Production Manager

About the RolePRODUCTION MANAGER Tootsie Roll of Canada/Concord Confections, maker of Dubble Bubble gum and other confectionery products, is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead site operations from material receipt through shipment. The role is accountable for production schedules, productivity, cost, quality, food safety, health and safety, inventory, administration, receiving, and shipping. The Production Manager will coach Production Supervisors and partner across functions to improve performance continuously.ResponsibilitiesCompliance & Food SafetyPlan, direct, and coordinate operations in compliance with company, customer, SQF, CFIA, FDA, Kosher, and applicable federal/provincial/local regulationsMaintain the food safety plan and uphold food quality standards; escalate food safety concerns to authorized personnel and food defense issues to Food Safety & QualityFoster a strong food safety culture across all shiftsEnsure production meets all food safety and quality requirements and that established protocols are followed across every shift.Ensure compliance with Safety and Environmental requirementsTeam Leadership & Workforce ManagementCoach and manage Production Supervisors and department staff; ensure understanding of and adherence to safety procedures, GMP, housekeeping standards, the union CBA, and SOPsDevelop and implement personal development plans for Supervisors; monitor performance and take corrective action as neededPrepare management reviews for all direct reportsCover the Production Supervisor role during supervisor’s vacations, absences, or as needed on any shiftEnsure Supervisors lead all hourly staff on site effectively and efficientlyDeploy staff and other resources effectively across all shifts.Oversee front desk/administrative staff to ensure timely task completionSupport production and other business needs, including working during evenings and weekends when requiredProduction & OperationsMaximize line efficiency and effective use of materials, staff, and resources across all shiftsCommunicate promptly, troubleshoot issues, and address operational gaps and concerns.Coordinate and optimize production schedules, staffing, and material requirements end-to-end (receiving through shipment)Monitor and improve startup, changeover, shutdown, run efficiency, material usage, downtime, and other production costsDevelop and maintain data on production capacity, line speeds/outputs, efficiencies, staffing, and line set pointsWrite SOPs and work instructions; deliver training and cross-trainingLead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, R&D activities, capacity analysis, and equipment/operational improvementsAudit processes, identify gaps, and ensure cross-shift complianceCollaborate across departments to resolve issues and improve manufacturing operations, including coordinating with Maintenance to complete required work.Investigate and evaluate new processes, protocols, equipment, and layoutsManage time and attendance program, and ensure accuracy & timely input of informationConduct inventory counts and internal audits across the siteSafety & CultureMaintain a safe, efficient work environment; lead investigations and root cause analysisDrive continuous health & safety improvementsEngage the team for improved performance through feedback, recognition, and communicationSystems & ReportingAccurately and promptly maintain production, inventory, staffing, and reporting data in company systemsEnsure batch, ingredients and inventory information is entered accurately and on time. Address gaps promptly.Provide timely communication and reporting on projects, issues, and operational gapsFlexibilityTrain at both Concord sites to enable working at either site, as and when required. Commute to either site as and when required.Perform other duties as assigned at either siteQualificationsBachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field5+ years of management experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food or beveragePrior Production Manager experience; leading a team of production supervisors, lead hands, and other staff in a unionized environmentStrong background in production/material/labor scheduling, cost management, continuous improvement, and inventory managementStrong analytical, planning, and troubleshooting abilitiesProficient in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables) and data analysis/presentationProven ability to lead, coach, and motivate a diverse workforce; skilled in driving organizational changeAble to lift/move up to 25 lbsAble to stand and work on feet for extended periodsAble to work at elevated heights (ladder/platform), climb stairs, and lean over equipmentFrequent handling, gripping, bending, and stooping