Director of Operations

Our Client

Based in Eastern Ontario, our client is recognized as a leader in the design and manufacturing of custom steel and stainless-steel products for heavy-duty trucks. Leveraging expertise that combines innovation, durability, and quality, the company serves a North American customer base.

Position Responsibilities

• Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Director of Operations will be responsible for:
• Defining and deploying the operational strategy aligned with the company’s financial, commercial, and growth objectives;
• Overseeing and optimizing all manufacturing operations (production, planning, logistics, quality, maintenance);
• Ensuring the achievement of production targets (volume, quality, delivery timelines);
• Optimizing production flows, equipment utilization, and bottleneck management;
• Developing and implementing continuous improvement strategies (Lean, 5S, waste reduction, efficiency);
• Ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety standards and quality policies;
• Leading and engaging production teams, including personnel management (recruitment, training, performance evaluation);
• Collaborating closely with senior management, engineering, purchasing, and sales to achieve business objectives;
• Analyzing performance indicators (KPIs) and preparing management reports;
• Actively participating in executive decision-making (investments, production capacity, strategic priorities);
• Ensuring operational profitability (margins, conversion costs, overall efficiency);
• Contributing to medium- and long-term planning (capacity, equipment, workforce).

Education and Experience

• Holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or Project Management, or has equivalent relevant experience;
• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in operations management within a manufacturing environment (experience in the metalworking or heavy-vehicle sector is an asset);
• Dynamic, results-oriented individual recognized for the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet tight deadlines;
• Demonstrates strong, motivating leadership with proven ability to supervise, manage, and inspire multidisciplinary teams;
• Strong team spirit with excellent communication, discussion, and negotiation skills;
• Excellent command of French and English, both spoken and written;
• Knowledge of ERP systems and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

Desired Behavioral Competencies

• Financial acumen
• Strong communication skills
• Change management
• Mobilizing leadership
• Rigor
• Analytical mindset
• Manufacturing vision
• Problem-solving ability
• Managerial courage
• Agility

Position Challenges

1. Quickly assimilating the company culture and sustaining the change management initiatives already underway;
2. Leading in a dynamic environment marked by unforeseen events (equipment breakdowns, absence of key personnel, etc.), where priorities are driven by customer requirements and delivery deadlines;
3. Team mobilization and coaching;
4. Implementing best practices and restoring the plant’s operational capacity, guided by continuous improvement principles.

Proposed Interview Process

• First interview with Glasford International Canada recruitment firm;
• Second interview with the General Manager and the Director of Human Resources;
• Third interview with the Assistant General Manager and the Continuous Improvement Consultant;
• Psychometric assessment.