Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.

We're on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you'll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that's what makes the journey worthwhile.

So, lace up your boots and let's tackle the climb together.

You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.

Position Summary/Objective:

The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing the entire manufacturing process, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in production. This role requires a strategic leader who can drive operational excellence, implement process improvements, and lead a team of manufacturing professionals to meet company goals. The Director will work cross-functionally with other departments, ensuring smooth operations from production planning to the delivery of final products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategy:

• Demonstrate and uphold Riverside's Core Values

• Deliver WOW daily through relentless improvement of the current state and a positive employee experience

• Lead and mentor the manufacturing team, providing direction, guidance, and professional development opportunities.

• Develop and implement manufacturing strategies that align with company objectives, ensuring optimal production performance.

• Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming

• Provide clear expectations and feedback for all direct reports

• Add value through expertise and participation in new product launch, product extension, or line upgrade activities

• Safety and Compliance:

• Oversee workplace safety programs and ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.

• Monitor and enforce health and safety standards to maintain a safe working environment for all employees.

• Quality Assurance:

• Ensure products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.

• Implement and monitor quality control processes to maintain high product quality and minimize defects.

• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to address quality issues and implement corrective actions as needed.

• Urgently address customer complaints with effective corrective and preventative actions to achieve a CCPMU rate less than 1

• Operations Management:

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and safety.

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, ensuring production schedules are met on time and within budget.

• Drive the implementation of best practices for production efficiency, quality control, and cost reduction.

• Manage production capacity planning, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.

• Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Achieve productive and RESPECTFUL relationships within 100% of the organization

• Assist other Riverside leaders, TEAMS, and employees in accomplishing corporate objectives, show a One Riverside, One TEAM mindset daily

• Work closely with engineering, product development, supply chain, and other departments to optimize production processes and resolve any issues that arise.

• Coordinate with the procurement department to ensure timely and cost-effective sourcing of raw materials.

• Annual Operating Plan and Cost Control:

• Develop and manage manufacturing operating plan, monitoring performance to ensure cost-effectiveness.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process optimizations without compromising safety and quality.

• Ensure compliance with financial targets and cost management goals.

• Reporting and Analysis:

• Be a role model for data driven decision making in production

• Provide regular reports on manufacturing performance, key metrics, and project status to senior management.

• Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and implement effective solutions.

• Contribute to forecasting, planning, and scheduling activities

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field. Master's degree is a plus.

• 10+ years' experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, food and CPG industries preferred

• 5+ years in management and leadership with proven ability to build and develop high performing TEAMS

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams.

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities

• Proven track record of improving production efficiency, reducing costs, and driving operational improvements

• Experience in managing large teams and complex manufacturing operations

• SAP exposure and expertise preferred

• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, lean principles, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen).

• Lean Six Sigma certification or similar continuous improvement methodology certification.

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification an asset

• PASSION for the field and subject matter

• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, self-starter with a high level of initiative and ADAPTABILITY

• Demonstrates HUMILITY throughout the company daily

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the VP Manufacturing

• Plant Managers and safety manager report into this role

What we expect:

• Values-led: You'll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun. Sometimes, even making granola bars is hard, and life's too short to take ourselves so seriously that we don't enjoy the journey.
• Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We're still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we'll offer the world, into the future. This means rolling up your sleeves and sometimes building the process – fast! – while employing it. At Riverside, progress occasionally means proceeding imperfectly, and we're okay with that, as long as we're staying true to our values and learning and improving along the way.
• Access to everyone: We're a flat organization with few silos which means you'll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff. Even when employees dress up, they wear steel-toed shoes. So don't be shy. Speak up, share your ideas and go places you normally wouldn't – like the plant, or the boardroom.
• Personal development: We'll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself. Career paths at Riverside are carved by the people walking on them, not dictated by leaders. Count on us to give you the training and tools to grow and progress.
• Gratitude: As a growing business, we can't always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation. At Riverside, we're all in this together and we value you.

What We Offer:

• Values-led: We don't cut corners or step on anyone or anything on our way to our summit. There is no winning at all costs here. Every step you take must align with our values, no compromises.
• Courageous determination: As a family-run, rapidly growing business, we are often challenged to find ways to deliver that aren't obvious or easy. You must be willing to try, ask and answer challenging questions, test and learn, turn over every stone, keep moving forward and help us find a way through. Resourcefulness and grit will be your constant companions at Riverside and will serve you well.
• Humility: We're a small (but growing) fish in a sea of whales and sharks. We know the products we offer are some of the healthiest and most sustainable, but we don't brag about it, and know we have a steep path ahead. We pride ourselves in being respectful and supportive of others while shining brightly through our innovative, high-quality products. There isn't one superstar at Riverside. We take turns leading the way as we climb to the summit.
• Continuous improvement: As a learn-as-we-go organization, we rely on each other to continuously improve everything we touch to make it better, more efficient, more sustainable, and more endearing to customers, consumers, employees, vendors, partners and the community. We own our mistakes and learn from them as we wind our way to the top.

Wait! There's more!

• Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs!
• RRSP matching or IRA matching for an empowered financial journey
• Join Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights
• Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program
• An open concept work environment that embodies our Values

How to Apply:

If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button!

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.