Operations Manager

Position: Black Earth Operations Manager
Reporting to: Director of Products Division
Location: Ryley, AB Halkirk, AB (Time split between both facilities)
Company: Black Earth (A WestMET Group Company)

About Us

Black Earth, powered by the resources and mission of the WestMET Group, is a leader in humic solutions, transforming agriculture and land management with innovation and integrity. Our forward-facing brand represents the next generation of sustainable biostimulants, and we are looking for driven professionals to help us bring these solutions to the forefront of the market. Learn more at blackearth.com, westmetgroup.com, and westmetag.com.

Position Overview

The Operations Manager will oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations at Black Earth's two production facilities in Ryley and Halkirk, Alberta. This role is responsible for leading all aspects of production, including lean manufacturing practices, warehouse management, shipping, scheduling, procurement, and production planning. The Operations Manager will foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement, ensuring on-time delivery and efficient production processes.

This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for an experienced manufacturing professional who thrives on driving operational excellence and mentoring teams to exceed performance goals. Raw mineral mining and processing experience is a strong plus for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership:
Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations at both Ryley and Halkirk facilities.
Implement and maintain Lean Six Sigma, 5S, and other best practices to optimize production efficiency.
Develop and manage production schedules, ensuring on-time delivery while maintaining quality standards.
Safety Quality:
Foster a culture focused on safety and quality across both facilities.
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and workplace safety.
Procurement Supply Chain:
Oversee procurement processes to ensure timely availability of raw materials.
Optimize warehouse management and shipping operations to support efficient production and distribution.
Team Development Leadership:
Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports, focusing on skill-building and professional growth.
Build a high-performance team by fostering accountability, innovation, and a drive for continuous improvement.
Challenge the team to improve processes, enhance efficiencies, and exceed operational goals.
Production Planning Efficiency:
Manage production planning to align with demand forecasts and company objectives.
Identify and implement strategies to reduce waste, improve workflow, and maximize equipment utilization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with product management, sales, and supply chain teams to align operations with business goals.
Support product launches and scaling initiatives through effective production planning and execution.
Required Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Excellent leadership and team-building skills, with a passion for mentoring and developing talent.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational abilities.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field.
Minimum of 7 years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in a multi-site environment.
Proven expertise in Lean Six Sigma, 5S, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
Raw mineral mining and processing experience is a strong plus.
Strong background in warehouse management, shipping, scheduling, and procurement.
How to Apply

If you are ready to lead manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement at Black Earth, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to jobs@westmetgroup.com.

Join Black Earth and play a vital role in advancing sustainable agriculture and land management!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $130,000.00-$150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Dental care
Employee assistance program
Extended health care
Flexible schedule
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision care
Work from home
Flexible language requirement:

French not required
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person Read more