Job Description

Job Title:

Plant Manager

Location:

Fergus, Ontario

Reporting To:

Chief Executive Officer

Company Overview

Krystalite GT Inc. is a Canadian-owned and operated manufacturer specializing in sustainable packaging solutions -- including PET cups and lids (brand ranges "Revive", "Refresh") and rPET sheet rolls ("Reborn"). Our products serve food & beverages and other packaging markets. We are committed to innovation, cost-effectiveness and environmental stewardship.

Role Purpose:

The Plant Manager will lead and manage all aspects of the Fergus facility to ensure safe, efficient, cost-effective production of high-quality extrusion-based plastic packaging products. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in the plastics manufacturing industry (especially extrusion processes) in Canada or the USA. They will drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, workforce leadership, and alignment with corporate sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

Oversee all facets of plant operations including extrusion, thermoforming, sheet production, cups/lids production, packaging and finishing. Ensure that production targets (volume, yield, uptime, cost) are met while maintaining high quality standards and on-time delivery. Develop, implement and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for extrusion and downstream operations specific to PET/rPET plastic packaging. Manage equipment maintenance strategy (preventive, predictive, breakdown) to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime. Ensure compliance with environmental, health & safety (EHS) regulations and company policies. Monitor key operational metrics (OEE, scrap/defect rate, cost per unit, labor productivity) and drive improvement initiatives.

Quality & Sustainability:

Ensure finished goods meet internal and customer specifications for material, dimensions, performance and printing (1-8 color custom printing as applicable). Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce scrap, improve yield, reduce energy consumption, and enhance sustainability of operations (aligning with brand's eco-friendly focus). Collaborate with Engineering/Technical teams on process improvements, new product introduction, machine upgrades, and material transitions (e.g., rPET sheet roll developments).

Leadership & People Management

Lead, motivate and develop the plant operations team (supervisors, machine operators, maintenance, quality, logistics). Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Ensure appropriate training and development programs are in place for staff (extrusion technology, quality systems, lean manufacturing). Manage staffing levels, shift scheduling, performance management, and succession planning.

Budgeting & Cost Control

Develop annual operating budgets and capital expenditure plans for the facility. Monitor actuals vs. budget, identify variances and take corrective actions. Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality and service levels. Provide regular reports to senior management on plant performance, cost drivers, capital projects, and improvement initiatives.

Health, Safety & Environment

Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation (Ontario and Canada), company EHS policies, and that the plant maintains a safe working environment. Lead safety initiatives, root-cause analysis of incidents/near-misses and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Support the company's sustainability goals by optimizing energy usage, minimizing waste, and ensuring responsible material handling and recycling practices.

Stakeholder Management & Communication

Work cross-functionally with Sales, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to meet customer requirements, support new product launches, and resolve operational issues. Serve as the key plant contact for customers, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders. Communicate plant performance, issues, improvement plans, and results to senior leadership in a timely and transparent manner.

Key Qualifications & Requirements

Essential

Minimum

10+ years

of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in the plastics industry in Canada or the USA, with

significant experience

in extrusion operations (sheet, film, cups/lids or related). Strong technical background in plastic extrusion processes (sheet extruders, thermoforming) and downstream packaging operations. Proven track record of driving operational excellence metrics (uptime, yield, cost reduction) in a high-volume manufacturing environment. Hands-on leadership style with ability to lead large teams (100+ employees) and multiple shifts. Strong financial acumen: budget development, cost control, capital planning. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and change-management skills. Knowledge of relevant Canadian environmental, health & safety regulations and best practices in plastics manufacturing. Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM or similar continuous improvement methodologies. Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Plastics Technology or related field (or equivalent experience).

Preferred

Experience specifically with PET or recycled PET (rPET) sheet/extrusion operations. Experience in food-grade packaging or consumer-packaging environment. Proven experience in custom printing and packaging operations (e.g., multi-color printing on cups/lids or sheets). Master's degree or advanced certification in operations management or manufacturing leadership. Bilingual (English + French) would be an asset for Ontario operations.

Working Conditions

Full-time, on-site role at the Fergus, Ontario manufacturing facility. Occasional travel to supplier or customer sites may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience) + performance bonus tied to plant KPIs. Comprehensive benefits package (Car + Fuel + health insurance) and paid time off.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $130,000.00-$150,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person