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As one of the world’s fastest-growing food companies, Kerry relies on strong operational leadership to deliver safe, high-quality products to our customers. The Plant Manager for our Laval, Canada site is accountable for the overall leadership and performance of the site, ensuring that targets related to safety, quality, cost, delivery, sustainability, and talent are consistently met or exceeded.
This role leads all plant operations, drives continuous improvement, builds strong customer and union relationships, and develops a high-performing, engaged workforce, aligned with Kerry values and strategic objectives. This plant is a part of our Bio-Fermentation cluster food print and own the Probiotics, Bio-K+ brand production.
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Key Responsibilities
Overall Site Leadership
- Provide overall leadership and management of the manufacturing site.
- Ensure alignment with Kerry’s strategy, values, policies, and performance expectations.
- Set clear direction, standards, and priorities for the site leadership team.
- Role model One Kerry leadership behaviors at all times.
Operations, Quality, Safety & Environment (QHSE)
- Accountable for all QHSE initiatives across the site, ensuring a safe working environment.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards (HACCP), regulatory requirements, and Kerry policies.
- Lead quality systems to consistently meet customer and regulatory expectations.
- Drive operational excellence through strong execution and performance management.
Manufacturing & Cost Management
- Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet production, service, and delivery commitments.
- Increase production capacity, flexibility, and asset utilization while controlling costs.
- Own the site cost structure and manage manufacturing expenses within budget.
- Identify and implement cost-reduction and productivity improvement initiatives.
Continuous Improvement & Systems
- Drive a strong continuous improvement culture across the plant.
- Ensure execution through SAP and Kerry’s process manufacturing operating model.
- Use data, KPIs, and structured problem-solving to trigger corrective actions.
- Support site projects, planning, and performance management routines.
People, Talent & Union Relations
- Develop, engage, and retain a high-performing workforce across all departments.
- Execute talent management, succession planning, and people development strategies.
- Set expectations and motivate teams to deliver strong operational and behavioral performance.
- Lead and maintain effective labor / union relationships, fostering constructive dialogue.
- Manage change initiatives while supporting employee engagement and wellbeing.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong, trust-based relationships with customers at all levels.
- Represent the site effectively during customer visits, audits, and reviews.
- Positively engage customers to protect and grow Kerry business.
- Partner with functional and cluster leaders on strategy, risk management, and performance.
Capital Projects & Infrastructure
- Accountable for all site capital projects from planning to execution.
- Maintain plant infrastructure to support safety, operational reliability, and future growth.
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Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- Senior-level plant or manufacturing leadership experience (8+ years preferred).
- Strong leadership and people management experience in complex environments.
- Proven experience in food manufacturing operations.
- Solid knowledge and experience in Fermentation process.
- Solid knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong business acumen (budgeting, cost control, strategic planning).
- Experience working with SAP.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and change management skills.
- Strong communication skills in English and French.
- Customer-focused mindset with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders.
The salary range for this position will be CAD 136K - $228K base plus bonus plan and full relocation benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. The company will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in CAnada for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.
