Plant Manager

JOIN OUR ADVENTURE!

What came first, the chicken or the egg? We still don't know the answer, but we can share with you, the journey after...

L.H. Gray & Son is a national organization spanning British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, and we are passionate about eggs! All things eggs in fact, including shell eggs which we provide to grocery stores and foodservice providers, liquid and dried egg as an ingredient for culinary and industrial processing as well as producing a nutritious and delicious line of ready to eat, value added egg products. We are proudly Canadian with a long rich history of working with local family farms in bringing farm fresh eggs to our communities every day!

Our family values are a culturally diverse reflection of our Canadian heritage. We've been providing locally sourced food to Canadians since 1934! Our collection of unique perspectives and experiences sets us apart with the passion to drive performance.

As part of our values, our organization is constantly in search of innovation. Our state-of-the-art grading and processing equipment sets us apart and drives our commitment to lead the industry in sustainability, safety, and automation. In addition, our facilities are food safe certified ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, and quality.

We are looking for egg enthusiasts who are interested in more than just a job. You are on the hunt for a rewarding career where you'll make a difference and continue your learning journey. In addition to a rewarding career, you can rest assured that your journey won't be cut short! Our team members enjoy additional perks such as job security, comprehensive group benefits, an employee assistance program, RSP program, scholarship, and bursary programs!

As a member of our team, you can expect to contribute fresh perspectives, share new and exciting ideas, participate in growth opportunities, build our diverse and inclusive culture, and so much more! Opportunities are only limited by your imagination!

We look forward to hearing from you and learning how you will grow with us and contribute to our ever-evolving team of egg enthusiasts!

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations at our Abbotsford, BC grading facility, ensuring efficiency, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. This role involves leading production and distribution teams, optimizing workflows, and implementing best practices to achieve organizational objectives. Fostering a culture of engagement and productivity, the Plant Manager guides team members to perform at their best while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company policies. Additionally, the Plant Manager drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

As a key member of the Management Team, the Plant Manager actively contributes to corporate projects, strategic and operational committees, and other key organizational initiatives, playing a vital role in the company's overall success.

SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in business, operations, food science, manufacturing, engineering, or commensurate experience in a related field.
• 5 years of progressive operations management experience in a food manufacturing or production environment preferred
• Strong problem-solving, judgment, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret financial documents and spreadsheets.
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and achieve results through strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
• Works effectively in an entrepreneurial, collaborative environment, with the ability to direct and work in harmony with a diverse group of highly motivated and capable individuals.
• Working proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ERP programs.
• Knowledge of HACCP/SQF systems.
• Experience with budgeting and project management.
• Experience in a culturally diverse work environment.
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours and travel occasionally.
• Ability to represent the organization in the absence of the Director of West Operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage plant operations, including production, planning, inventory control, distribution, and safety.
• Work closely with the Director of Western Operations to manage maintenance, procurement, producer relations, quality & HR.
• Ensure that production targets are met within the budget.
• Manage egg inventory (ungraded and graded).
• Monitor COP (cost of production) and other KPIs to ensure the facility is meeting or exceeding targets.
• Optimize production planning and workforce scheduling.
• Set performance standards for shipping.
• Ensure that the Preventative Maintenance Program is followed, and equipment is in good working order.
• Set a high standard for plant cleanliness and challenge the team to meet or exceed this standard.
• Report on plant performance as required.
• Establish short-term and long-term goals that are aligned with the company objectives.
• Identify and analyze information to obtain early warning of potential problems and recommend corrective action.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives. Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency improvement, and waste reduction.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability within the plant.
• Collaborate with HR to oversee workforce management, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.
• Ensure employee relations and safety issues are addressed in a timely and confidential manner.
• Ensure employees are trained appropriately and training documentation is completed.
• Ensure employee evaluations are completed in adherence with organizational guidelines.
• Provide advice, guidance, and direction that promotes professional development.
• Conduct weekly departmental meetings to review performance and address challenges.
• Ensure employees are following established HACCP, SQF, health & safety, quality and biosecurity policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Respond to and rectify any producer concerns.
• Attend all required training sessions and scheduled meetings as directed by the Director of West Operations.
• Ensure daily plant checks are completed (health and safety, HACCP, quality).
• Inform the Director of Western Operations of any conditions that could affect food safety.
• Live by the company's mission, vision, and values.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with all levels of staff.
• Perform additional tasks as instructed by the Director of West Operations.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The incumbent will be working in a proprietary environment. Policies and procedures are shared between Golden Valley Foods Ltd. and the L.H. Gray & Son group of companies. Discussion of these with non-Golden Valley Foods and L.H. Gray affiliated employees is strictly forbidden. Some specific policies can be shared with Fresh Start as Golden Valley Foods owners.

L.H. Gray & Son welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.