Manager, Production

Woodbridge Foam Corp

Production Manager - Kitchener Woodbridge Foam Corp

Lead with Integrity. Build Accountability. Empower Teams.

Woodbridge is seeking a strong, hands-on Production Manager to lead production and set-up operations at our Kitchener facility. This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about building a culture rooted in integrity, accountability, respect, and empowerment.

The Production Manager will be responsible for delivering results in safety, quality, delivery, and cost, while developing people, strengthening teamwork, and driving continuous improvement in alignment with the Woodbridge Production System.

We are looking for a visible, values-driven leader who leads by example, treats people with respect, holds self and others accountable, and empowers teams to solve problems and succeed.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Lead all production and set-up operations to achieve plant safety, quality, delivery, and productivity objectives
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, respect, and empowerment across the production team
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, coaching, and support to Supervisors and production employees
• Drive accountability through standard work, floor presence, KPI review, and timely follow-up on actions
• Build trust and engagement by communicating openly, consistently, and respectfully
• Empower Supervisors and team members to identify issues, solve problems, and contribute to continuous improvement
• Monitor production performance, including OEE, downtime, labour utilization, schedule attainment, and quality results
• Partner closely with Materials, Quality, Maintenance, Human Resources, and HSE to support plant goals
• Review manpower requirements and align labour needs to budget and production demands
• Support overtime planning, schedule recovery, and operational problem-solving
• Lead and reinforce safe work practices, housekeeping standards, and 5S expectations
• Ensure compliance with production standards, procedures, audits, and quality alerts
• Support investigations, corrective actions, and closure of action items related to safety, quality, and operational concerns
• Promote employee development, recognition, and continuous improvement across the operation
• Prepare and present operational performance updates and results as required

What Success Looks Like

In this role, success means:

• Leading with integrity and setting the tone for ethical, consistent decision-making
• Creating a culture of accountability where expectations are clear and follow-through is strong
• Demonstrating respect in every interaction and building strong, collaborative working relationships
• Empowering front-line leaders and employees to take ownership, solve problems, and contribute ideas
• Delivering strong operational performance through safe, disciplined, and engaged teams

What You Bring

• Progressive manufacturing leadership experience in a production environment
• Proven experience leading teams in a fast-paced plant setting
• A leadership style grounded in integrity, accountability, respect, and empowerment
• Strong working knowledge of safety, quality, and production systems
• Experience managing supervisors, manpower planning, and daily operational execution
• Ability to interpret KPIs, identify performance gaps, and drive corrective action
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills
• Effective communication skills with the ability to influence and engage at all levels of the organization
• A hands-on leadership style with a strong, visible presence on the production floor
• Experience in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or Woodbridge Production System-style environments is an asset
• Post-secondary education in a related field is considered an asset

Why Join Woodbridge

• Opportunity to lead a critical function within a dynamic manufacturing environment
• Ability to make a visible impact on safety, performance, culture, and employee engagement
• Collaborative leadership environment
• Opportunity to develop teams, strengthen operations, and drive meaningful improvement

Interested?

We welcome applications from both internal and external candidates who are ready to take on a high-impact leadership role and help drive performance through integrity, accountability, respect, and empowerment.

Kitchener, Ontario