Plant Manager / Commissary Operations ManagerToronto, ON, CAAbout Summerhill MarketSummerhill Market is a family-owned grocery retailer proudly serving Toronto since 1959. With multiple retail locations across the GTA, our Commissary serves as the heart of our food production operation, manufacturing thousands of fresh, chef‐inspired products every week for distribution to our stores.Operating approximately 20 hours per day, 7 days per week, our Railside Commissary supports a team of over 130 employees and produces prepared meals, salads, sandwiches, soups, sauces, meat products, bakery items, grab‐and‐go meals, and MAP‐packaged foods.We are seeking an experienced operational leader to oversee our Commissary and help drive the next stage of growth.Position SummaryThe Plant Manager / Commissary Operations Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, operational performance, production planning, financial management, food safety, people development, and continuous improvement of Summerhill Market's Commissary production facility.This role is ideal for a Senior Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Executive Chef, Commissary Operations Manager, or Food Manufacturing Leader with extensive experience managing high‐volume food production operations.The successful candidate will oversee multiple production departments while ensuring operational excellence, product consistency, food safety, labour efficiency, and the timely production and distribution of products to Summerhill Market retail locations.This is a highly visible leadership position requiring a hands‐on operator who leads from the production floor, develops leaders, drives accountability, and continuously improves systems and processes.Key ResponsibilitiesOperations & ProductionLead the daily operation of a high‐volume Commissary operating approximately 20 hours per day, 7 days per weekOversee production planning, scheduling, labour allocation, and workflow across multiple departmentsEnsure production targets, quality standards, and customer commitments are consistently achievedCoordinate holiday production, seasonal programs, product launches, and special projectsLeadership & People DevelopmentRecruit, coach, mentor, and develop Department Managers, Sous Chefs, Supervisors, Team Leads, and production staffFoster a culture of accountability, teamwork, communication, and continuous improvementConduct performance management, succession planning,



and leadership developmentMaintain strong communication and consistency across multiple shiftsOperations & Financial ManagementManage labour planning, operational budgets, productivity, food costs, and plant performanceReview operational metrics and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and control costsEnsure production schedules align with business demands and retail requirementsSupply Chain & Food SafetyPartner closely with Buyers, Receiving, Logistics, and Retail Operations to ensure uninterrupted productionOversee inventory flow, purchasing support, product availability, and inventory accuracyEnsure compliance with food safety, HACCP, sanitation, workplace health & safety, and quality assurance standardsCoordinate equipment maintenance, facility repairs, preventative maintenance programs, and third‐party contractorsLead continuous improvement initiatives, process optimisation, SOP development, automation projects, and operational efficienciesSupport packaging improvements, shelf‐life initiatives, capital projects, and recent product rolloutsHoliday Production & CateringLead the planning and execution of large‐scale seasonal and holiday catering programs, ensuring production schedules, labour, inventory, logistics, and distribution are aligned to meet customer demandCollaborate with Culinary, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Retail Operations to coordinate holiday menus, production timelines, staffing plans, and delivery schedules while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and customer satisfactionMonitor production capacity, identify operational risks, and implement contingency plans to ensure successful execution of high‐volume holiday programs and special eventsCross‐Functional CollaborationPartner with Retail Operations, Buyers, HR, Finance, Marketing, IT, Warehouse, and Executive Leadership to support company objectivesBuild strong relationships across departments while ensuring effective communication, accountability,



and operational executionQualifications10+ years of progressive leadership experience within high‐volume food manufacturing, commissary production, catering, prepared foods, commercial kitchens, or food processingPrevious experience as a Senior Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Executive Chef, Plant Manager, Commissary Manager, Operations Manager, or Production ManagerProven experience leading large teams in a fast‐paced, multi‐shift production environmentStrong knowledge of large‐batch food production, labour planning, inventory management, production scheduling, and operational systemsExperience with food manufacturing equipment, packaging systems, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives is an assetStrong financial acumen including budgeting, labour management, productivity, and cost controlExcellent leadership, communication, organisational, and problem‐solving skillsFood Handler Certification required; compliance with TPH, CFIA, MOL, etc.What We're Looking ForStrong operational leader with food manufacturing or commissary experienceExceptional people leader who develops managers and builds accountabilityBusiness‐minded with strong financial and operational planning skillsPassion for systems, process improvement, and operational excellenceCommitment to food safety, quality, and continuous improvementCalm under pressure, highly organized, and able to manage multiple prioritiesHands‐on leader who enjoys being on the production floor and supporting the teamSchedule RequirementsFull‐Time Permanent PositionFlexible schedule based on operational requirementsPrimarily morning shift with the availability to support mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency operational needsWillingness to support a multi‐shift operation operating approximately 20 hours per day, 7 days per weekSummerhill Market is an Equal Opportunity EmployerSummerhill Market is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where all employees feel valued and supported. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.We are committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with applicable legislation. If you require accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.We thank all applicants for their interest in Summerhill Market; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Plant Manager/Commissary Operations Manager (Toronto)
🏢 Summerhill Market
📍 Toronto