Operations Manager

Smarter Alloys; Cambridge; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Smarter Alloys, a world leader in smart materials, seeks an Operations Manager to drive efficient production and scale operations in Cambridge, Ontario. You will oversee daily manufacturing activities, implement real-time tracking systems and dashboards, and lead a high‑performing team focused on lean processes and continuous improvement.

This role partners with senior leadership to align operational strategy with business goals, ensure quality, and maintain production stability during rapid

Qualifications

• 5+ years in manufacturing operations or production management
• Lean manufacturing, process optimization and production planning expertise
• Experience implementing real-time production tracking and quality control systems
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Responsibilities

• Oversee all production activities, ensuring seamless workflows and QA
• Implement real-time tracking systems and dashboards to monitor production efficiency
• Drive process improvements from R&D to full-scale manufacturing
• Conduct operational audits to ensure compliance with contracts and quality standards
• Build and mentor a high-performing production team with contingency planning
• Develop cross-training programs to enhance team flexibility
• Identify strategies to mitigate disruptions in workforce and supply chain
• Be hands-on in production operations when needed to solve problems

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Production planning

Operations management

Team leadership

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations Management/Business

Tools

Real-time production tracking

Quality control systems

ERP systems

Job description

Smarter Alloys is a world leader in smart materials innovation, pioneering advanced shape memory materials for applications in medical devices, cleantech, automotive, and beyond. We are looking for an Operations Manager to drive efficiency, streamline production, and scale our operations as we continue our rapid growth.

As the Operations Manager, you will oversee daily manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and scalability. Your role will focus on optimizing workflows, implementing real-time tracking systems, and building a strong, adaptable team to support growth. Your leadership will be instrumental in maintaining production stability, improving performance, and aligning operations with business objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all production activities, ensuring seamless workflows and quality assurance
• Implement real-time tracking systems and performance dashboards to monitor production efficiency
• Drive process improvements, ensuring smooth transitions from R&D to full-scale manufacturing
• Conduct periodic operational audits to ensure compliance with customer contracts and quality standards

Team Development & Operational Resilience

• Build and mentor a high-performing production team, ensuring strong contingency planning
• Develop and implement cross-training programs to enhance team flexibility
• Establish strategies to mitigate disruptions in workforce and supply chain
• Be willing to take a hands-on approach in production operations when needed, ensuring effective problem-solving and workflow optimization

Supply Chain & Scaling

• Manage raw material and component inventory to ensure stable operations
• Identify alternative suppliers for key components to minimize risks
• Standardize production planning to support new product lines and future expansion

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Alignment

• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance operational efficiency
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational strategies with company goals

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, production management, or related fields
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, process optimization, and production planning
• Experience implementing real-time production tracking and quality control systemsProven ability to build, manage, and develop teams while driving operational excellence
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business or related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or other regulated quality systems is highly preferred
• Background in advanced materials, machining, or manufacturing 4.0 is a strong asset
• Hands-on experience with CNC machining, wire drawing, or shape memory alloys is a plus

About Smarter Alloys

Smarter Alloys is at the forefront of the smart materials revolution. With applications ranging from wearable technology to medical devices, our technology can be found across a wide range of industries, including medical/dental, automotive, energy harvesting, consumer electronics and sporting goods.

We are an innovative and fast-moving company that is on the cutting edge of smart materials. We have aggressive growth goals and are looking for someone who can help us get there!

We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the community we work in and encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ2SI, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Every day in this role will offer an opportunity to apply your deep technical knowledge to help develop innovative solutions to important problems.

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