Vice President of Operations

Job Title: Vice President of Operations

Location: St. Stephen, New Brunswick

TP-18307

Established in 1873, Ganong is Canada’s oldest and longest standing family-owned and operated chocolate and candy company. With a rich heritage and unwavering commitment to quality, they proudly produce renowned confections in Canada’s Chocolate Town, St. Stephen. Their modern facility is state-of-the-art with both nut and nut-free operations. As part of the Ganong Team, they take pride in “inspiring life’s sweetest moments.”

Meridia is excited to partner with Ganong in their search for an experienced Vice President of Operations to lead their team in St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

Role Description

Reporting to the Chief Operating Office, the Vice President of Operations will be responsible for overseeing the Manufacturing, Maintenance, Planning, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D and Sanitation departments. This role will involve providing strategic leadership, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence and meet business objectives while ensuring the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety.

Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans to optimize manufacturing processes, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve business objectives.
• Set clear performance goals and KPIs for the operations team, regularly monitoring progress and adjusting as needed to ensure targets are met.
• Establish and maintain an organizational structure that aligns with the company’s strategic goals, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Quality and Food Safety

• Ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements and SQF standards, rigorously enforcing adherence to food safety protocols and procedures.
• Implement and refine quality control measures and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and consistency.

Production Planning and Optimization

• Collaborate closely with the production planning team to develop and execute production schedules that meet customer demand while optimizing resource utilization and minimizing waste.
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities for process improvements, automation, and technology adoption to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Supply Chain Management

• Work in conjunction with the supply chain team to optimize inventory management, procurement processes, and supplier relationships, ensuring timely delivery of raw materials and components.
• Implement strategies to mitigate supply chain risks and disruptions, maintaining continuity of operations.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, providing coaching, guidance, and support to foster professional growth and drive employee engagement.
• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous learning, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the operations department.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Sales & Marketing, Finance, and Continuous Improvement, to align operational priorities and drive business success.
• Manage operational budgets, capital expenditures, and resource allocation to achieve financial targets and ensure cost-effective operations.
• Participate in strategic planning sessions, operational reviews, and Senior Leadership Team meetings, providing insights and recommendations for business improvement.

Your Qualifications

You have a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master’s degree is an asset. Your progressive experience has been developed in food manufacturing operations or similar environment, with a min. of 5 years in a senior leadership role. You have demonstrated knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems, and industry best practices and are able to effectively communicate it at all organizational levels. You have a proven track record of process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency, and achieving significant cost savings. The candidate should be a strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset, capable of thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Your qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree is an asset.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations. Food or confectionery manufacturing experience is an asset.
• 5+ years of experience in a senior leadership role.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems, and industry best practices.
• Proven track record of implementing process improvements, driving operational efficiency, and achieving cost savings.
• Demonstrated background in leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Located at the Canadian American border across from Calais, Maine, St. Stephen (population around 4,500) is a bustling town with a beautiful coastal setting, easy connections to three major cities & international airports, affordable property and a low-stress lifestyle.

To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking “Apply Now” below.  

For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at 902-818-4506 and tpugh@kbrs.ca or Rick Neima, Consultant at 267-206-2655 and rneima@meridiarecruitment.com, or please apply online by clicking the “Apply Now” button below. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.

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