General Manager

Blommer Chocolate Company•Trent Hills, ON

51d

About The Position

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Strategic Planning Develop and execute the plant’s strategic plan aligned with corporate objectives. Identify growth opportunities, market trends, and implement initiatives to improve competitiveness. Set annual goals for production, quality, safety, and financial performance. Operations Management Oversee all manufacturing processes including production scheduling, inventory control, and maintenance. Ensure optimal equipment utilization and minimize downtime through preventive maintenance programs. Implement Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency. Financial Management Prepare and manage annual budgets for operations, labor, and capital expenditures. Monitor KPIs such as cost per unit, yield, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness). Drive cost-reduction initiatives without compromising product quality or safety. Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop department managers and staff. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Conduct performance reviews and succession planning for key roles. Health, Safety & Environment Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations and environmental standards. Promote a zero-incident safety culture through training and proactive measures. Stakeholder Engagement Communicate operational performance to senior leadership and corporate teams. Build strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies. Quality Assurance & Food Safety Maintain compliance with HACCP, GMP, FDA, and other regulatory standards. Ensure robust quality control systems to meet customer and regulatory requirements. Note: The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position Physical Requirements: General office environment with majority of time using computer Regular exposure to plant floor, including noise, dust, and variation in temperature (hot/cold) Safety, Quality and Hygiene Requirements: Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures, and code of conduct Comply with workplace uniform requirements and safety gear, when on the plant floor v. office Performance Expectations: Manage product operation with a high set of standards to produce consistent, quality-driven results Ensures work hours and schedules, timely attendance, and notice requirements for absences or lateness are met Promote a positive attitude and a sense of curiosity in learning new roles and responsibilities Instill a culture of leadership and engagement of team to achieve performance expectations

Requirements

Experience in: Project management, Analytical and leadership skills, General manufacturing concepts, Advanced/ specialized manufacturing skills, Development of short and long-range goals/planning, and Development and analysis of budgets
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interface and communicate verbally or in writing with personnel at all levels within the company or externally
Ability to establish and build trusting relationships at all levels of the organization
Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Prioritize and assess risk to the business and adapt to rapidly changing situations
Expected to identify, communicate/escalate, and problem-solve as issues arise
Understands financial and budgetary requirements
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree (MBA) is desirable.
Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the plant’s strategic plan aligned with corporate objectives.
Identify growth opportunities, market trends, and implement initiatives to improve competitiveness.
Set annual goals for production, quality, safety, and financial performance.
Oversee all manufacturing processes including production scheduling, inventory control, and maintenance.
Ensure optimal equipment utilization and minimize downtime through preventive maintenance programs.
Implement Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency.
Prepare and manage annual budgets for operations, labor, and capital expenditures.
Monitor KPIs such as cost per unit, yield, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
Drive cost-reduction initiatives without compromising product quality or safety.
Lead, mentor, and develop department managers and staff.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Conduct performance reviews and succession planning for key roles.
Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations and environmental standards.
Promote a zero-incident safety culture through training and proactive measures.
Communicate operational performance to senior leadership and corporate teams.
Build strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies.
Maintain compliance with HACCP, GMP, FDA, and other regulatory standards.
Ensure robust quality control systems to meet customer and regulatory requirements.