Operations Manager

Fresh Direct Produce; Victoria; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food distribution company is seeking an Operations Manager in Victoria, Canada. The role involves developing and leading strategies for Transportation, Warehouse, and Facility Maintenance, ensuring safe, efficient operations. Responsibilities include overseeing a team of 40-60 employees, managing budgets, and ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Ideal candidates should have over 5 years of leadership experience and a strong background in operational efficiency, compliance, and team development.

Benefits

Base salary

Extended healthcare benefits

Development opportunities

Employee discounts on products

Qualifications

• Proven leadership background with a minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Strong regulatory and compliance expertise including GMP and HACCP.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, coach, and develop teams of 40–60 staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 40–60 employees through recruitment and performance management.
• Develop and execute transportation strategies meeting company standards.
• Oversee warehouse operations and ensure inventory accuracy and sanitation.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Operational efficiency

Communication

Data analysis

Education

5+ years in leadership

5-7 years in operations management

Tools

Warehouse Management Systems (SBT)

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Reporting to the Assistant General Manager, we are seeking an Operations Manager to develop and lead the strategy for Transportation, Warehouse, and Facility Maintenance, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations. This role is fully responsible for inventory control, sanitation, shipping and receiving, and fleet and facility readiness, including oversight of budgets, policies, performance management, and compliance with Islands West standards.

The Operations Manager works closely with Senior Leadership, Sales, Production, and Quality teams to improve routes, workflows, inventory accuracy, and equipment readiness. They lead projects, help teams adapt to change, and continuously improve operations in a refrigerated food environment, while ensuring health, safety, and food safety standards are met.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and develop a team of 40–60 employees through recruitment, coaching, scheduling, and performance management, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute transportation strategies, managing routing, deliveries, driver supervision, fleet readiness, and training to meet regulatory and company standards.
• Drive operational efficiency and service quality by analyzing routes, adjusting to demand, controlling costs, and achieving productivity and customer service goals.
• Oversee warehouse operations and inventory control, ensuring accuracy, sanitation, and use of systems to meet key performance targets.
• Plan and manage maintenance strategies for facilities, fleet, and equipment to minimize downtime, control costs, and ensure compliance.
• Champion safety and regulatory compliance, including food safety, audits, incident investigations, and staff training.
• Provide financial and strategic leadership by managing budgets, tracking KPIs, supporting credit processes, and collaborating cross-functionally to improve operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven leadership background with 5+ years in leadership and 5–7 years in warehouse or distribution operations management
• Strong regulatory and compliance expertise, including GMP, HACCP, CFIA, safety, WorkSafe, and employment standards requirements
• Demonstrated people leadership with the ability to manage, coach, and develop teams of 40–60 staff
• Operational excellence mindset, focused on continuous improvement, efficiency, and customer service
• Solid technical proficiency in Warehouse Management Systems (SBT) and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Data-driven and analytical, with experience managing KPIs, planning, prioritization, and decision-making
• Clear and effective communicator, able to engage stakeholders and communicate confidently in English (verbal and written)

License

• Forklift and pallet jack certification an asset.

BENEFITS

• Base salary
• Extended healthcare benefits eligibility
• Development opportunities
• Employee discounts on products