Director of Operations

Broda; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm in Kitchener, Ontario is seeking a Director of Operations to lead site performance and coordination. This pivotal role demands over 10 years in manufacturing leadership, ensuring all operational functions align with corporate strategy and comply with health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing teams, driving continuous improvement, and supporting financial accountability. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, with a Master's preferred. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and a bonus potential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations.
• 5+ years in a senior site leadership role.
• Experience managing through others in a multi-site environment.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for safety, quality, delivery, cost, compliance, and culture.
• Lead and develop the Plant Manager and site leadership team.
• Ensure alignment of operations with corporate strategy and goals.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Financial acumen

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration or related field

Master's degree

Job description

Overview

The purpose of the Director of Operations is to be responsible for the overall performance, coordination, and leadership of the manufacturing facility. This role ensures that all on-site functions – including production, safety, quality, and continuous improvement – operate effectively and in alignment with corporate strategy. The Director of Operations acts as the single point of accountability for the site, overseeing the plant manager and coordinating with corporate shared services (Finance, HR, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Engineering) to deliver strong business results.

This is a full time in office position in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada with a base salary plus 20% EBITA bonus potential paid in January for the year prior.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary leader of the site, accountable for safety, quality, delivery, cost, compliance, and culture
• Lead, coach, and develop the Plant Manager and site leadership team
• Ensure alignment of site operations with corporate strategy, goals, and KPI’s
• Act as the liaison for corporate functions (Finance, HR, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, IT, Engineering)
• Ensure site needs and priorities are effectively communicated to and supported by shared services
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives and resolve conflicts between operations and corporate priorities
• Oversee production performance through the plant manager, driving efficiency, throughput, and continuous improvement
• Champion lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, health and safety requirements
• Partner with corporate finance to manage site-level budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics
• Monitor and report on site-level P&L drivers, identifying risks and opportunities
• Support strategic projects such as capacity expansions, new product introductions, and capital investments
• Drive a high-performance culture rooted in safety, accountability, and teamwork
• Partner with corporate HR to ensure effective talent management, succession planning, and employee engagement at the site
• Represent the company positively within the local community and with external stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field (Masters preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior site leadership role
• Proven experience managing through others (Plant Managers or equivalent) in a multi-site or corporate-shared-services environment
• Strong financial and business acumen; experience with P&L accountability preferred
• Demonstrated success in leading cultural change, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills