Vice President of Manufacturing

THE MATCHCompany: ConfidentialRole: VP ManufacturingLocation: Toronto, ONReports To: SVP OperationsCoverage: National (multi-site operations across Canada)Package: Competitive base salary, annual bonus, equity participation, full benefitsTHE COMPANYOur client is a leading diversified consumer packaged goods (CPG) company headquartered in Canada. Through its fully integrated platform spanning manufacturing, retail, and distribution, the company has grown to become one of the largest vertically integrated players in the industry.With a portfolio of well-established brands, state-of-the-art production facilities, and a strong financial foundation, the business is evolving beyond its roots, focused on operational excellence, lean manufacturing, and sustainable growth across its multiple product categories.This is an opportunity to join a company in transformation mode, scaling its manufacturing network, optimizing processes, and setting the operational standard for the next phase of growth.THE ROLEThe VP Manufacturing will lead all aspects of the company’s manufacturing operations across multiple facilities in Canada. This role will be responsible for driving excellence in safety, quality, productivity, and cost through a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.Reporting directly to the SVP Operations, the VP Manufacturing will oversee a large, complex production footprint. The successful candidate will design and implement world-class systems, people, and processes that ensure consistent quality and scalability across the network.This position requires a proven manufacturing executive with deep experience, ideally from food, beverage, CPG, or pharmaceutical sectors, who thrives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial settings and can balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESLeadership & StrategyDevelop and execute the manufacturing strategy aligned with company growth objectives.Lead a network of plant managers, engineering, maintenance, and quality leaders to achieve performance and cost targets.Serve as a key member of the Operations leadership team, contributing to cross-functional strategy and decision-making.Build a culture of accountability, empowerment, and continuous improvement across all sites.Operational ExcellenceOversee production, maintenance, engineering, and packaging operations to ensure consistent, high-quality output.Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM methodologies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize throughput.Drive standardization and best practices across all manufacturing sites.Champion data-driven decision-making, ensuring the use of KPIs and performance dashboards to track progress.Quality, Safety & ComplianceEnsure compliance with all Health Canada, GMP, and food safety regulations.Embed a strong safety culture, ensuring all facilities meet and exceed internal and external standards.Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to drive best-in-class compliance and audit readiness.People & CultureLead and mentor a high-performing team of manufacturing and plant leaders.Build leadership capability through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.Partner with HR to drive engagement and attract top manufacturing talent.Cost & Capital ManagementOwn manufacturing P&L and deliver against productivity, cost, and service objectives.Develop annual operating and capital budgets to support growth initiatives.Evaluate new technologies, automation, and capital investments to improve competitiveness.THE IDEAL CANDIDATE15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, ideally within food, beverage, CPG, or pharmaceutical sectors.Proven success overseeing multi-site operations and leading large teams in a high-volume production environment.Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.Strong financial acumen and experience managing large operating budgets.Exceptional leadership, influencing, and change management skills, capable of aligning teams around a shared operational vision.Experience within a high-growth or transformation environment preferred.Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; MBA or advanced certification in Lean/Six Sigma is a strong plus.THE OPPORTUNITYThis is more than a manufacturing leadership role; it’s an opportunity to redefine what operational excellence looks like in one of Canada’s most dynamic, diversified companies. The right leader will shape the future of our clients' manufacturing platform, driving innovation, efficiency, and a culture of high performance across every site.