Plant Manager – Stella-Jones

Stella-Jones is a leading manufacturer of essential infrastructure products focused on supporting utility companies and railway operators, as well as supplying big-box home improvement stores across North America. Headquartered in Montréal and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Stella-Jones operates an extensive network of facilities employing over 3,000 people in Canada and the United States. Built on a solid foundation and with a coast-to-coast presence, the company offers real opportunities for professional growth and community impact.

Position Summary

The Plant Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the plant, including receiving and shipping of products, production activities, maintenance, and quality control. He/she also manages the operating budget, workforce, environment, health and safety (EHS/TRD), as well as capital project investments.

Responsibilities

Production / Operations

• Oversee plant operations: receiving, shipping, production, maintenance, and quality control.
• Ensure the maintenance and application of ISO procedures.
• Manage the production schedule in collaboration with the sales and shipping departments.
• Optimize the use of raw materials, workforce productivity, and quality through appropriate control measures.
• Manage inventory (preservative products, raw materials, finished goods) in accordance with customer expectations.
• Organize, monitor, and actively participate in cyclical and annual inventory counts.
• Ensure the annual stock count with auditors.
• Be responsible for the maintenance program to ensure plant safety and proper operations.
• Prepare the annual operating budget and ensure monthly and quarterly updates.
• Regularly analyze operating costs and capital expenditures to stay within budget.
• Participate in approved annual capital expenditure projects.
• Propose improvements aimed at enhancing production efficiency.
• Be available for on-call emergencies.

Workforce Management

• Lead the team and supervise all plant employees.
• Manage payroll transactions through ADP or other systems.
• Manage employee relations and performance, in compliance with the collective agreement (where applicable).
• Oversee hiring, training, and job postings in coordination with Human Resources.
• Manage the vacation schedule for supervisors and employees.
• Communicate with the Ministère du Travail (Quebec Ministry of Labour) regarding various files and requests.
• Perform any other related duties.

Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and TRD Program

• Apply the directives of the corporate occupational health and safety manual.
• Apply the directives of the TRD program (Environment Canada) and ensure annual certification.
• Provide leadership focused on promoting occupational health and safety.
• Participate in training employees on OHS policies, programs, and procedures.
• Actively participate in the health and safety committee.
• Communicate with the Ministère du Travail (Quebec Ministry of Labour) regarding various files.
• Participate in the management of environmental files.

Qualifications

• College diploma (DEC) or equivalent relevant experience as a plant manager.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Fluency in French (spoken and written).
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) – English is required in order to speak with stakeholders in other provices.
• Effective interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage a unionized environment.
• Problem-solving, priority management, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to act appropriately during emergencies.
• Work ethic: lead by example.
• Ability to train, motivate, and coach; remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to receive and follow directives.
• Time and stress management; ability to multitask and delegate.
• Intermediate computer skills (MS Office).
• Knowledge of the wood treatment industry: an asset.
• Knowledge of OHS standards (Quebec): an asset.