Director of Operations/Assistant General Manager

Meridia Recruitment; Amherst; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

IMP Aerostructures, Amherst, Nova Scotia, seeks a Director of Operations/Assistant General Manager to lead end-to-end operations and strategic execution across production, engineering, and supply chain. The role partners with executive leadership to drive performance and a culture of continuous improvement in a unionized manufacturing setting.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in operations leadership, strong business acumen, and proven ability to translate strategy into disciplined execution

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in manufacturing or complex operations.
• Experience leading multi-functional teams in a unionized environment.
• Strong budgeting, cost management and performance reporting skills.
• Experience implementing operational strategies that drive measurable results.
• Familiarity with ERP and reporting tools to guide decisions.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders in a large organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the organization’s operational strategy aligned with business goals.
• Direct leadership of Production, Engineering and Purchasing with cross-functional accountability.
• Ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance meet contractual requirements.
• Drive production planning to support schedules, capacity, and priorities.
• Monitor performance using metrics and Balanced Scorecard, spotting risks and opportunities.
• Champion Lean, change management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and coach leadership teams; foster engagement and succession planning.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, customers, and suppliers for program execution.
• Support disciplined cost management and forecasting with finance and leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing

Strategic planning

Operational excellence

Lean manufacturing

Tools

ERP systems

Operational reporting tools

Job description

Job Title: Director of Operations/Assistant General Manager

Location: Amherst, Nova Scotia
TP - IMP - 9562

Owned and operated by IMP Group Limited, IMP Aerostructures is a leading Canadian manufacturer of complex aircraft structural assemblies and detail components, supporting major fixed and rotary wing platforms for world class OEM and Tier 1 customers. With advanced machining, fabrication, assembly, and vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities, IMP Aerostructures has earned a reputation for quality, reliability, and long term customer partnerships.

Part of a highly successful portfolio of market leading companies, IMP Group has been recognized as one of Nova Scotia’s Top Employers, one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers, and a Platinum Member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies program for more than a decade.

Meridia Recruitment Solutions has partnered with IMP Aerostructures to recruit a senior leader to join their team as Director of Operations/Assistant General Manager, based at their facility in Amherst, Nova Scotia.

Role Description

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Operations/Assistant General Manager will provide end to end leadership for the operational performance of IMP Aerostructures while contributing to overall business management and strategic execution. This role is primarily operations focused, with responsibility for translating strategic objectives into disciplined execution across production, engineering, and supply chain functions.

Working closely with executive leadership, finance, and operational teams, the Director of Operations/Assistant General Manager will drive operational excellence, ensure delivery against customer commitments, and cultivate a strong performance driven culture in a unionized manufacturing environment. This leader will play a critical role in continuous improvement, talent development, and supporting sustainable growth initiatives across the organization.

Your responsibilities will include

• Lead and execute the organization’s operational strategy in alignment with IMP Aerostructures’ business goals and long term strategic plan.
• Provide direct leadership to the Production, Engineering, and Purchasing functions, ensuring effective cross functional collaboration and accountability.
• Ensure performance excellence across safety, quality, delivery, and cost, meeting contractual and customer requirements.
• Drive production planning and execution to support program schedules, capacity requirements, and operational priorities.
• Monitor operational performance using key metrics and Balanced Scorecard objectives, identifying risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean manufacturing, change management, and operational best practices.
• Lead, coach, and develop leadership teams, fostering engagement, capability growth, and succession planning.
• Partner with internal stakeholders, customers, and suppliers to support program execution, operational risk management, and growth initiatives.
• Contribute to overall business and financial performance through disciplined cost management, forecasting, and operational decision making in collaboration with finance and executive leadership.

Your Qualifications

As the ideal candidate, you bring significant senior leadership experience in manufacturing or complex operational environments, along with a proven ability to lead multi functional teams in a unionized setting. You combine strong operational discipline with business acumen and are comfortable working at both strategic and executional levels of the organization.

Qualifications include

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, manufacturing, or general management; aerospace or complex manufacturing experience is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated success leading multi functional teams in a unionized environment.
• Strong operational and business acumen, including experience with production planning, cost management, budgeting, and performance reporting.
• Proven ability to develop and implement operational strategies that deliver measurable results.
• Experience leveraging ERP systems and operational reporting tools to drive efficiency and decision making.
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and change management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and influence senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Unwavering commitment to quality, safety, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies is considered an asset.
• Eligibility to meet the requirements of the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and applicable security clearances.