About the role
Position Summary:
Reporting to the VP Operations, the Director, Operations is responsible for the end-to-end leadership of a large-scale pork primary processing facility. This position ensures the plant operates safely, efficiently, and in full support of Sofina’s Five Dimensions.
Specific focus on driving continuous improvement, and delivering against operational KPIs related to throughput, yield, labor efficiency, cost control, customer service, and product integrity.
This role requires a strategic and driven leader with a strong background in protein manufacturing, deep knowledge of food safety systems, unionized labor relations, and the ability to manage large-scale operations in a high-pressure environment.
Key Accountabilities:
- Strategic Capacity & Efficiency Management:
- Optimize plant capacity and drive operational efficiency aligned with Sofina's broader business goals.
- Oversee key metrics such as product yield, labor productivity, and overhead costs.
- Continuous Improvement
- Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Drive cultural and operational change through measurable, sustainable practices.
- Engage team members in problem-solving and performance improvement.
- Operational Leadership Support:
- Partner with the VP Operations on initiatives such as management of change and national programs requiring advanced operational oversight.
- Health, Safety & Environment:
- Support the execution of programs focused on accident prevention, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Investigate incidents and ensure preventive measures are implemented.
- Quality Assurance & Compliance:
- Ensure QA systems are current, effective, and compliant with both internal and external requirements, including regulatory bodies.
- Financial & Operational Performance:
- Control budgeted operational expenses (labour, materials, maintenance, etc.).
- Lead cost-reduction and productivity-enhancing initiatives.
- Cultural Leadership:
- Build organizational capability by developing leadership and technical talent. Lead performance reviews and development planning.
- Foster an inclusive, accountable, and respectful workplace culture.
- Labour Relations:
- Promote constructive relationships with union representatives and ensure fair administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Human Resources Planning:
Ensure optimal staffing levels and efficient deployment of plant personnel to meet production needs.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Business, or related field (MBA or technical certification an asset).
- Minimum 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience, preferably in primary processing or value add environment.
- Experience leading in a unionized manufacturing environment.
- Proven success in driving results through KPIs, team development and performance management.
- Deep knowledge of food safety regulations (CFIA, USDA, HACCP).
- Strong financial acumen, decision-making ability, and crisis management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
- Working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
- Ability to work in a high-intensity, fast-paced 24/7 production setting.
Sofina Foods Inc. is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). Applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements, for the purpose of accommodation under AODA, known to Human Resources when they are contacted for an interview.
About Sofina Foods
Sofina Foods is one of Canada's leading manufacturers of primary and further processed protein products for both retail and foodservice customers as well as international markets. We manufacture pork, beef, turkey, chicken and fish products. Our family of brands include: Cuddy, Lilydale, Janes, Mastro, San Daniele, Fletcher's, Vienna, Riserva and Zamzam. We are also the exclusive distributor of Italy’s finest Rio Mare, Lavazza and San Benedetto products in Canada.
About the role
Position Summary:
Reporting to the VP Operations, the Director, Operations is responsible for the end-to-end leadership of a large-scale pork primary processing facility. This position ensures the plant operates safely, efficiently, and in full support of Sofina’s Five Dimensions.
Specific focus on driving continuous improvement, and delivering against operational KPIs related to throughput, yield, labor efficiency, cost control, customer service, and product integrity.
This role requires a strategic and driven leader with a strong background in protein manufacturing, deep knowledge of food safety systems, unionized labor relations, and the ability to manage large-scale operations in a high-pressure environment.
Key Accountabilities:
- Strategic Capacity & Efficiency Management:
- Optimize plant capacity and drive operational efficiency aligned with Sofina's broader business goals.
- Oversee key metrics such as product yield, labor productivity, and overhead costs.
- Continuous Improvement
- Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Drive cultural and operational change through measurable, sustainable practices.
- Engage team members in problem-solving and performance improvement.
- Operational Leadership Support:
- Partner with the VP Operations on initiatives such as management of change and national programs requiring advanced operational oversight.
- Health, Safety & Environment:
- Support the execution of programs focused on accident prevention, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Investigate incidents and ensure preventive measures are implemented.
- Quality Assurance & Compliance:
- Ensure QA systems are current, effective, and compliant with both internal and external requirements, including regulatory bodies.
- Financial & Operational Performance:
- Control budgeted operational expenses (labour, materials, maintenance, etc.).
- Lead cost-reduction and productivity-enhancing initiatives.
- Cultural Leadership:
- Build organizational capability by developing leadership and technical talent. Lead performance reviews and development planning.
- Foster an inclusive, accountable, and respectful workplace culture.
- Labour Relations:
- Promote constructive relationships with union representatives and ensure fair administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Human Resources Planning:
Ensure optimal staffing levels and efficient deployment of plant personnel to meet production needs.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Business, or related field (MBA or technical certification an asset).
- Minimum 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience, preferably in primary processing or value add environment.
- Experience leading in a unionized manufacturing environment.
- Proven success in driving results through KPIs, team development and performance management.
- Deep knowledge of food safety regulations (CFIA, USDA, HACCP).
- Strong financial acumen, decision-making ability, and crisis management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
- Working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
- Ability to work in a high-intensity, fast-paced 24/7 production setting.
Sofina Foods Inc. is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). Applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements, for the purpose of accommodation under AODA, known to Human Resources when they are contacted for an interview.
About Sofina Foods
Sofina Foods is one of Canada's leading manufacturers of primary and further processed protein products for both retail and foodservice customers as well as international markets. We manufacture pork, beef, turkey, chicken and fish products. Our family of brands include: Cuddy, Lilydale, Janes, Mastro, San Daniele, Fletcher's, Vienna, Riserva and Zamzam. We are also the exclusive distributor of Italy’s finest Rio Mare, Lavazza and San Benedetto products in Canada.