Operations Manager
Iron Will Raw (Actual Pet Foods)
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer , VP Manufacturing & Facilities
Employment Status: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of production, shipping, inventory, and workforce activities at the Iron Will Raw facility. Working closely with the COO and department supervisors, this role ensures production schedules are achieved safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company quality and regulatory standards.
The Operations Manager provides hands-on leadership across all operational departments, driving accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence while ensuring customer orders are fulfilled on time and to specification.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Operations
- Oversee daily production activities to ensure production schedules are executed efficiently and safely.
- Coordinate with Production Supervisors to balance labour, equipment, and production requirements.
- Monitor production performance, yields, downtime, and operational efficiency throughout each shift.
- Identify operational issues and implement corrective actions to maintain production targets.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that improve throughput, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency.
Leadership & Workforce Management
- Provide daily leadership, coaching, and support to Production Supervisors and plant employees.
- Monitor attendance, staffing levels, and labour allocation to ensure operational requirements are met.
- Reinforce company policies, safety expectations, and performance standards.
- Participate in employee performance management, coaching, and disciplinary processes in partnership with Human Resources.
- Assist with employee training, onboarding, and leadership development.
Inventory & Material Management
- Oversee raw material availability and finished goods inventory to support production requirements.
- Ensure inventory accuracy through routine verification and reporting.
- Coordinate with Purchasing and Logistics to maintain adequate material supply.
- Monitor inventory movements and assist in resolving discrepancies.
Shipping & Order Fulfillment
- Coordinate daily production output with shipping requirements to ensure customer orders are completed accurately and on time.
- Monitor order status, inventory availability, and production priorities.
- Resolve operational constraints affecting customer service and delivery performance.
- Support achievement of OTIF (On-Time In-Full) delivery objectives.
Quality, Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with company quality programs, CFIA regulations, HACCP requirements, and Occupational Health & Safety legislation.
- Support food safety, sanitation, and quality audits.
- Ensure corrective actions are implemented and maintained.
- Promote a culture of safety and regulatory compliance throughout the facility.
Equipment & Facility Management
- Coordinate with Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and preventative maintenance schedules are completed.
- Monitor equipment downtime and prioritize repairs affecting production.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping, sanitation, and facility organization.
Reporting & Performance Management
- Review daily operational reports covering production, labour, inventory, shipping, and equipment performance.
- Track operational KPIs and communicate performance results to senior leadership.
- Identify trends, recommend improvements, and support data-driven decision making.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead initiatives focused on improving productivity, quality, safety, and cost efficiency.
- Support implementation of standardized operating procedures and best practices.
- Encourage employee engagement and participation in continuous improvement initiatives.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The Operations Manager will be measured on:
- Production schedule attainment
- Labour efficiency
- Production yield and waste reduction
- OTIF (On-Time In-Full) performance
- Inventory accuracy
- Equipment uptime
- Safety performance and incident reduction
- Quality and food safety compliance
- Employee attendance and workforce productivity
- Continuous improvement implementation
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 5 years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in food processing or a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading supervisors and cross-functional operational teams.
- Strong understanding of production planning, inventory control, logistics, labour management, and continuous improvement.
- Working knowledge of CFIA regulations, HACCP principles, and Occupational Health & Safety legislation.
- Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Office, and production reporting software.
Working Relationships
Reports To
- General Manager / Chief Operating Officer
Direct Reports
- Production Supervisors
- Shipping & Logistics Supervisor
- Inventory/Yard Supervisor
- Maintenance Coordinator (operationally)
Works Closely With
- Human Resources
- Purchasing
- Quality Assurance
- Maintenance
- Customer Service
- Finance
- Executive Leadership
Alignment with Actual Pet Foods
The Operations Manager supports the operational success of Iron Will Raw by ensuring safe, efficient, and consistent execution of manufacturing and fulfillment activities. This role contributes to Actual Pet Foods' commitment to quality, customer service, operational excellence, and continuous improvement while supporting collaboration across K9 Choice, Back2Raw, and Iron Will Raw.
Work Location: In person
