Vice President Operations

GlassRatner Executive Search; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian manufacturing firm based in Toronto is searching for a Vice President of Operations to lead transformational growth. The role involves strategic partnership with the CEO, major program ownership including ERP implementation, and U.S. market expansion. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in manufacturing operations, with proven leadership skills and strategic financial acumen. This opportunity offers executive-level autonomy in a collaborative and values-driven environment.

Benefits

Executive-level influence

Clear succession pathway

Chance to design systems and processes

Values-driven environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Skilled in strategic planning, P&L management, and driving EBITDA performance.
• Experience with ERP implementation and modern manufacturing systems.
• Hands-on experience in establishing new facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the selection and rollout of a scalable ERP system.
• Drive cost optimization, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute market entry strategies.
• Support the introduction of new product lines and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Inspire and lead cross-functional teams.

Skills

Manufacturing Leadership

Strategic & Financial Acumen

Systems & Technology

Market Expansion

Leadership Style

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About the Client

Our client is a leading Canadian manufacturer with over 100 years of experience in safety equipment manufacturing. The company operates as a white-label supplier to major North American brands, serving both residential and industrial markets. In recent years, the business has strategically shifted toward industrial segments, offering greater resilience to economic cycles.

Following a majority investment by a long-term private equity partner in 2021, the company has entered a phase of accelerated growth—doubling revenue and preparing for U.S. market expansion. With a stable workforce of 130 employees and fourth-generation family leadership, the organization combines deep heritage with a forward-looking strategy. The culture is collaborative, humble, and results-oriented, with strong alignment between family values and investor vision. This is a financially healthy, growth-oriented business at an inflection point, offering a rare opportunity to shape its next chapter.

The Opportunity

This is a unique and high-impact opportunity for an accomplished operational leader to step into a newly created executive role at a company poised for transformational growth. As Vice President of Operations, you will be the CEO’s strategic partner—empowered to lead mission-critical initiatives that will define the company’s future.

You’ll take ownership of major programs including ERP implementation, U.S. market expansion, supply chain optimization, and new product integration. You’ll help build the operational infrastructure to support a business scaling toward $100M+ in revenue, while preserving the company’s deeply rooted culture of collaboration and humility.

This role offers:

• Executive-level influence with the autonomy to drive change across the organization.
• A clear succession pathway, with long-term leadership potential.
• A chance to build, not just manage—designing systems, teams, and processes from the ground up.
• A values-driven environment where relationships matter as much as results.

If you’re energized by transformation, inspired by purpose, and ready to lead with impact, this is the kind of opportunity that rarely comes along.

Key Responsibilities

• ERP Implementation: Lead the selection and rollout of a scalable ERP system, transitioning from manual processes to integrated platforms.
• Operational Excellence: Drive cost optimization, automation, and continuous improvement across manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• U.S. Expansion: Develop and execute market entry strategies, oversee site selection and facility setup, and build distributor relationships.
• New Product Integration: Support the introduction of new product lines and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Leadership & Culture: Inspire and lead cross-functional teams, build succession plans, and maintain a collaborative, low-ego culture.

Candidate Profile

• Manufacturing Leadership: Proven experience leading operations in a manufacturing environment, with expertise in lean principles and supply chain management.
• Strategic & Financial Acumen: Skilled in strategic planning, P&L management, and driving EBITDA performance.
• Systems & Technology: Experience with ERP implementation and modern manufacturing systems.
• Market Expansion: Hands-on experience establishing new facilities and navigating U.S. regulatory and logistics environments.
• Leadership Style: Collaborative, humble, and effective communicator with the ability to lead through transformation.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a purpose-driven company at a key inflection point. If you’re a builder, a motivator, and a strategist who is looking for extensive responsibility where you will have the opportunity to make a difference, this is the role for you. Please apply immediately and in confidence to be considered for this role.