Materials Manager – CAN

SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN, Dream, and West Life. For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for inventory control, forecasting, shipping/receiving, mapping of ingredients/packaging and organizing the warehouse space. This individual collaborates with cross-functional groups including Production, Human Resources, Quality, Supply Chain and Finance to meet production targets.

Essential Functions of the Job:

1. Oversee daily production output to ensure targets and operational goals are met.
2. Communicate regularly with Customer Service regarding the status of open orders and any potential issues.
3. Schedule and coordinate production activities to align with demand and resource availability.
4. Create, manage, and close production batches in a timely and accurate manner.
5. Monitor and track daily Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including OTIF (On-Time In-Full), schedule attainment, quantity metrics, and batch closure rates to support ‘Win the Day’ performance goals.
6. Ensure strict adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and company safety policies.
7. Maintain responsibility for Food Safety by promptly reporting non-compliance or potential risks to the immediate supervisor.
8. Oversee purchasing activities to support production and inventory needs.
9. Manage warehousing, shipping, and receiving operations to ensure smooth and timely material flow.
10. Develop and maintain the master production schedule and a rolling 12-week production forecast.
11. Create, refine, and maintain capacity planning models, 3PL attributes, and ASCP/Oracle sourcing rules in alignment with RCCP/MPS strategies.
12. Lead weekly Sales & Inventory Planning (SIP) meetings to review updates with Sales and Customer Service teams.
13. Manage aging and at-risk inventory by identifying trends and initiating corrective actions.
14. Analyze forecast data and customer order patterns to provide insights into demand planning and inventory optimization.
15. Collaborate with Customer Service, Sales, and Plant Operations to review production plans and proactively resolve disruptions and challenges.
16. Ensure compliance with internal process guidelines for accurate reporting, operational best practices, and strong internal controls.
17. Support compliance with all regulatory, customer, and third-party certification requirements, including Organic, GFCO, SQF, Kosher, and internal/external audits.
18. Uphold all SunOpta quality, food safety, and certification standards.
19. Serve as backup to the Plant Director during absences or as needed.
20. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all Shipping Receiving and Warehouse staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Certificate and/or bachelor’s degree in related fields of study preferred.
2. Minimum of three consecutive years of related work experience required.
3. Proficient in SAP systems and Oracle production tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of mechanical systems. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices is beneficial. Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills. Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change. Must have working knowledge of Oracle and Microsoft Office Programs.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Broad knowledge of supply chain processes and planning systems.
2. Demonstrated sound business judgment and initiative.
3. Ability to manage many details with a high level of accuracy.
4. Strong sense of urgency to eliminate downtime.
5. Ability to establish timelines and meet deadlines.
6. Ability to initiate, coordinate, collaborate, and move forward on planned activities in a team environment.
7. Attention to detail and good follow up is critical to success.
8. Oral and written communication, collaborative, interpersonal and teamwork skills are essential.

Additional Considerations:

1. This position is based at our St. Davids, Ontario, Canada facility.
2. Travel requirements are less than 10%.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Approximately 80% of work is performed in an office environment; 20% of work may involve being in the manufacturing environment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED