Continuity Plans, including cross-training and emergency preparedness


• Foster a continuous improvement culture and support LEAN initiatives across departments


• Verify food safety and quality documentation


• Support capital investments, technology upgrades, and equipment improvements


• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies


• Act as Asset Protection Management designate, ensuring adherence to Arla Code of Practice


• Support health and safety programs, including reporting hazards, incidents, and corrective actions


• Lead teams in alignment with Arla’s “Our Leadership” principles


• Promote an outside-in mindset, ensuring a strong internal and external customer focus

Who are you?

You are a strong people leader with a passion for production excellence and continuous improvement. You bring a hands-on leadership style and thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, balancing operational priorities with people development.

You are highly organized, results-driven, and committed to maintaining high standards in safety, quality, and performance. With strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset, you can effectively lead teams and influence outcomes across the organization.

You bring:

• Minimum 2 years of dairy or food production experience


• Minimum 2 years of management or leadership experience


• Post-secondary education (degree or diploma); Dairy Technology preferred


• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities


• Solid understanding of food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements


• Experience with continuous improvement and LEAN methodologies


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills


• Ability to manage budgets, resources, and operational priorities


• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills


• High level of integrity, accountability, and adaptability

What do we offer?

This posting is for a current vacancy within Arla Canada.

In pursuing this exciting opportunity, the selected individual will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package and the opportunity to play a key role in a growing, dynamic organization.

The salary range for this role is $106,000 - $115,000.00.

At Arla, we strive to unlock the highest potential in each other while working together to create the future of dairy. We push each other to remain at the forefront of the dairy industry, creating Good Growth and bringing health and inspiration to the world—naturally.

Application and contact

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume.

Arla Foods is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and employees regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences (for which a pardon has been granted), disability, marital or family status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us to provide your information.

While we appreciate all applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada.

Shape the Future of Dairy 

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with natural, sustainable nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about. 

 
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