Managing Director

Applus+ QPS; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in testing and certification services is seeking a Managing Director to steer growth and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in leadership roles within the TIC sector, focusing on strategic planning and customer service. Responsibilities include developing business strategies, managing operations, and fostering a positive work culture. This role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team and make a significant impact in the industry.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in senior managerial positions in TIC organization.
• Thorough knowledge of TIC industry fundamentals and processes.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes strategic business plans for growth.
• Manages day-to-day operations and oversees business performance.
• Drives sales and maintains client relations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Analytical

Time Management

Education

Undergraduate or Master’s degree in Engineering or Business

Job description

Managing Director

QPS EVALUATION SERVICES

Organizational Overview

General

QPS is a Nationally and Internationally Accredited Independent Third-Party Testing, Certification and Field Evaluation Body headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. In addition to its extensive presence throughout Canada, including an advanced testing laboratory in Toronto, QPS has several key locations in the USA, Europe, and Asia and possesses an extensive global network of partner laboratories. QPS’s role as a third-party service provider is to enable customers to meet their national and international regulatory requirements in a timely and cost-effective manner. QPS offers Testing and Certification Services to US and Canadian standards and codes, as well as a variety of specialized services to European and International safety standards. QPS also provides Field Evaluation/Special Inspection Services for products destined for the Canadian and US markets for customers located anywhere in the world.

Founded 28 years ago, QPS has grown to 140 employees and services customers in a wide range of fields, including industrial, medical, and electrical and electronics (E&E). The organization has enabled manufacturers worldwide to place and sell their products in over 50 countries using its own officially recognized certification mark. With expertise in a highly specialized business, coupled with a strong value proposition, high barriers to entry and an excellent reputation for outstanding service and technical expertise, QPS is poised for continued expansion in the certification market.

QPS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Applus+, a global testing, inspection and certification company headquartered in Barcelona, Spain with over 23,000 employees and operations in more than 70 countries. QPS falls under the Applus+ laboratories division.

For more information visit qps.ca and applus.com

QPS EVALUATION SERVICES

Position Responsibilities

General

Reporting directly to the head of the North American businesses for Applus+, and to the Global Director of E&E. The Managing Director of QPS Evaluation Services MD etablishes the vision and oversees all sales and services, steering the organization through the next phases of business growth and operational excellence. The MD identifies market opportunities, removes roadblocks, guides a tenured and entrepreneurial team towards continued geographical growth and expansion, and capitalize on operational efficiencies, all while maintaining a strong focus on the company's core values and bottom-line financial results. The MD also reinforces QPS’s positive reputation in the industry through effective communication, strong collaboration, and unmatched customer service with clients.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develops and executes strategic business plans for growth, including the utilization of data and market analysis. Creates and executes new and winning business strategies and develops the appropriate budgets.

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the company, including allocating resources, evaluating productivity, and overseeing business and financial performance/profitability.

• Drives sales and manages operations in a harmonious manner to achieve optimum performance and results. Maintains and builds upon existing and new client relations.

• Thinks critically, analyzes situations, makes decisions, and provides solutions to important issues, including efficient conflict resolution both internally and externally. Address issues concerning business loss, targets not being fully achieved, and any other hurdles that arise.

• Implements systems, processes, and procedures where appropriate while safeguarding the entrepreneurial spirit that has made the organization so successful.

• Stays current with external factors impacting the TIC industry, electrical and electronic manufacturing, and government regulation and compliance. Always has the pulse on customer requirements and evolving needs.

• Motivates staff and communicates effectively at all levels, including a variety of stakeholders, internally and externally.

• Creates a positive work culture to maintain and attract high performing employees and effectively coaches, trains and develops managers. Performance manages underperforming people or departments.

• Collaborates with corporate peers to optimize collective resources and to leverage broader Applus+ organizational strengths.

• Establishes a trusted working relationship with Applus+ and defines formal and informal protocols around reporting of information.

QPS EVALUATION SERVICES

Candidate Requirements

General

The ideal candidate is a senior operational leader who is recognized for their general management, business development, communication, and interpersonal skills, employing a leadership style that fosters collaboration and a track record of outstanding business results. The individual will have a track record of proven strategic planning, business development, technical, financial and operations management experience, ideally within a testing, inspection, and certification business. They will also be known and respected as an individual dedicated to outstanding customer service and continual innovation. Global business experience and market expansion, particularly in the United States, would all be assets in this role.

Specific Requirements

Education, Experience & Knowledge

• 10+ years' experience in senior managerial and leadership positions, preferably with a reputable product testing and certification (TIC) organization, focused on Electrical and Electronics sectors.

• Thorough knowledge of TIC industry fundamentals and processes including business drivers and government regulations.

• Business and technical experience with electrical safety certification, HazLoc, and field evaluation is preferred.

• An undergraduate or master’s degree in engineering or business or a related discipline would be beneficial.

Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal, analytical, problem solving, and time management skills, with expert attention to detail.

• A true strategist who is also talented at executing on the plan. Able to envision opportunities and determine priorities for the short, medium and long term.

• Deconstructs complex information, clearly communicating vision, strategy, and tactical plans to all levels of the organization.

• Possesses excellent organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, competing objectives, and changing priorities.

• Strong problem-solving skills; able to find practical solutions to complex problems.

• Highly developed customer service orientation.

• Effective communication abilities; clear, concise, and direct. Excellent active listening skills.

Leadership & Management Style

• A true culture builder. Addresses non-performers, manages conflict, and aligns everyone to a common direction.

• An experienced facilitator who can lead groups through challenging discussions and build consensus around solutions.

• A strong ‘goal orientation’ – driven by a desire to improve, grow, and exceed targets and expectations.

• Able to attract top talent when required and put together a cohesive and high-performing team.

• Great attitude/enthusiasm, with the ability to motivate others.

• Has the ability to relate to and manage individuals at all levels. Believes in the importance of teamwork.

• Has a professional demeanor that generates respect in the industry and is effective in creating a positive image for the organization.

• Is an innovator who encourages new ideas and promotes continuous improvement.

• Inspires personal commitment and motivates others.

• Practices open and honest dialogue to ensure the effective exchange of ideas and information.

Personal Characteristics

• Displays a high degree of professionalism and business judgement.

• Unquestionable personal ethics, integrity, and responsibility.

• Resilient. Able to remain calm under pressure and respond quickly to new challenges.

• Genuine interest in the development and leadership of people.

• Strong personal values coupled with a highly competitive spirit.

• Confident, but without ego.

• Honest and forthright.

• Approachable.

• Has fun and possesses a sense of humor.