Job purpose

The Plant Manager is responsible to oversee plant operations for vegetable packing facility as well as the seasonal soft fruit packing facility providing direct supervision to the seasonal manager.

Responsible for the management of the production department to ensure the efficient production of highest quality product at the lowest cost in meeting customer demands. Ensure that plant polices are followed and that safety is the at the forefront of all activities.

Duties and responsibilities

Responsibilities:

Management:

• Ensure production operations are efficient and accurate.
• Drives Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Monitor plant performance against goals to ensure that progress is being made, and that corrective action is taken if necessary.
• Meet regularly with directors or interdivisional managers; facilitate resolution of issues/problems between divisions or departments.
• Participates in continuous open dialogue with sales/marketing, maintenance personnel, quality to anticipate problem areas and formulate plans for smooth operations.
• Responsible for appropriate staff levels to meet requirements of the facility.
• Responsible for recruitment, hiring, training and terminations and overall performance management of staff.  Consult with HR when appropriate.
• Manage the morale in both facilities by setting and demonstrating a strong business ethic for dealing with employees, suppliers, and customers.
• Monitor daily and approve, weekly, payroll in uAttend.

Operations:

• Direct plant operations through implementation of established policies and procedures
• Review and modify existing equipment and production methods to reduce cost (material and labour) through efficiency improvements. Maintain Optical Onion grader (eqraft).
• Analyze and provide necessary training to production staff.
• Responsible for managing, verifying, and scheduling plant Sanitation activities.
• Measure and monitor key production and customer service areas.
• Ensure that all reporting employees adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Oversee implementation and training of all Nova Agri policies and SOP’s related to the site.
• Regularly Monitor Produce Pro for orders, and ensure production meets the orders ship dates on time, and orders are shipped in full.
• Purchase required packaging materials, including mesh, wire, bags, labels and pallets.
• Ensure temperature recorders are registered, on line prior to orders being shipped.
• Learn and understand capabilities of technical sorting equipment at both facilities.

Financial:

• Budget preparation and monitoring of P&L.
• Monitor financial performance to ensure both facilities are meeting or exceeding budgetary commitments.
• Develop and implement strategies around improving the financial performance of the operation.
• Analyze and report on the plant’s daily, monthly and annual key performance indicators and industry trends.
• Review and use the monthly profit and loss statements to ensure expense control and proactively plan production goals.
• Examine reports (e.​g.​ inventory, production, and daily reports) to determine the operational activities of the company and ensure optimum performance. ​

Quality / Health and Safety:

• Responsible for management of the Health and Safety program, in the Vegetable plant. Direct supervision of the seasonal fruit plant manager.
• Provide guidance to plant personnel in the areas of safety and quality.
• Ensure compliance with all Company guidelines related to Health and Safety practices.
• Actively own safety (incidents, near misses, accidents, awareness, etc.) through full participation in all safety related matters (meetings, supporting initiatives, investigations, etc.)
• Support non-conformances, Corrective Action Reports and Root Cause Analysis
• Responsible to document and report incidents and submit appropriate documentation.
• Conduct regular toolbox meetings on site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive production operations experience
• Strong people leadership/coaching capability
• Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service, team building,
• Working knowledge of SOPs, HACCP and GMP
• Communication skills, both written and oral: exceptional collaborative skills providing smooth interactive business connections.
• Works well under pressure.
• Willingness to roll up sleeves and get the job done.
• Financial management skills: some experience preparing departmental budgets, reporting variances, ROI analysis, payroll reviews, etc
• Software experience: extensive, using a variety of programs.

Working conditions

Fast paced environment working in and around machinery and moving vehicles

The noise level is moderate

Exposure to dust and dirt

Flexibility with hours is required during season

Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals

Physical requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods of time, ability to lift and carry,

Ability to climb.

Ability to wear required safety clothing and equipment.

Ability to hear in a moderate to noisy working environment and respond accordingly.

Direct reports

Yes