Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry is brimming with opportunities. It offers professionals a platform to leverage their skills while contributing to a sector essential to daily life.
Johny Palma, a mechanical and industrial engineer from Bangladesh, has learned first-hand the dynamic career paths available in this industry. His journey, which began overseas and has since brought him to Canada, showcases the possibilities that await in Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry.
A Strong Foundation of Expertise
Johny Palma arrived in Canada in late 2023, bringing with him over a decade of experience in mechanical and industrial engineering. With a robust academic background, including both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the field, Johny has honed his expertise in engineering applications, production optimization, and strategic planning.
“I am a very tech-savvy person and always willing to learn more technical things whenever I get the opportunity,” he says.
Johny recently enhanced his qualifications by completing a Supply Chain Management program at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto, expanding his inventory control, logistics, and strategic procurement skills. This drive for continuous improvement underscores his approach to career growth.
A Leadership Role in the Food and Beverage Processing Industry
Johny is a Production Team Leader at Tradition Fine Foods Ltd. in Toronto. His role involves supervising line staff, ensuring compliance with safety and food safety standards, and maintaining production quality through regular quality assurance checks.
“I also lead training sessions for health, safety, and good manufacturing practices (GMP),” he explains. The position enables him to blend leadership with his technical expertise, ensuring smooth production operations while fostering collaboration within his team.
For Johny, the collaborative work environment stands out as a highlight of the industry.
“Though manufacturing in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry is not new to me, I am learning Canadian work culture and how to cooperate with colleagues, which will be a great asset for my future roles,” he says.
Looking ahead, Johnny plans to continue growing his career in the province’s food and beverage processing industry.
“I aim to continue advancing within the food and beverage processing industry, leveraging my supply chain management and manufacturing skills,” he says. “Long-term, I aspire to take on strategic leadership roles, focusing on sustainability and innovation in the sector.”
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Johnny says that for those looking to build a career in a sector full of challenges and rewards, look no further than food and beverage processing.
There are immense growth opportunities, from contributing to essential products that impact millions of lives to mastering cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.
“Whether your role is in production, quality assurance, supply chain management, or innovation, you’ll be contributing to something essential that people rely on globally,” he says.
“You’ll be part of a network of dedicated professionals who share your passion and drive. The relationships you build will significantly enhance your career and personal growth.”
For those on the fence about pursuing a career in this field, he encourages jobseekers to take a closer look.
“Explore internships, seek out informational interviews, or shadow someone in the field to gain firsthand experience,” he says.
“It’s not just a career—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the world while enjoying a stable and fulfilling professional life.”
