See where a career in food can take you.
Discover how people build meaningful careers in one of British Columbia’s largest and most diverse industries.
Rising Stars
Meet five professionals working across BC’s food and beverage manufacturing industry and hear how they built their careers. From production and food development to supply chain, marketing, business, and leadership, their stories highlight the many paths and opportunities the industry has to offer.
What kind of Roles Exist?
Food and beverage manufacturing relies on a wide range of skills. Examples include:
- Production workers
- Machine operators
- Maintenance technicians
- Shift supervisors
Some roles require specialized training or post-secondary education. Others provide on-the-job training and opportunities to advance over time.
- Food scientists
- Food quality assurance technicians
- Lab analysts
- Product development specialists
Some roles require specialized training or post-secondary education. Others provide on-the-job training and opportunities to advance over time.
- Supply chain coordinators
- Procurement specialists
- Sales and marketing roles
- Human resources and finance
Some roles require specialized training or post-secondary education. Others provide on-the-job training and opportunities to advance over time.
- Automation technicians
- Engineering roles
- Data and systems specialists
Some roles require specialized training or post-secondary education. Others provide on-the-job training and opportunities to advance over time.
Career Pathways
There is no single pathway.
The professionals featured in the videos started in different places. Some entered the industry through entry-level production roles. Others came through food science, engineering, or business programs. Many developed their skills on the job and moved into leadership positions.
Typical career journeys may include:
- Starting in production and progressing to supervisor roles
- Entering through technical training programs and moving into food quality or safety
- Studying food science or engineering and joining food product development teams
- Beginning in business or marketing and growing into management roles
Who makes up the industry?
BC food and beverage manufacturers include:
- Bakery and snack producers
- Beverage companies such as juice and soft drink manufacturers
- Alcohol beverage companies such as breweries, wineries, and distilleries
- Dairy product manufacturers such as milk and cheese producers
- Meat and seafood processors such as sausage and seafood product producers
- Plant-based food producers
- Confectionery manufacturers such as chocolate and candy producers
- Specialty and artisan food makers
Companies operate across the province, from the Lower Mainland to the Interior and coastal communities.
A few facts about the industry:
- The BC food and beverage manufacturing industry generates billions in annual economic activity and is the second largest manufacturing industry in the province, after forestry.
- There are over 3,000 food and beverage companies in BC.
- Many BC food companies export products across Canada and internationally.
- Innovation is growing in areas such as plant-based foods, sustainable packaging, and automation.
- Careers exist at all skill levels, from entry-level to advanced technical and leadership roles.
How to Get Started?
If you are interested in exploring a career in BC food and beverage manufacturing, you can:
- Look for roles with BC manufacturers through their company career pages.
- Explore post-secondary programs in food science, engineering, trades, or business.
- Connect with BC Food & Beverage (BCFB)