Darling Ingredients, a global leader in creating sustainable food, feed and fuel solutions from organic by-products.
Our world is growing. Global population is increasing by tens of thousands every day, and the pressure on our planet's resources for food, feed and fuel is greater than ever. Our future - and that of our children - depends on our ability to find economically and ecologically viable ways to provide for a growing population's basic needs.
At Darling Ingredients, we contribute to that goal by creating sustainable food, feed and fuel ingredient solutions. We take the meat by-products from our animal-based diets and process them to reclaim valuable and essential bio-nutrients, fats, oils, proteins, meals and more that are used daily in personal, commercial, and industrial products. Our natural and sustainable ingredients are marketed internationally to the pharmaceutical, food, animal feed, pet food, renewable fuel, fertilizer, sports nutrition and cosmetic industries.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Production Manager is responsible for leading daily production operations at the Dundas facility, reporting directly to the Plant Manager. This role oversees 5 Production Supervisors and indirectly ~25 unionized operators, with a strong focus on leadership, coaching, accountability, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will foster a culture of safety, quality, operational excellence, and environmental compliance while strengthening Supervisor capability and engagement across all shifts.
POSITION TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and elevate the Supervisory team through structured coaching, continuous improvement mindsets, and strong leadership skill‑building, while conducting mid‑year and annual performance reviews with timely feedback, recognition, and corrective action when required
- Promote and maintain a positive, safety-focused, collaborative work culture that supports safety, accountability, and continuous improvement, in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Company policies.
- Ensure regulatory compliance with MOECP, MOL, OMAFRA, CFIA, and all environmental and quality requirements.
- Drive operational performance in efficiency, yield, quality, throughput, and cost control through structured daily management and continuous improvement tools.
- Maintain and strengthen HACCP, GMPs, SOPs, and related quality systems in collaboration with other departments.
- Develop and manage the production budget, including reporting on variances and implementing corrective actions as required.
- Lead labour relations activities and support Supervisors in consistent application of the CBA and grievance management.
- Partner with Human Resources to address team performance issues and on training, development and succession planning
- Review and approve time and attendance (Kronos) for all Production employees.
- Work collaboratively with PSQA, Environmental, Logistics, HR, and Health & Safety to support plant performance, site initiatives, aligned plant priorities and ensure coordinated plant operations.
- Perform additional duties as required based on operational/business needs.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post‑secondary education in Engineering, Agriculture, Science, or related field is an asset
- Minimum 2–5 years in Manager role in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in rendering, food processing, or related high compliance environments considered an asset.
- Experience with HACCP, GMPs, SOPs, and regulated plant environments considered an asset.
- Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop frontline leaders.
- Demonstrated ability to hold teams accountable while maintaining strong employee relations.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and time‑management skills with curiosity and initiative.
- Proven H&S leader, experienced in developing a culture of safety and working collaboratively with the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)
- Experience in unionized settings preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and plant information systems
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the AODA, ESA, OHSA and other federal, and provincial standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
- Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the AODA, ESA, OHSA and other federal, and provincial standards.
- Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and safely navigating stairs/ladders.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Comfortable working in fluctuating temperatures, moderate to high noise, and exposure to raw material odours.
- Regular periods of standing, walking, or desk work.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be able to crouch, kneel, bend, twist, push/pull occasionally.
WE OFFER:
- Competitive salary and annual incentive plan
- Life insurance, disability insurance, and Employee Assistance Program
- Defined Contribution Pension Plan
- Educational and apprenticeship program support.
- Career growth within a global organization committed to sustainability
- Work‑life balance and flexibility aligned with plant priorities
Darling International Canada Inc. is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities where our facilities are located. We actively seek qualified individuals with demonstrated skill and knowledge to deal with all aspects of diversity in a manufacturing environment. Darling is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with provincial accessibility legislation. The Human Resources Department will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. This document is available in alternate format on request. We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This job posting is for a current vacancy within our organization.
AI may be used to support certain administrative aspects of our recruitment process. However, applications and resumes are reviewed by qualified recruiters, and all screening and hiring decisions are made solely by the hiring team.
"Internal candidates are encouraged to apply through their Hiring Manager or forward their resume to the HR Department."
