Engineering Director

Our Client

Garant manufactures durable, high-quality tools in Quebec. As Canada's leading manufacturer of gardening, construction, striking, and snow removal tools, Garant designs products specifically engineered to withstand Canadian weather conditions.

Position Summary

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Engineering Director is responsible for defining the organization's strategic vision for industrial engineering, equipment reliability, automation, and manufacturing process modernization, ensuring alignment with the company's overall business objectives.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing manufacturing capabilities to support current and future production needs, optimize workforce efficiency, and drive sustainable operational performance through the implementation, modification, and automation of manufacturing equipment.

The Engineering Director is also accountable for overseeing maintenance operations, facilities and grounds management, as well as the organization's environmental activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the strategic direction of the Engineering department by developing policies, standards, programs, and guidelines that align with business capabilities and current and emerging industry trends.
• Develop and maintain the organization's industrial engineering, equipment reliability, and automation roadmap in support of corporate strategic objectives.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the department.
• Approve, prioritize, and oversee major maintenance initiatives and capital projects, including modernization, automation, and equipment optimization projects, while ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with the Director of Innovation to improve manufacturing processes and the manufacturability of new products when modifying or introducing equipment.
• Ensure that plant layout and equipment configuration optimize workflow, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Develop, standardize, document, and maintain manufacturing processes, procedures, and work instructions.
• Provide governance for preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities related to equipment, buildings, and grounds through the Maintenance Supervisor, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and business continuity.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices related to equipment and facilities.
• Plan, monitor, and manage departmental budgets effectively.
• Lead the maintenance, engineering, automation project management, and production support teams by providing coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Promote and uphold the organization's values and management principles.
• Actively participate in Executive Leadership Team meetings.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering or related discipline), or equivalent demonstrated experience in industrial engineering and manufacturing operations.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a unionized manufacturing environment, including at least 3 to 5 years in a senior management or executive leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in industrial engineering, equipment reliability, automation, and/or manufacturing modernization.
• Extensive experience managing major capital investment and infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and process optimization (e.g., metal fabrication, plastics processing, machining, assembly).
• In-depth knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, value stream optimization, and visual management.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong digital literacy and comfort with emerging technologies.
• Bilingual (French and English) required due to regular interaction with external suppliers and business partners, as well as the use of specialized technical documentation in English.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Inspiring leadership within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Ability to structure, prioritize, and oversee multiple strategic and operational initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong ability to influence and engage multidisciplinary teams, including unionized employees.
  Effective delegation skills combined with clear accountability.
• Strategic and systems thinking with a solid understanding of operational challenges.
• Excellent judgment and analytical skills in complex and evolving environments.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into measurable action plans.
• Strong results orientation with a focus on sustainable operational performance.
• Proven ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
• Commitment to talent development, succession planning, and employee empowerment.
• Credible and respectful leadership in labour relations.
• Strong openness to change and experience leading organizational and technological transformation.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and perform effectively during periods of transition.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to represent the Engineering function and influence decision-making at the executive level.

Desired Leadership Competencies

• Executive Presence
• Adaptability
• Analytical Depth
• Tolerance for Ambiguity
• Perseverance
• Strategic Perspective
• Conflict Resolution
• Managerial Courage
• Communication

Key Challenges

• Quickly establish credibility with Executive Leadership Team members through active collaboration across business functions.
• Mobilize the Engineering and Maintenance teams to successfully execute the department's strategic action plan.
• Strengthen leadership capabilities within the management team while implementing a robust succession planning strategy.

Recruitment Process

• Initial interview with Glasford International Canada Executive Search.
• Second interview with the Vice President, Marketing & Human Resources, and the Vice President, Operations, including a plant tour.
• Psychometric assessment.
• Final interview with the General Manager, the Vice President, Marketing & Human Resources, and the Vice President, Operations.