Vice President, Manufacturing and Distribution Operations – Regal

Our Client

Regal Confections is one of the leading distributors of confectionery and chocolate products in Canada. After more than six decades as a market leader in the confectionery industry, Regal Confections has evolved into the exclusive distributor of some of the most prestigious brands in the industry.

As an importer and manufacturer, Regal Confections offers a wide range of regular, seasonal, licensed, and private-label products, sold through all major distribution channels across Canada.

Role Summary

Reporting to the President, the Vice President, Operations will lead all strategic operations across multiple sites. The incumbent’s primary objective will be to mobilize employees under their responsibility and to implement a culture of operational excellence (continuous improvement). The role includes developing and executing a strategic plan to achieve corporate objectives and quality standards, optimizing cost management, and maximizing customer relationships and satisfaction. The Vice President will be a member of the Executive Committee and will contribute to the organization’s sustainable growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic plan to align and standardize all operations;
• Optimize departmental budget management to achieve corporate objectives while maintaining quality standards and customer satisfaction;
• Act as a leader by implementing a culture of continuous improvement and positively driving change management;
• Coordinate the development and deployment of the continuous improvement plan with the primary objective of becoming a center of excellence;
• Provide expert guidance on improvement initiatives and projects across various functions and sites by leading and facilitating continuous improvement projects throughout the organization;
• Identify best practices in continuous improvement across the organization and ensure their implementation;
• Standardize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs);
• Oversee the management of all production plants and distribution centers. In collaboration with their team, the incumbent is responsible for workforce management, productivity, cost control, continuous process improvement, health and safety, and workforce training;
• Ensure the achievement of corporate objectives related to their department. Optimize efficiency, productivity, and equipment performance to meet established goals;
• Develop a business partnership approach focused on close relationships with customers and key stakeholders;
• Ensure the implementation and compliance with health and safety regulations;
• Communicate, implement, and enforce company policies and procedures;
• Motivate staff and serve as a positive role model and source of influence;
• Foster workforce autonomy by empowering employees.

Knowledge and Skills

• University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Operations Management;
• Minimum of 15 years of management experience in a manufacturing and/or distribution environment;
• Experience in management with multi-site responsibilities (an asset);
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement principles or lean manufacturing;
• Demonstrated change leadership while maintaining employee engagement and mobilization;
• Proven track record of achieving established objectives;
• Flexibility to adapt to diverse cultural environments, both internally (organization) and externally (suppliers and customers);
• In a change-driven context, the candidate must demonstrate a high level of empathy;
• Proven ability to influence while increasing team engagement;
• Promotes collaboration and open-mindedness;
• Willingness to travel (approximately 30%), primarily in Montreal and surrounding areas, as well as Toronto (multi-site);
• Bilingualism (French and English).

Position Challenges

• Mobilizing operations and distribution teams in a context of major change involving current and future facilities;
• Measuring site effectiveness and ensuring optimization;
• Advising senior management on strategic direction;
• Implementing best manufacturing practices and developing performance indicators in a changing environment aligned with Regal Group’s new culture;
• Establishing a continuous improvement approach;
• Rapid implementation of strategic operational planning.

Desired Behavioral Competency Profile

• Strategic vision and technical expertise
• Mobilizing leadership
• Analytical thinking and results orientation
• Operational agility and vision
• Strategic influence and communication
• Emotional intelligence and sound judgment

Proposed Interview Process

1. First interview with Glasford International Canada recruitment firm;
2. Second interview with the Director of Human Resources, the CEO, and the Vice President of Manufacturing and Distribution Operations;
3. Third interview with the President and CEO and the Executive Chairman of the Group.