Manager, Production Operations

About IVC Vita Health

Founded in 1936 by G.W. Seier in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Vita Health Products began as a small mail-order business offering herbs and patented medicines. Over the decades, it has grown into one of Canada’s leading suppliers of over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical and natural health products.

Headquartered in the heart of Canada, within Winnipeg’s St. Boniface Industrial Park, IVC Vita Health Products is a fully integrated manufacturer, marketer, and distributor. We offer a wide range of premium nutritional supplements and OTC medications across Canada. Our operations span more than 260,000 square feet of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution facilities.

As part of the IVC Nutrition Corporation of Companies, IVC Vita Health has built a strong legacy of success and continues to achieve consistent growth and performance.

Why Work With Us:

We know that attracting and retaining great people requires more than just a job—it takes a rewarding environment and meaningful support. Our comprehensive benefits include:

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonuses
• Company-paid health, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-matched retirement savings plan
• Seven paid personal leave days annually
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Mental health and wellness assistance programs
• Company-sponsored events and team-building activities

At IVC Vita Health, we’re committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace where every employee can thrive. We value your contributions and are invested in your personal and professional growth.

Our Vision: To be the most trusted Canadian partner in Private Label and Contract Manufacturing, setting the standard for excellence in health products that enrich lives.

Our Mission: As a proud Canadian manufacturer, we enhance health by delivering high-quality, innovative, and affordable over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and natural health products.

Summary:

Under the direction of the Manufacturing Director, the Manager, Production Operations is responsible for analyzing daily manufacturing performance, reviewing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and identifying performance improvement opportunities. This role ensures compliance with Health Canada regulations, GDP, GMP, Safety standards, ALCOA principles, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Company policies.

The Manager, Production Operations acts as a key liaison between Manufacturing and internal stakeholders at IVC Vita Health, driving operational excellence through performance-driven strategies that enhance productivity, efficiency, profitability, and the Company’s competitive position. This position manages direct reports including the Assistant Manager and Supervisors, as well as indirect reports including Assistant Supervisors and unionized employees, and coordinates workload schedules to meet production objectives.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities

Operational Performance & Continuous Improvement

· Analyze daily manufacturing performance to identify deficiencies and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency, resource utilization, and KPI attainment.

· Review daily performance reports, including:

o Manufacturing Performance Report Cards (Compounding & Compression)

o Daily Production Output Reports

· Review weekly performance reports, including:

o Job Order (JO) Labor Variance Reports

o Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Reports

o Compression Cleaning Performance Reports

· Review daily GEMBA Walk, 5S, Lean Workplace, and Safety Observation reports; discuss findings and improvement actions with direct reports.

· Participate in manufacturing deviations in accordance with the Deviation Management Process.

· Ensure Vorne Systems and Cleaning Activity Boards are used effectively across all shifts.

· Oversee investigations related to product quality, equipment, processes, safety, employee performance, and associated CAPA plans.

· Manage unionized employee overtime in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and Company policies.

· Observe and ensure effectiveness of Huddle Board meetings on all shifts.

Production, Quality & Regulatory Compliance

· Manage and support operational activities related to production, new projects, quality, regulatory compliance, and efficiency initiatives.

· Oversee Job Order Labor Variance investigations and ensure corrective actions are completed in a timely manner.

· Manage production schedules for active bulks, equipment trials, R&D trials, engineering studies, validation batches, and IQ/OQ activities to meet quality, cost, and timeline requirements.

· Participate in internal and external audits; lead responses and CAPA implementation.

· Ensure Solabs Training and UKG Pro Learning assignments are current and completed.

· Oversee union employee job training, cross-training, transfers, and documentation, ensuring timely submission to Human Resources.

· Manage department SOPs, batch record templates, documentation, and Change Control Requests (CCRs), including drafting and revising procedures.

· Oversee compliance programs, including:

o Monthly Logbook Reviews and Random Inspections

o Monthly Job Order Variance Reporting

o Lift Truck Certification

o Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Audits

o Respirator Audits

· Analyze capital equipment needs to support current and future capacity requirements.

Leadership, Reporting & Administration

· Provide leadership aligned with departmental objectives and production load demands.

· Ensure completion, review, and timely publication of department reports, including:

o Deviation Master Tracker

o Inventory Supply Management Tracker

o Documentation Error Trackers (Weekly and Monthly)

o Assistant Manager Summary Reports

· Review and maintain accuracy of Manufacturing Standard Routings, work centers, labor hours, BOMs, and Item Masters.

· Conduct monthly Tooling Room inspections and prepare reports.

· Lead projects related to asset retirement, implementation, and corporate or technical changes.

· Manage management team time-off schedules.

· Oversee issuance of disciplinary actions for unionized employees in accordance with Company policy.

· Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Manufacturing.

Key Meetings & Collaboration

· Participate in or lead the following meetings:

o Supply Chain Leadership Team (SCLT)

o Weekly Productivity Review Meetings

o Weekly Supervisor Meetings

Qualifications & Experience Required:

· Minimum 3 - 5 years in a Managerial position or related experience, preferably in the food or drug industry within a unionized environment.

Education, Certification, Licenses & Registrations:

· BSc in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or related science or Canadian accreditation in an area related to pharmaceutical manufacturing is a requirement.

Skills

· Advanced proficiency with ERP systems and enterprise applications.

· Strong leadership and organizational capabilities in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

· In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, including GMP and Health Canada regulatory requirements.

· Extensive experience with production processes, equipment, capacity planning, and operational policies and procedures.

· Proven ability to analyze performance data, identify deficiencies, and develop effective corrective action plans.

· Highly developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage cross-functional stakeholders.

· Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Physical Demands:

· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

· Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents and operating office equipment

· Occasional standing, walking, bending or reaching

· Visual acuity required for reading printed materials and viewing a computer screen

· Ability to communicate clearly in person, over the phone and in writing

At IVC Vita Health, we are dedicated to building a workplace that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We believe our greatest strength comes from embracing different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to create an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

We welcome applicants from all walks of life, including—but not limited to—women, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

We are committed to fair and inclusive hiring practices and strive to foster a culture where all employees have the opportunity to reach their full potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will do our best to support your needs.

Please note: This job description is intended to outline the general nature and key responsibilities of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of duties. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign responsibilities as needed to meet operational requirements.