A new Kroll report sheds light on the complex and overlooked risks in today’s international and heavily outsourced supply chains. And while software can help spot supply chain fraud, IT systems are also making enterprises more vulnerable.

The world may be flat, as Thomas Friedman posits in his book, but this complex and interconnected planet of commerce can be one scary and risky place to conduct business. Enterprises have discovered that their businesses are ripe for fraud and theft as they rely more and more on global outsourcing relationships, complex networks of suppliers and vast computer networks to conduct business.

A recent report from Kroll , a risk consulting company that provides investigative, security and technology services, outlines the risks companies face with their global supply chains and the amount of fraud, product tampering and theft taking place today. And while IT can help detect and prevent fraud and supply chain nightmares, the report suggests that it can also be a huge threat to a company’s operations, reputation and future business prospects.

“At every step along the supply chain,” notes the Kroll report, “businesses are vulnerable to an array of frauds ranging from simple theft, through disguising the poor quality of materials, to the misrepresentation of inventory assets.”

Read More…

Restwell Mattress Company Ltd. is a family owned and operated mattress manufacturer located in
Surrey, BC. We are currently recruiting for a dedicated & detail-oriented individual to assist in our
Supply Chain Department.

Position Overview
Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the Purchasing Clerk will be responsible for the logistics and
administration portion relating to raw materials & procurement. This position collaborates with
internal sales, production and operations to ensure the demands plans for finished goods objectives
are met.

The Purchasing Clerk is responsible for placing purchase orders with vendors, providing accurate &
timely status of deliveries, ensuring raw materials reach the plant on time, validating quantities
against invoicing, securing bills of lading and issuing debit notes when required. In addition, the
Purchasing Clerk will update the inventory system on a daily basis by posting all goods received,
prepare PO status reports on a daily basis and prepare work orders on special custom orders.

This position is also responsible for managing all administrative tracking of vendor compliance and
fulfillment, developing strong working relationships and rapport with vendors and working closely with
the shipping/receiving & accounts payable department.

The Purchasing Clerk is a liaison between internal clients and vendors for problem resolution and will
be working very closely on a daily basis with suppliers regarding operational issues.

Requirements/Qualifications
• Minimum 2 years of proven experience in purchasing, preferably in a manufacturing
environment
• Strong analytical skills & general accounting knowledge
• Exceptional problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent English communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism & superior customer service skills
• Proven ability to develop excellent vendor relations and ability to make these relationships
effective.
• High level of initiative and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel
• Experience using procurement software a definite asset

We offer a competitive compensation package based on qualifications & experience.
If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please email your resume, with Purchasing
Clerk in the subject line, to jobs@restwell.com or send by fax to (604) 576-6637

If you are dynamic and analytical with excellent people skills – this is your opportunity to join
one of Canada’s fastest growing companies!Located in Victoria, BC – where gardens bloom all year round; Victorian Epicure is a nationaldirect sales company that offers a unique line of convenient and versatile herb and spice blends,
time-saving recipes and professional quality cookware. Inspired by the pursuit of delicious, easy
and healthful mealtime solutions, Victorian Epicure was founded by Sylvie Rochette, in 1991.

We are currently looking for a Production Manager who will lead Production Supervisors and
Team Leaders on two shifts to manufacture 180 products. This position is located at our 84-acre
facility in North Saanich, close to the Victoria airport.

Specific accountabilities include:
• Develop, design and execute standards and procedures for the Production Department
• Maintain high quality manufacturing standards
• Establish and improve labour standards for all work cells
• Facilitate communications with all relevant departments
• Prepare and maintain all necessary reports on a weekly/monthly basis

Education, Certifications and Work Experience:
• University degree or equivalent
• 5-7 years experience in manufacturing, supply chain & distribution management
• American Production and Inventory Control CPIM Certified
• Experience in the food industry would be considered an asset

What kind of person are you?

You are fully engaged
Along with your expertise production management you are a quick learner and you bring
excitement and passion to your day-to-day activities, which is essential to your success in a
fast growth company.

You embrace challenges and look for new opportunities
You take initiative and seek out new learning and growth opportunities. You feel
comfortable giving and receiving feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement and
innovation. You are always looking to develop yourself both personally and professionally

You’re a team player
You can work in a team and are happy to jump in and do whatever it takes to get the job
done.

Make your journey count! Corporate social responsibility, opportunity, teamwork and
respect, join a Team that cares and gets excited about a career at Epicure!

Victorian Epicure offers industry competitive wages, an excellent extended health and
dental plan, birthday bonus, and a generous Home Team Member discount. To apply,
please email or fax your resume and cover letter stating salary expectations and
competition number to Human Resources at careers@epicureselections.com or 250 656
5788.We thank you in advance for your application; only those applicants selected for an
interview will be contacted.

 

Britco designs and manufactures a wide variety of building types, including workforce accommodation and
industrial camp facilities for remote locations; office complexes, school classrooms; and custom-designed buildings
including daycares, sales centres, and the annual Prize Home for the Home Lottery held by the Pacific National
Exhibition.

Britco is an Official Supplier of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and an Official Supplier
of the Canadian Olympic Team.

Due to exceptional demand for our products, Britco has seen tremendous growth over the past 5 years. As a result
we are restructuring our organization and adding breadth to our management team. We are seeking a Plant
Superintendent to take charge of the production activities of our Agassiz location.

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of plant operation and management including health
and safety, quality, scheduling, maintenance and administration for this 180 person production crew. While
reporting to the Plant Manger you must be comfortable making decisions independently while at the same time
adhering to company policies and procedures.

Overview of Duties & Responsibilities:
• Coordinate with plant manager, design manager, production supervisors and purchasing to manage
overall timely production and delivery of products.
• Responsible for ensuring the highest level of product quality, delivery performance, customer satisfaction,
cost effectiveness.
• Accountable for health and safety compliance, including coordination of appropriate Health and Safety
training.
• Manage the day to day operation of facility.
• Drive continuous improvement in the areas of quality, efficiency and process improvement.
• Enforce and adhere to the codes of the company’s Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Cultivate and promote a positive and innovative work environment.
• Development of improvement concepts such as lean manufacturing, line efficiencies, improved
changeover processes and reduction of waste.
• Oversee and approve all new hires and orientation for hourly employees.
• Set and monitor plant performance targets both short and long term.
• Hire and develop plant supervisors towards attainment of their potential.
• Oversee disciplinary measures.
• Responsible to maintain production processes and procedures in the absence of the Plant Manager.

Qualifications:
Preferred:
• The ideal candidate will have 3+ years experience in a Superintendent role, preferably in modular
construction.
• Proven ability to supervise and direct a diverse workforce.
• Operations Management Diploma.
Minimum:
• 5+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing/construction.
• Solid understanding of applicable health and safety regulations
• Solid computer skills with MS Office.
• Strong analytical abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and team building skills.
• Proven budgeting skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Britco provides a competitive compensation package and supports all of its team members in reaching their full
potential both personally and professionally.

If you see yourself as an ideal candidate and are interested in this excellent opportunity for growth and career
development, please quote the competition #A08-08 and forward your covering letter, stating desired salary and
resume to humnanresources@britco.com or fax to 1-604-796-3755. For further information about Britco please
visit www.britco.com.

Meyers Norris Penny is the only Top 10 national chartered accountancy and advisory firm based in Western Canada. Like our clients, we live in the West and believe in its potential. MNP provides clear, straightforward business advice combined with a local perspective on a full range of assurance, taxation, and business advisory issues.

Would this be a fit for you?
A workplace where everyone knows your name, your contribution is valued and you are committed to leading a balanced lifestyle.

Can you believe an accounting and business advisory firm would put fun into their strategic plan?
We have.
And we live it every day. At MNP, we enjoy what we do and have fun while doing it.

Sound like a place you want to work?
Then we want to hear from you!

Our ability to attract and retain clients is exceptional as is our retention of team members. Due to our phenomenal growth, we are looking for a Manager to join our Management Consulting team in our downtown Vancouver office. Our office provides a complement of business advisory services (Management Consulting, HR Consulting, IT Consulting, Corporate finance, and Business Valuations) to clients across British Columbia. Management Consulting includes business planning, economic development, industry intelligence, performance improvement and supply chain services

The Position
As the successful candidate, you will be primarily responsible for managing supply chain projects. This will involve the management of project deliverables, managing client interactions and providing leadership to your team in order to ensure client satisfaction, team satisfaction and project profitability. You will also employ your project management skills on other management consulting projects as required. In addition, you will support ongoing business development and marketing activities in supply chain and other management consulting service areas. As a key member of the Management Consulting team, you will provide coaching, training and mentorship to junior team members.

The Candidate
The ideal candidate must have the ability to thrive in a team environment while also being able to work independently when required. The candidate will have the following characteristics:
• A minimum of five years progressive project management or team leadership in consulting or operating roles in Supply Chain or a related field
• Relevant undergraduate studies (Business, Science or Engineering). Graduate studies in Business with a Supply Chain specialization would be an asset
• Knowledge or prior exposure to ERP and supply chain systems including Procure-to-Pay function
• Experience in developing successful proposals
• Knowledge or prior experience with Order-to-Cash and/or Warehousing & Distribution
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization
• Desire and ability to successfully coach and mentor staff

Compensation and Benefits
MNP provides a competitive compensation and benefits package and offers the opportunity for continued growth and career advancement. We are looking for individuals who value balance in their lives and who enjoy working in a fun, dynamic atmosphere.

For further information about Meyers Norris Penny LLP, please visit our website at www.mnp.ca.

May 15, 2008 5:30-7:00 pm Richmond, BC

Coast 2000 is positioned to successfully integrate road, rail and barge networks with ocean containers and is one of the leading providers in the Vancouver gateway.

Location & Contact Info
16080 Portside Road
Richmond, BC
COST: $10 - Member; $5 - Students

Host/Organizer Vancouver Area Council
Contact Melissa Mulcahy
Telephone (604) 790-0280
Email citt.bc@shaw.ca

Come play hard and have fun with champions …
Are you interested in working with a high tech fast-paced exciting company who’s looking for leaders of tomorrow?

Are you a natural leader with great self-management and interpersonal skills, and desire to work closely with a team to achieve impressive goals?

Are you reliable and computer literate with a motivated and energetic “hand’s on” attitude and desire to excel and grow in a career based environment?

Our manufacturing facility in Burnaby is currently seeking a reliable, dynamic, and flexible individual who is open to change and has great attention to detail to grow into our team. For the right individual, this could grow into potential leadership opportunities in the future, specializing in our Shipping Logistics and packaging areas. This is a career based opportunity that will expand your knowledge in the fields of logistics and packaging as it applies to valuable equipment in a secure high tech company.

You will have the opportunity to learn our SAP Operating System and work closely with internal teams on continual improvements including packaging projects, Standard Operating Procedures, efficiencies, cost reductions, as well as individual and team performance. As our business and operations are somewhat unique, we will support your efforts through formal and informal training and mentorship to ensure success, but you must bring the right attitude and base skills with you. Regular full-time team players enjoy a very attractive benefits package and a great working environment. If you are motivated to succeed and wish to embark upon a career that will be challenging and rewarding, then don’t miss your opportunity and apply now.

Expected Contributions:
As one of our Shipping Logistics team members you will be responsible for a variety of shipping functions such as packaging, shipping, tracing, completing the international shipping documentation requirements to ensure on time delivery of our products to our customers. You will also be cross trained in a variety of materials distribution tasks to include Receiving and Stores functions to aid in servicing our internal and external customers.

Education:
*Completion of Secondary School.
*Post secondary education in international logistics or customs compliance will be a great asset.
*Dangerous Goods training would also be an asset.

Experience:
*Good knowledge of global shipping practices, including logistical requirements, and the packaging and skidding of fragile and expensive products.
*An up-to-date understanding of current Custom & Traffic requirements in the high tech industry.
*Proficient with MS Office software and good typing skills required.
*SAP/MRP knowledge is an asset.

Personal Attributes:
*Reliable.
*Self-motivated team player with good attention to detail.
*Able to multi-task and resolve conflicting priorities in a fast paced environment.
*Excellent communication skills.
*Willing and able to move heavy objects.

More info…

Located in BC’s Lower Mainland, this high growth company is engaged in the discrete manufacturing of metal industrial products for a diverse array of industries and operates as a profitable and growing division of its parent corporation.  The operation is currently going through a transformation from traditional production methodologies to more progressive Lean manufacturing processes and ideologies.
 
Reporting the General Manager the new Materials Manager will be responsible for leading the implementation and management of the capacity planning, materials controls, integrated supply chain management activities and lean-manufacturing initiatives.
 
As the ideal candidate you are an accomplished Manager with a minimum of eight years experience in production planning and material controls roles in a manufacturing environment, ideally discrete manufacturing.  You have a demonstrated understanding of the principles of integrated supply chain and production planning concepts, along with a strong background in MRP, continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives.  Ideally, you possess a degree in Operations Management or Business Administration and/or industry related diplomas/certifications, including APICS – CPIM and PMAC – CPP.
 
To be considered for this position please visit www.rayberndtson.ca/en/careers/7675 to submit your resume and related information online or for further information contact Morag Cleathero, Barbara Quelch or Patrick Reynolds in our Vancouver office at 604-685-0261.

 

Q&A with: James Heskett

It’s the E=MC2 of customer loyalty.

Deeply satisfied employee = deeply satisfied customer = lifelong profit.

Harvard Business School professor emeritus Jim Heskett and professor Earl Sasser have pursued this seemingly simple equation in books including Service Breakthroughs (with Christopher Hart) and The Service Profit Chain and The Value Profit Chain (with Lenoard A. Schlesinger). Some of the ideas go back to Heskett’s 1986 book, Managing in the Service Economy. A new book, The Ownership Quotient, is underway, written with Sasser and Wheeler.

These works have come to deeply influence how managers think of customers, and introduce the idea that not all customers contribute equal value. Concrete examples illustrate the self-reinforcing nature of the connections between employee loyalty and customer loyalty; and between employee satisfaction and customer satisfaction.

We asked Heskett to update us on the new research and on the impact of these works on practice.

Read More…

Coast Spas Manufacturing in Langley is seeking an experienced Materials & Inventory Control Manager.
 
This position is responsible for directing, planning, and the development and implementation of activities related to purchasing, receiving, materials resource planning (MRP), and inventory control/warehousing to maintain optimal inventory levels for production order fulfillment and inventory reduction targets. In addition, to ensure the accuracy of physical inventory records and is responsible for all physical storage and handling of inventories as well as inventory variances.
 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
*Strong planner and organizer. Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
*Proficient in MS Office applications and ERP/MRP software, preferably Syspro.
*Flexible and adaptive to changing priorities.
*Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills.
*Demonstrates logical analysis and root problem solving skills.
*Conflict resolution. Addresses conflict and recognizes when conflict is necessary.
*Ability to interact with all levels of employees and maintain productive relationships with peers.
*Skilled in handling individuals with strong personalities.
*Able to handle confidential information in a professional manner.
 
Qualification Considerations:

*5-7 years of related working experience and related post secondary education in Materials Management.
*Strong Materials planning background. APICS or CPIM certification/designation would be an asset.
*Require knowledge of inventory control practices (including standard costing, cycle counting, inventory transactions processing and MRP.
*Requires working knowledge of purchasing procedure, forecasting and process flows.
 
Coast Spas leads the industry in innovation, design and quality and has blossomed into a world network of almost 200 dealers.
 
Coast Spas has been honored with various awards that recognize the company’s commitment to being the best it can be. In fact, we have been named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies every year since 2000. Find out more by visiting our website at www.coastspas.com
 
Qualified applicants may submit a resume to hr@coastspas.com or via fax (604) 514-8140.