Business Unit Director

NWI Precision; Toronto; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

NWI Precision is seeking a Business Unit Director to lead the setup and scaling of a new production facility in Toronto. You will oversee project execution, staffing, and the transition to full operational leadership while ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in manufacturing, with at least 2 years in precision machining, AS9100 or Nuclear quality knowledge, and a track record of plant ramp-up and large team leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; MBA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead project execution including quality documentation, CAPEX, facility readiness, and process development.
• Oversee machine installations and coordinate trial production runs.
• Recruit and train for production launch.
• Lead daily operations to meet production targets.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks and address skill gaps.
• Provide hands-on leadership across Quality, Operations, Planning and Scheduling and Engineering.
• Drive continuous improvement and performance management.

Skills

Servant leadership

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Detail orientation

MS Project

MS Excel

MS Access

Visual tools

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

MBA (preferred)

PMP or CPIM (preferred)

Tools

MS Project

MS Excel

Microsoft Access

Visual software

Job description

NWI Precision specializes in high-precision machining of helicopter masts, turbine shafts, engine thrust links, and nuclear pressure vessel components for the aerospace and nuclear industries worldwide. Operating from a 120,000 sq. ft. facility at 9 Fenmar Drive in Toronto, our dedicated team is committed to delivering the highest quality products to specifications and on time.

The Business Unit Director is responsible for leading the long-term success of the Business Unit. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the setup, staffing, and scaling of a new component production facility in Toronto. Following a successful setup phase, the Business Unit Director will transition from a project-focused role to full operational leadership.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead project execution activities including quality documentation, capital expenditures, facility readiness, and process development.
• Oversee machine installations and coordinate trial production runs.
• Recruit and train to ensure readiness for production launch.
• Lead daily operations to meet production targets.
• Ensure full compliance with safety and environmental protocols.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks; assess and address skill gaps.
• Provide hands‑on leadership across Quality, Operations, Planning and Scheduling and Engineering functions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and performance management.

EXPECTATIONS:

• 100% OTD to customers
• Meet Budget Financial targets
• Develop talents in the organization and promote succession planning
• No Major NCR to internal and external audit
• Lead by example walking the shop floor at least 50% of the daily time
• Reach over 1.3 CpK for all main characteristics

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders including construction teams, government bodies, and third‑party vendors.
• Champion a culture of accountability, teamwork, and safety.
• Align operational objectives with company growth strategy and performance goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; advanced degree (MBA) preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or CPIM certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE:

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, preferably in mechanical or precision machining environments.
• At least 2 years in Precision machining manufacturing
• Very good knowledge of AS9100 or Nuclear Quality requirements
• Prior experience as Manufacturing Engineer or Quality Engineer for at least 2 years.
• Proven success in plant setup, ramp‑up, or transformation initiatives.
• Proven experience in program launch, similar to start‑up.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams of 3 to 50+ employees.
• Strong knowledge of safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Familiarity with specialized product manufacturing is an asset.
• Green Belt Six Sigma certification

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Servant leadership style with a collaborative, thoughtful approach.
• Strong critical thinking, problem‑solving, and planning abilities.
• Comfortable operating in fast‑paced, high‑change environments.
• Demonstrated agility, patience, and ability to foster cross‑functional collaboration.
• Excellent communications, negotiations, conflict management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Must be thorough and accurate and maintain attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment.
• Self‑motivated and goal‑oriented.
• Sound reasoning ability and desire to acquire new knowledge and skills.
• Proficient with relevant computer applications including MS Project, MS Excel, Microsoft Access, Visual, etc.

NWI Precision will make reasonable accommodations of an otherwise qualified employee or applicant for employment, unless undue hardship to NWI Precision would result. Any applicant or employee who requires accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of a job should provide details to Human Resources.

NWI Precision is strongly committed to the recruitment, selection, development, and promotion of employees based on individual merit. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national original, age, or disability. We continually seek to build and maintain a workforce that reflects the customers and organizations we serve.

Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a résumé in response to this posting or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of NWI Precision. NWI Precision will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.