Manager, Operations

Samuel, Son & Co.; Brantford; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Samuel Metal Blanking in Brantford, Ontario, seeks a seasoned Operations leader with 6–8 years in manufacturing leadership and automotive experience. The role will drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance while expanding workforce capability and lean initiatives.

You will lead capital projects, manage manpower, and collaborate across departments to ensure on-time delivery and customer satisfaction. A strong track record in 5S/Lean and Six Sigma is valued.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum 6–8 years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success in leadership, workforce development, employee engagement, and team performance management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, quality systems, and cost management.
• Working knowledge of 5S, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement methodologies, and Six Sigma principles is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in maintaining Samuel policies, values, and operational standards throughout SMB.
• Ensure Safety, Quality, and Productivity remain the highest priorities across all plant activities.
• Foster a strong and engaged team culture by promoting accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and respect in alignment with Samuel's values.
• Establish and maintain a high-performing workforce through effective hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, and the application of progressive discipline when required.
• Ensure appropriate manpower levels are maintained to support customer demand, production schedules, and equipment capacity requirements.
• Lead capital projects required to maintain or improve plant operations, from capital request initiation through project completion.
• Collaborate across departments and foster a culture of open communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain and improve customer quality satisfaction in partnership with the SMB Quality Department.

Skills

Leadership

Workforce development

Employee engagement

Team performance management

5S

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Six Sigma

Education

Post-secondary degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Job description

Principle Accountabilities

• Provide leadership in maintaining Samuel policies, values, and operational standards throughout SMB.
• Ensure Safety, Quality, and Productivity remain the highest priorities across all plant activities.
• Foster a strong and engaged team culture by promoting accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and respect in alignment with Samuel's values.
• Establish and maintain a high-performing workforce through effective hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, and the application of progressive discipline when required.
• Ensure appropriate manpower levels are maintained to support customer demand, production schedules, and equipment capacity requirements.
• Ensure Supervisors are effectively utilizing resources, equipment, and personnel to achieve safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.
• Monitor inventory levels of plant and office supplies, reviewing usage and pricing regularly to ensure cost-effective purchasing and uninterrupted operations.
• Conduct regular plant and safety meetings, maintaining open communication with plant staff and supervisors to support safe and efficient operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable quality standards, environmental management system requirements, health and safety regulations, and company policies.
• Report operational performance indicators and key plant metrics to the Director of Operations.
• Lead capital projects required to maintain or improve plant operations, from capital request initiation through project completion.
• Collaborate across departments and foster a culture of open communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Responsible for achieving operational cost, productivity, and throughput targets.
• Maintain and improve customer quality satisfaction in partnership with the SMB Quality Department.
• Continuously identify, support, and drive opportunities for process, performance, and operational improvement.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to safety policies and actively promote safe work practices at all times.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping in accordance with 5S principles.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.
• Conduct all work in a manner consistent with Samuel's values, policies, and operational standards.

Education, Experience & Skills

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum 6-8 years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success in leadership, workforce development, employee engagement, and team performance management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, quality systems, and cost management.
• Working knowledge of 5S, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement methodologies, and Six Sigma principles is considered an asset.

Location and Reporting Relationship

• The incumbent reports directly to the Director of Operations, Automotive.
• This position is located at Samuel Metal Blanking in Brantford, Ontario.

At Samuel, we believe every team member brings unique and valuable skills, experiences and knowledge to our thriving business – enabling us to build on over 170 years of success in the metals industry. We offer countless opportunities for our team members to develop and grow in their careers, empower them to make decisions on the job and be a part of driving positive change – within our organization and in the communities where we live and work. If you’re seeking a dynamic, supportive and welcoming workplace to make your mark and grow your career, we have the programs, culture and opportunities to make it happen. We’re stronger together.
At Samuel we believe in a culture of equality. Respect and integrity are at our core. We are committed to building and creating an environment that is open and welcoming for everyone. This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization

Samuel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In the United States, we utilize E-Verify.