Lactalis Canada
Job Title: Director, Integrated Business Planning and Program Management
Location: Greater Toronto Area
About Us:
Welcome to Lactalis Canada – where we take pride in being recognized as one of 2025 GTA’s Top Employers!. As well as Forbes Canada, Top Canadian Employers for 2025!. Our journey revolves around enhancing the lives of Canadians through a rich variety of dairy delights, including some of Canadian’s favourite dairy brands such as like Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogurt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings.
In fact, we’re proud to say our products grace the shelves of an incredible 94% of Canadian households!
With a 140-year legacy driven by innovation and unwavering quality, we’re seeking like-minded individuals to join us in shaping our next chapter. Our flexible hybrid work model accommodates 40% remote work, adapting to the evolving needs of our workforce. Step into a collaborative hub with our revamped office, and enjoy free parking, endless coffee, delicious Lactalis snacks, an on-site gym, and more!
About the opportunity:
The Director, Integrated Business Planning and Program Management will support the strategic and operational success of Lactalis Canada.
This role focuses on developing and implementing robust IBP processes that align divisions (Commercial strategy & Marketing), customer sales, finance /management control, and supply chain functions with the company’s strategic objectives. Additionally, the role includes Enterprise Program Management to ensure project alignment with strategic goals and compliance with corporate objectives and priorities. This position requires a strategic leader with deep industry knowledge and the ability to foster cross-functional collaboration.
In general, the role is also intended to provide enterprise level coordination leading to improved efficiencies in process and prioritization of scarce resources.
The attributes we are looking for:
- Develop and Lead IBP Process
Create and lead a comprehensive IBP framework that integrates divisions (Commercial strategy & Marketing), sales, finance / management control, and supply chain functions to align with strategic goals. Address dairy-specific challenges, such as milk supply, managing perishable inventory, optimizing milk utilization, and minimizing waste. Build IBP Components by overseeing marketing, commercial, supply chain, and financial IBP components building and maintenance, collaborating closely with the key cross-functional stakeholders.
Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the effectiveness of the IBP process.
- Create a Single Version of Truth – Streamline input processes
Establish comprehensive, data-driven business plans that serve as a unified, reliable foundation for decision-making across the organization. Streamline data inputs and processes to ensure accuracy, integrity, and timeliness, fostering transparency and trust while reducing inefficiencies in planning cycles.
- Facilitate IBP Process
Facilitate monthly IBP meetings with key stakeholders and leadership to review performance, identify gaps, and develop action plans. Ensure all plans, action items, and decisions are effectively communicated and integrated into subsequent process steps.
Drive consensus-building and decision-making to address planning discrepancies and capitalize on business opportunities. Prepare and present regular performance reports and dashboards to senior leadership.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and Operations
Work closely with supply chain and operations teams to ensure integration into IBP processes of alignment of production with demand forecasts, optimization of logistics, distribution, and inventory to ensure product freshness, minimize losses, and enhance customer satisfaction while reducing costs.
- Integrate Innovation and New Product Development
Integrate new product launches and innovation pipelines into IBP processes, ensuring alignment with market trends, consumer preferences, and commercial strategies.
- Technology Adoption
Champion the use of advanced IBP tools, to enhance planning accuracy and efficiency. Leverage technology to optimize milk utilization, manage perishable goods, and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Stakeholder Engagement
Engage with key stakeholders across functions to ensure buy-in and alignment on IBP initiatives.
Foster a collaborative environment that breaks down silos and encourages cross-functional communication.
- Provide Strategic Insights
Deliver data-driven recommendations to senior leadership, leveraging IBP and program performance metrics to inform strategic decisions and capitalize on market opportunities.
- Industry-Specific Focus
Stay informed on trends and challenges in the CPG industry, particularly in dairy, such as supply chain disruptions, sustainability initiatives, and evolving consumer preferences. Incorporate sustainability metrics into business planning to align with consumer and regulatory expectations when relevant.
- Lead Lactalis Canada Program Management
Lead Lactalis Canada Program Management, closely working with functional and divisional Project Management offices. Oversee our key projects portfolio, ensuring they are strategically aligned and collectively contribute to achieving the organization’s long-term goals.
Monitor progress, performance, and alignment of key projects with strategic goals, ensuring timely adjustments and successful outcomes while managing risks and interdependencies
What you will bring:
- Key Attributes of the Ideal Candidate:
- University degree (or equivalent level of work experience)
- 10+ years experience in CPG planning capacity, Program / Project Management, IBP
- Strong analytical, planning, presentation, and problem solving skills with an ability to generate actionable insights into business results
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong experience in supply planning, demand forecasting, inventory management & strategic thinking skills
- Experienced negotiation and contract management
- Proficient with standard office computer technology including Microsoft Office products, e-mail, and the internet, as well as required business applications
What Lactalis will offer:
Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:
- A Competitive Base Salary
- Company Vehicle or Car Allowance
- A Performance-Based Bonus System
- 5 Weeks of Vacation
- Benefits starting day 1
- A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%
- Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year
- A Volunteer Day to give back to your community
- Learning and Development opportunities
- A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility
Our ESG commitment:
Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.
At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.
Our commitment to DEI:
Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness!.
Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We’re dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone’s true selves. We’re committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities.
Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces.
If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.
Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we’ll contact you after signing a Job Offer.
