Manufacturing Manager

About Carfair Composites

Carfair Composites, a subsidiary of NFI Group, leads in fibre-reinforced plastic design and composite technologies with five manufacturing and distribution centers across North America. We supply high-quality fiberglass parts to original equipment manufacturers in industries such as agriculture, automotive, construction, transportation, commercial, food processing, and medical sectors.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Manufacturing Manager is responsible for devising production schedules and directing manufacturing operations to meet plant and business goals. This role requires leadership in production with an emphasis on enhancing throughput, product quality, workforce productivity, and overall manufacturing effectiveness. The manager establishes and enacts systems, standards, policies, and procedures aimed at waste reduction, production problem resolution, cost optimization, and improved customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic manufacturing and plant initiatives across production operations.
• Formulate long-term manufacturing strategies and oversee implementation of production systems, operating procedures, and standards.
• Convert business and plant objectives into actionable production plans ensuring safety, quality, cost-efficiency, timely delivery, capacity, and productivity.
• Assess manufacturing processes and systems to pinpoint performance deficiencies and prioritize improvements.
• Develop standardized procedures, performance scorecards, and operational metrics to evaluate manufacturing effectiveness and inform decisions.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement methodologies to boost throughput, minimize variability, eliminate waste, and lower production expenses.
• Support new product development, production readiness, process validation, and scaling operations with manufacturing expertise.
• Identify optimal manufacturing techniques, material usage, staffing patterns, production scheduling, and workflow arrangements.
• Lead development of plant layout designs, process flows, standardized workflows, time studies, and other production benchmarks.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and other departments to solve intricate production and quality challenges.
• Monitor manufacturing quality metrics and facilitate root cause analyses, corrective actions, control plans, capability assessments, and process monitoring.
• Manage capital equipment planning including selection, business case preparation, purchase, installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Evaluate production capacity, resource needs, operational risks, and cost impacts, providing guidance to plant and operations leadership.
• Lead and mentor manufacturing staff encompassing workforce planning, hiring, scheduling, coaching, training, and performance evaluation.
• Foster problem-solving skills within production teams and support timely resolution of production issues.
• Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with relevant quality standards, legislation, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, process management, manufacturing, or a related discipline is preferred, combined with at least five years of leadership experience in manufacturing production systems, standards, regulations, and operations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing methodologies, production planning, inventory management, resource allocation, and process improvements.
• Proven expertise leading manufacturing teams including staffing, scheduling, mentoring, and performance management.
• Experience with risk management, product testing, capability studies, control plans, and quality assurance systems in manufacturing.
• Ability to identify production problems, conduct root cause evaluation, and implement corrective measures.
• Skilled in developing and overseeing manufacturing metrics, audits, procedures, project plans, testing protocols, design documents, and technical documentation.
• Training or experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, waste elimination, or similar continuous improvement techniques is a plus, along with familiarity with QS-9000, ISO 9000, or equivalent quality management standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills capable of collaborating effectively with plant leaders, employees, vendors, customers, and cross-functional groups.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness and ability to travel about 5% within the U.S., with valid authorization.

Why Join Our Team

• Contribute to the global electrification movement of mass mobility.
• Receive competitive wages and comprehensive benefits with immediate eligibility.
• Enjoy paid holidays and vacation time.
• Participate in a registered pension plan with a generous company match.
• Work in an inclusive culture committed to producing superior products and creating a better workplace and world.
• Benefit from on-the-job training within a continuous learning environment, supported by a significant investment ($15.9 million in 2024).
• Explore advancement prospects within our group of companies.
• Join one of Manitoba's top 25 recognized employers.

Additional Information

Carfair Composites is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace that respects all employees. Employment decisions are strictly merit-based in compliance with applicable laws. Accommodation requests are supported throughout the recruitment process.

Company Mission

Our mission is to design, deliver, and support innovative bus and motorcoach solutions that prioritize safety, accessibility, efficiency, and reliability. Guided by values including safety, quality, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and sustainability, we strive to create connected, clean, and sustainable transportation contributing to more livable cities.