Senior Director, Operations

Lock Search Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Lock Search Group is seeking a Senior Director of Operations to lead a multi-disciplinary site including production, processing, packaging, warehousing and maintenance. This role oversees daily operations, ensures GMP/HACCP/GPP compliance, and drives quality and KPI performance while managing budgets.

You will shape strategic plans, forecast needs, and build leadership across the organization, promoting safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, engineering or science field required.
• 8–10+ years leading in manufacturing with 100+ employees.
• 5+ years’ experience in GMP environments preferred.
• Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence and budget oversight.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic site plans aligned with client goals.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and professional development across the team.
• Mentor site leaders and drive leadership development and succession planning.
• Ensure safety, regulatory compliance (GMP, HACCP, GPP), and quality KPIs are met.
• Manage financials and resource allocation; collaborate with finance and procurement.

Skills

Operational leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

GMP/HACCP/GPP knowledge

People leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Operations is responsible for running a multidisciplinary site including production, processing, packaging, warehousing and maintenance. This role will oversee the daily operations of our client's flagship facility through leading the safe execution of activities while ensuring quality and consistency of the product.The Senior Director, Operations will contribute to strategic planning, forecasting, team leadership, and collaboration across the organization to enhance overall business operations. This leader will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements including GMP, HACCP, GPP and applicable regulatory requirements and is responsible for developing and adhering to performance and quality KPIs as well as budgets and other measures of success.

Major Responsibilities / Duties

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the site operations, aligning with our client's goals and vision
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery
• Establish short term and long-term strategic goals

TEAM LEADERSHIP

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional development
• Lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement
• Act as a mentor, coach, and motivator for the site leadership team, site managers, and employees at all levels
• Drive succession planning and leadership development to ensure a strong talent pipeline
• Foster an inclusive and diverse workplace that encourages innovation and continuous learning

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENT

• Champion a culture of safety across the site and organization
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations
• Partner with HSE to monitor and improve the safety culture and KPIs

QUALITY, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

• Responsible for maintaining compliance with regulatory and quality requirements, including, but not limited to effective investigations, change controls, process SOPs/work instruction updates
• Ensure adherence to procedures to comply with regulatory standards such as applicable industry legislation, Occupational Health and Safety Act, GMP, HACCP, GPP, etc.
• Ensure all operations, documentation, and reporting meet regulatory and industry standards
• Work closely with legal teams to address compliance risks and audits
• Promote a strong corporate governance structure, ensuring all ethical, legal, and environmental requirements are met

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Lead response efforts during operational crises, ensuring business continuity
• Implement risk management strategies to address labour shortages and global supply chain challenges
• Establish emergency preparedness plans to minimize disruptions from natural disasters, cyber threats, and regulatory changes

PROCESS OPTIMIZATION

• Identify and/or enhance KPIs with a robust continuous monitoring program
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• Manage operational budgets, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation
• Partner with finance and procurement to optimize spending

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Collaborate with senior leadership across the organization to align strategic priorities
• Foster strong partnerships within the organization, including QA, Engineering, Production Planning, HSE, Finance, Supply Chain, IT, and Regulatory Affairs
• Collaborate with external partners, regulatory agencies, and suppliers/vendors, as required
• Other duties as assigned and required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of operational best practices, process optimization, and supply chain management
• Strong strategic thinking abilities to align operational initiatives with organizational objectives
• Ability to engage and excite diverse teams to identify common goals, drive consensus and change
• Ability to think strategically while balancing tactical challenges
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross functional teams
• Ability to quickly adapt, maintain focus and a high degree of accuracy while working with complex data in an environment of ever-changing deadlines, priorities and requirements
• Able to develop a highly capable team, processes and tools
• Accountable for results, strives to meet and exceed expectations

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree, required in Engineering or Science
• Previous experience in a leadership role within manufacturing or relevant industry, including CPG, pharmaceutical, etc
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience leading in a manufacturing environment with teams of 100+ employees 5+ years' experience in a GMP environment is preferred
• Demonstrated success in implementing process improvements and driving operational excellence Experience in budget management and financial oversight
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams

Thank you in advance for your interest, only individuals deemed to have the skill set and experience to fit the role will be contacted. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship.

We are equal-opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, provincial, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Our policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.