Job Description

Status:

Full-time

Location:

10 Carlson Ct, Etobicoke - Head Office (Hybrid)



Reporting to the Director, Supply Chain Planning, the Manager, Supply Chain Planning plays a pivotal role in executing Gay Lea Foods' supply planning strategy across a business unit. This role is responsible for leading master planning, detailed scheduling, optimizing inventory levels, and driving supply review processes within the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) framework. The successful candidate will ensure alignment between tactical planning and long-range supply strategies, supporting operational efficiency and service excellence across our manufacturing network.



Key Responsibilities

Production & Supply Planning Execution

Lead the development and execution of master plans and production schedules across assigned plants, ensuring alignment with demand forecasts, customer orders and capacity constraints. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Procurement, Sales, Marketing) to integrate business needs into planning processes. Identify and mitigate bottlenecks in production and capacity planning to maintain schedule adherence and service levels.

Inventory & Cost Management

Oversee inventory targets, safety stock, and aging inventory to balance service levels and cost efficiency; monitor spoilage, penalties, and third-party service costs. Collaborate with procurement on third-party raw material purchases (e.g., cream) to support business unit supply needs.

Process & Performance Optimization

Implement and monitor KPIs to measure schedule efficiency, inventory health, and supply responsiveness. Analyze planning data to identify improvement opportunities and drive corrective actions. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in supply planning and scheduling processes.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Lead and mentor a team of planners and schedulers, fostering strong relationships across the network. Represent supply planning in IBP supply reviews and business unit meetings; serve as the key contact for plant capacity inquiries tied to business changes.

Technology & Systems

Evaluate and support implementation of planning and scheduling tools to enhance productivity. Leverage ERP systems and advanced Excel/Power BI for data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications & Competencies

Minimum 5 years of experience in production planning, inventory control, or materials management within manufacturing. Post-secondary education in Supply Chain or related field; APICS, Lean, or Six Sigma certification is an asset. Strong grasp of supply chain principles including MRP, safety stock, and scheduling constraints; ERP experience required (Microsoft Dynamics preferred). Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI, with strong analytical and organizational skills. Proven ability to lead change, manage priorities, and collaborate effectively across functions.

Working Environment

Primarily office-based with regular deadlines and cross-functional engagement. Physical Demands: Sitting, walking, and keyboarding for extended periods.

Gay Lea Foods is a leading Canadian dairy co-operative renowned for producing high-quality, nutritious dairy products that Canadian families love and trust. From farm to table, our 1,200 farmer members in Ontario and Manitoba, and more than 1,200 employees across four provinces, work together to nourish communities through award-winning brands including Gay Lea, Nordica, Salerno, Bothwell Cheese, and more. As part of its deeply rooted, balanced commitment to people, profit, and planet, Gay Lea Foods proudly invests one percent of pre-tax earnings back into Canadian communities through a national food security partnership with Second Harvest, and the community-building efforts of the Gay Lea Foundation. To learn more, visit gayleafoods.com.



Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.



Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.

Wishing you all the best with your career search!