Materials Manager - CAN - Job Opportunity at SunOpta

St. Davids, Canada
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: April 13, 2025
On-site
CAD 85,000 - 110,000 annually based on location, industry standards, and role scope

Key Responsibilities

Strategic inventory control and demand forecasting for a major food manufacturing facility
Cross-functional leadership of production planning and warehouse operations
Development and optimization of master production schedules and capacity planning models
Management of Sales & Inventory Planning (SIP) processes and stakeholder relationships
Oversight of compliance with multiple food safety and quality certifications
Direct supervision of shipping, receiving and warehouse personnel

Requirements

Education

Certificate and/or bachelor's degree in related fields of study preferred

Experience

Minimum of three consecutive years of related work experience required

Required Skills

Proficient in SAP systems and Oracle production tools Strong working knowledge of mechanical systems Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change Working knowledge of Oracle and Microsoft Office Programs Broad knowledge of supply chain processes and planning systems Sound business judgment and initiative Strong attention to detail and accuracy Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The plant-based food manufacturing sector is experiencing significant growth, with increasing demand for sustainable and organic products creating unique supply chain challenges. Integration of advanced planning systems (APS) and ERP platforms is becoming critical in food manufacturing operations, particularly for companies managing multiple product lines and certifications. Sustainability initiatives are driving changes in inventory management practices, with greater emphasis on reducing waste and optimizing storage conditions.

Role Significance

Typically manages 5-15 direct reports in warehouse and logistics operations
Mid-to-senior level position with direct impact on operational efficiency and profit margins through inventory optimization and production planning

Key Projects

Implementation and optimization of ERP/MRP systems for production planning Development of inventory control strategies for multiple product lines with different shelf-life requirements Cross-functional process improvement initiatives focusing on efficiency and waste reduction

Success Factors

Strong understanding of food manufacturing regulations and quality standards Ability to balance multiple stakeholder needs while maintaining operational efficiency Experience with modern supply chain technologies and planning systems Excellence in team leadership and cross-functional collaboration

Market Demand

High demand position due to growth in plant-based food sector and complexity of food manufacturing supply chain requirements

Important Skills

Critical Skills

ERP/MRP system expertise (SAP/Oracle) - Essential for managing complex production planning Food safety and quality management knowledge - Critical for maintaining certifications Leadership and team management capabilities - Key for directing warehouse operations

Beneficial Skills

Lean manufacturing experience - Valuable for continuous improvement initiatives Sustainability practices knowledge - Aligned with company mission Data analytics skills - Useful for demand forecasting and inventory optimization

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to work with multiple food certifications including Organic, GFCO, SQF, and Kosher
Position combines traditional materials management with food safety and quality compliance
Role involves both strategic planning and hands-on operational management

Career Growth

2-4 years in role typically required before advancement to senior management positions

Potential Next Roles

Plant Director or Operations Manager Supply Chain Director Regional Operations Manager

Company Overview

SunOpta

SunOpta is a publicly-traded sustainable food manufacturer specializing in plant-based and organic products, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability

Well-established player in the natural foods industry with significant market presence in North America
Strategic location in Ontario's food manufacturing corridor with access to major markets
Fast-paced environment emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurial thinking
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