Operations Manager

Justrite Safety Group; Sarnia; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading industrial safety company is seeking an Operations Manager for their Sarnia site. You will drive operational excellence through lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives while managing a team in a demanding environment. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of manufacturing experience, with at least 3 years in a management role. A Bachelor's degree in operations or business management is required. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to lead a team dedicated to creating a safe and efficient workplace.

Benefits

Flexible work hours

Remote work options

Annual incentive plan

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, with at least 3 years in management.
• Proven experience in implementing lean methodologies.
• Demonstrated success in supporting business growth through operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Sarnia site in operational excellence and process improvement.
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives and manage operational metrics.
• Develop and implement quality assurance protocols.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Problem Solving

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in operations or business management

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Justrite Safety Group

At Justrite Safety Group, we're more than just a collection of industrial safety companies; we're a dynamic organization dedicated to protecting people, property, and the planet. Our ever-growing portfolio of companies collaborates to deliver advanced industrial safety solutions that set the standard for excellence. As our business grows, we seek top talent to join our team as we lead in revolutionizing industrial safety, ensuring that every worker returns home safe, every workplace remains secure, and our environment thrives for generations to come. Safety isn't just a priority—it's our passion.

The Contribution You Will Bring To This Role

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading the Hughes North America site in Sarnia to operational excellence, driving lean and continuous improvement initiatives, expanding capacity, and improving efficiency to support the growth of the business. This role works closely with the VP of Operations Hughes Global, collaborating on strategic objectives and ensuring alignment with company goals. As Site Leader, you will foster a culture of safety, trust, diversity, and inclusion, while developing high-performing teams and supporting organizational growth.

About The Team

As a member of our Operations team, you will be dedicated to driving efficiency and excellence across all aspects of our business. With a focus on streamlined processes and innovative solutions, they ensure that our operations run smoothly and effectively. Comprised of skilled professionals who are leaders in their field, the team is committed to optimizing performance and delivering high-quality results. Their expertise is key to maintaining our competitive edge and supporting the growth and success of our company.

What You Will Do At Justrite

• Grow the efficiency of existing organizational processes and procedures to enhance and sustain the organization’s internal capacity.
• Lead, motivate, and support the direct labor team within a time-sensitive and demanding environment, including setting up and implementation of career development plans for all direct reports and problem resolution.
• Act as Site Leader, representing the Sarnia facility in cross-functional and corporate initiatives, and ensuring site compliance with company standards and policies.
• Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement activities, including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S and Standard Work, to improve KPIs, expand operational capacity, and enhance efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with the VP of Operations to develop and execute strategic plans for site growth, capacity expansion, and process optimization.
• Manage timely data collection to update operations metrics, achieve productivity targets, reduce cost per unit, eliminate errors, and deliver excellent customer service.
• Monitor team members on site during production activities to ensure compliance with standards of operations, ethics, and safety procedures.
• Recognize the contributions of every team member and encourage collaboration, sharing ideas, and maintaining good relationships in the execution of production tasks.
• Track staffing requirements, interview, and assist with selecting new hires.
• Ensure operational activities remain on time and within a defined budget through efficient resources and material planning.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance protocols and become fully versed in industry compliance requirements.
• Work closely with the safety department to ensure activities and the site always remains compliant.
• Oversee materials and inventory management and material flow, maintaining healthy stock levels and reducing Days Inventory on Hand (DIOH) to maximize working capital performance.
• Partner with cross-functional support teams in improving process flow within the manufacturing floor.
• Support the growth of the business by identifying and implementing opportunities for capacity expansion, process improvement, and cost reduction.
• Improve and maintain KPI’s – Safety, Quality, On Time Delivery, Past Due Backlog.
• Responsible for achieving gross profit budget targets through control of spend on direct labor, materials and overhead to achieve EBITDA targets.
• Responsible for driving margin expansion activities through PPV, VA/VE and Continuous Improvement activities for the site.
• Confident in reporting operational and financial performance to EVP and CEO level.

Your Skills And Expertise

To ensure your success from day one in this role, Justrite requires the following qualifications at a minimum:

Basic Qualifications

• Proven experience implementing lean methodologies including Value Stream Mapping, Problem Solving Process/A3, Standard Work, Kaizen, 5S, etc.
• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, business management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5+ years’ manufacturing experience with a minimum of 3 years in a management role.
• Experience developing and executing a Lean implementation roadmap with measurable and tangible outcomes. Demonstrated success in supporting business growth through operational excellence.
• Ability to operate both tactically and strategically, defining the future direction of the plant and fostering a culture of change with a hands-on management style. The ability to communicate the vision to both senior management and local team is a must.
• The candidate will be able to fully leverage the ERP and technology accelerators already within the business to provide efficiencies and automation of manual processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in working and reporting to a corporate entity whilst managing a small to medium-sized operation.
• Drives a strong safety culture. A safety-first philosophy.
• Knowledge of general business software, ERP, and aptitude to learn new applications; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Compensation

The position offers a competitive base salary ranging from $110,000 to $115,000 CAD. Actual base salaries will vary and may be above or below the recommended pay range based on factors such as location, relevant experience and performance. Additionally, this role is eligible for an annual incentive plan to enhance their overall total compensation package when Justrite Safety Group and their business units achieve annual business and financial targets.

Benefits

Our benefits package at Justrite Safety Group is designed to be the best in the industry, offering everything you need to support your career and personal well-being. You will receive a competitive salary and benefits package. We understand the importance of work-life balance, so we offer flexible hours and remote work options, giving you the freedom to manage your time effectively. These options vary depending on the specific roles and business needs. At Justrite, our benefits package is designed to help you thrive both in and out of the workplace.

Why Choose Justrite Safety Group?

As a leading name in the safety industry, Justrite provides a platform where you can collaborate with some of the best professionals in the field, learning from experts and contributing to cutting-edge solutions. The company’s commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that you’ll be part of a team that is making a real impact. With a strong focus on career advancement, Justrite empowers its employees to thrive both personally and professionally, making it an ideal workplace for those looking to grow their careers in a meaningful and rewarding environment. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to product excellence and making a positive impact in our company, and in our community!