The individual in this role will be hands-on and willing to be present on the floor and detail-oriented with a quality-first mindset and will be able to perform in a fast-paced, seasonal, and fluctuating business environment. We are looking for an innovative thinker who can balance cost-efficiency with product presentation. Role is full time, five days in office in Mississauga.

Key Skills
1) Bilingual is a strong asset in many produce operations.
2) Strong analytical and problem-solving ability (waste reduction, process bottlenecks) with an entrepreneurial mindset.
3) Excellent communication skills to work with category, operations, and executives.
4) Strong negotiation and vendor management skills (packaging suppliers, equipment vendors).
5) Comfortable with data and reporting tools (Warehouse Management System, Excel, Business Intelligence).

Responsibilities

1. Technical Knowledge
A) In-depth knowledge of:
– Produce quality standards, grading, and market requirements.
– Packaging materials and technology (clamshells, bags, boxes, RPCs, eco-
packaging etc.)
– Repacking/regrading workflows (sorting, shrink reduction, extending shelf life).
– Cold chain management and post-harvest physiology (respiration rates, storage temps, humidity).
– Equipment and automation (grading machines, flow wrap, Giro baggers, Top
Seal, Heat shrink tunnel).
– Understanding of sustainability trends in packaging.
– Strong grasp of yield management: maximizing salable product and minimizing shrink/waste.

2. Leadership and Management
– Lead and develop teams: supervisors, regrade and packaging line staff.
– Establish KPIs for throughput, labor efficiency, yield, shrink, cost control and savings.
– Budget responsibility: labor, packaging costs, overhead, and capital expenditures.
– Strategic planning for capacity, scalability, and automation investment.
– Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

3. Compliance and Food Safety
– Ensure strict compliance with CFIA, BRC, HACCP, and compliance of all audits.
– Maintain traceability, lot control, and recall readiness.
– Partner with Quality Assurance on inspections, shelf-life testing, and defect
management.

Experience
– 7–10 years of experience in packaging, regrading and product handling
(Experience in fresh produce operations would be a asset).
– At least 5 years in a management/leadership role overseeing packaging, regrading, or processing operations.
– Strong knowledge in food safety programs
– Proven success with cost control, efficiency improvements, and labour
management.