Operations Manager

Valcom Antennas; Guelph; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Valcom Antennas, a leading Canadian manufacturer, seeks an Operations Manager to oversee operational activities in a build-to-order environment. With over 15 years of experience in manufacturing and a strong educational background, you will contribute to strategic growth initiatives and enhance operational efficiency in Guelph, Ontario. This role offers a stable salary, fully employer-paid benefits, and a supportive team environment committed to continuous improvement.

Benefits

Fully employer-paid benefits and pension plan

Generous time-off policy plus shutdowns

Flexible summer hours with half-day Fridays

Qualifications

• 15+ years of manufacturing experience including plant management.
• Technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, drawings, and CAD/CAM.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and automation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational activities to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Develop and manage production plans based on sales orders.
• Drive change initiatives and assess current capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Customer focus

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems (NetSuite)

Job description

Please note: This position is posted on behalf of Danby’s affiliate company, Valcom. The role is physically located at 175 Southgate Drive, Guelph, Ontario.

About Valcom:

Valcom Antennas is a proudly Canadian manufacturer with over 70 years of experience delivering high-performance antennas and communications infrastructure for military, commercial, and government applications. Based in Guelph, Ontario, Valcom specializes in maritime and shipboard communication systems. Our product range includes low to medium frequency, AM broadcasting, HF, VHF, UHF, and multi-band antennas. With approximately 85% Canadian content in our antennas, we deliver robust and reliable solutions for mission-critical environments.

Valcom is growing — and we’re building out our leadership team to drive that growth.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the President, the Operations Manager will lead all aspects of operations in this build-to-order manufacturing environment, support business transformation, and contribute to Valcom’s continued success.

Key Objectives:

• Oversee all operational activities to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and execute growth strategies.
• Improve processes and strengthen the operational foundation.
• Drive change initiatives using people, processes, and technology.
• Provide operational insights to support sound business decisions.

Core Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Execution

• Develop and manage production plans based on sales orders and capacity.
• Oversee daily plant operations to meet production goals on time and within budget.
• Establish and track KPIs to monitor and report on performance.

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and develop the operations team.
• Build a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure clear communication and feedback loops.
• Oversee safety and compliance to maintain a secure workplace.

Manufacturing Engineering & Process Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to boost efficiency and productivity.
• Optimize workflow, equipment layout, and resource allocation.

Quality Management

• Ensure compliance with Valcom’s Quality Management System (QMS).
• Modernize and enhance QMS processes and tools.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to maintain high quality standards and address quality issues.
• Gather and act on customer feedback to drive improvements.

Operational Transformation

• Assess current capabilities and identify transformation opportunities.
• Develop actionable recommendations and prioritize initiatives.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions to support operational improvements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Manage operational budgets, cost forecasts, and resource allocation.
• Oversee facility and equipment maintenance and repairs.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of manufacturing experience, including plant management and operations leadership.
• Technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, technical drawings, machine shop/CNC, and CAD/CAM.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems (NetSuite experience an asset).
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 QMS requirements.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and automation.
• PMP certification is an asset.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional, adaptable, and emotionally resilient.
• Customer-focused with a passion for operational excellence.

Why Join Valcom?

• Established, Canadian-owned company with 70+ years of success.
• Stable, salaried role with long-term growth potential.
• Fully employer-paid benefits and pension plan.
• Generous time-off policy plus two-week summer and holiday shutdowns.
• Supportive, close-knit team that celebrates milestones.
• Flexible summer hours with half-day Fridays (June–September).

Interested?

Join Valcom Antennas and help shape the future of our operations while working with a team that values quality, collaboration, and growth.

Valcom is committed to employment equity and accessibility.

Thank you to all applicants for your interest in this opportunity. While we appreciate every application, we will contact only those selected for an interview.

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where all employees and applicants feel valued, respected, and supported. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process upon request. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform the HR representative who contacts you, and we will work with you to meet your needs.