Director of Operations

effektiv people; Woodstock; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food distributor in Woodstock is searching for a Director of Operations to oversee all aspects of warehouse operations and logistics. The ideal candidate will be hands-on with a focus on leadership development and operational execution. Key responsibilities include managing inventory integrity, problem-solving, and preparing the organization for growth with a new facility. This role offers a salary range of $100,000 to $125,000 annually, alongside benefits like a health spending account and employee discounts.

Benefits

40% off groceries

Health Spending Account of $2,000

Flexible vacation discussions

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading operations in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop teams effectively.
• Strong systems aptitude with ERP/WMS exposure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own daily execution across warehouse operations and logistics.
• Lead and develop the operational leadership structure.
• Drive consistency by enforcing SOP disciplines.

Skills

Leadership experience in warehouse operations

Lean management experience

Strong operational instincts

Systems aptitude

People-first leadership style

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

Payworks

Job description

Position: Director of Operations

Company: Produce Express

Location: Woodstock, Ontario (On-site)

Shift: Day Shift Core Coverage (Monday- Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with flexibility as required)

Operations run Saturdays (expect occasional check-ins/coverage planning)

Reports to: VP of Operations/Ownership

Compensation: $100,000 – $125,000 annually

Employee Discount: 40% off groceries from Produce Express

About Produce Express

Produce Express is a trusted supplier of fresh, high-quality food to wholesale & retail customers throughout southwest Ontario. Known for their commitment to quality, accuracy, and exceptional customer service, they operate with a strong set of core values: People, Passion, Positivity, Professionalism, and Punctuality.

About the Role

Produce Express is seeking a hands‑on, people‑first Director of Operations to own end‑to‑end execution across warehouse operations, logistics, and inventory.

This role exists for a clear reason: Produce Express is preparing for growth, including a move to a new facility with a storefront (planned for early 2027) and expansion in other areas. This hire will add leadership depth, enabling the business to scale confidently while maintaining strong day‑to‑day execution.

You will take full ownership of the operational engine, coach leaders, sustain SOP discipline, and drive KPIs, and solve real problems in real time. Some days are smooth. Some days are fires (snowstorms, route disruptions, last‑minute customer changes). In both, you lead from the front, make clear calls under pressure, and keep the team aligned and executing.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership (Warehouse + Logistics + Inventory): Own daily execution across receiving, put‑away, picking, staging, loading, dispatch, and inventory control. Ensure predictable flow, accuracy, and on‑time service in a fast‑moving environment.
• On‑the‑Floor Presence & Real‑Time Problem Solving: Maintain a strong floor presence while still driving structured management rhythms. This is not a desk‑only leadership role; expect to be visible, engaged, and hands‑on with teams and leaders.
• Leadership Bench & Management Coverage: Lead and develop the operational leadership structure. Build training, cross‑training, and coverage planning so the business isn’t dependent on any single person.
• SOP Discipline & “Last 10%” Execution: Drive consistency by enforcing standards, closing procedural gaps, and eliminating recurring breakdowns. Raise the baseline: clean handoffs, clean processes, clean accountability.
• Inventory Integrity: Establish and maintain high inventory accuracy through disciplined receiving, location control, cycle counts, and root‑cause follow‑up. Lead the development of an inventory leadership function as the business grows.
• Logistics & Driver Performance: Oversee Logistics Supervisor. Routing execution, delivery reliability, and driver coordination. Manage disruption events (weather, cancellations, last‑minute changes) without sacrificing quality or service standards.
• Cross‑Shift Alignment: Oversee nightshift Operations Manager. Ensure seamless alignment between day and night operations through structured handovers, shared priorities, and consistent standards.
• Office Collaboration: Work cross‑functionally with office staff and finance to ensure operational decisions support service levels, inventory integrity, and clean financial outcomes.
• People Leadership & Accountability: Coach leaders on performance conversations, conflict resolution, and discipline when needed. Be willing to step in directly on sensitive issues when required.
• Growth Readiness (New Facility + Expansion): Support the planning and operational execution required for the transition into the new facility (operations in the back; storefront in the front). Build the operational model that can scale, so growth doesn’t compromise the core operation.
• Fleet & Capacity Planning (Progressive Responsibility): As you ramp up, contribute to longer‑range planning such as fleet needs (add/replace vehicles), labour planning, and capacity forecasting.
• Systems & Reporting (ERP/Tools): Drive usage and accountability through systems (Microsoft Dynamics & Payworks). Establish practical KPIs and routines that leaders actually use daily/weekly to manage performance.
• Technology & Continuous Improvement Partnership: Collaborate with internal stakeholders on operational improvements, including system/process enhancements.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in warehouse operations, logistics, or distribution (fresh food/produce is an asset, not required).
• Proven experience leading Lean (5S, standard work, KPI boards, problem‑solving, continuous improvement).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop direct and indirect reports; building structure, standards, and accountability through people.
• Strong operational instincts: you can diagnose breakdowns quickly and implement fixes that stick.
• Comfortable with pace, ambiguity, and occasional chaos (weather events, last‑minute changes, service disruptions).
• Strong systems aptitude (ERP/WMS exposure preferred) and confidence using KPIs to drive performance.
• People‑first leadership style with high standards: coaching where possible, direct accountability where required.
• Fully on‑site and present during operating hours, this role requires visibility and engagement.

Compensation

Compensation: $100,000 – $125,000 annually

Health Spending Account: $2,000 annually

Employee Discount: 40% off groceries from Produce Express

Vacation: Open to discussion based on experience and expectations

To be considered for this position, candidates are asked to complete the Predictive Index behavioural assessment as part of the recruitment process.

Please copy and paste the link below into the browser:

https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/I81/DirectorofOperationsPE2026