Director of Plant Operations

We are looking for an experienced operations leader to oversee a Contract assignment(3-6 months) supporting a wholesale distribution business in Paris, Ontario with long term potential. This role will provide hands-on direction across day-to-day plant and operational activities while strengthening team performance, service levels, and operational discipline. The successful candidate will bring a practical leadership style, sound business judgement, and the ability to build credibility quickly in a fast-moving environment. This is an onsite role.

Responsibilities:

• Lead daily operational activity across the site, ensuring production, inventory, service, and workflow priorities are aligned with business objectives.

• Guide, mentor, and hold leaders and frontline employees accountable to clear performance expectations while fostering a stable and engaged workplace.

• Strengthen inventory practices by improving accuracy, control measures, and visibility across materials and finished goods.

• Oversee workforce planning, scheduling, and capacity management to support output targets, labour efficiency, and throughput.

• Monitor operational performance indicators related to productivity, quality, customer service, cost control, and margin performance, and take corrective action when needed.

• Maintain a strong presence on the floor to identify bottlenecks, address operational issues directly, and support timely problem resolution.

• Promote a safe and disciplined operating environment by reinforcing compliance, consistent procedures, and sound working practices.

• Partner closely with finance, sales, and senior leadership to align operational decisions with broader commercial and financial goals.

• Drive continuous improvement efforts that enhance process reliability, team effectiveness, and overall operational results.

Requirements:

• 7+ years of experience leading plant, manufacturing, or operations environments with direct accountability for business performance.

• Demonstrated success managing a mid-sized operation, including oversight of labour, output, inventory, quality, and cost performance.

• Strong background in inventory control, operational planning, and productivity improvement within a hands-on setting.

• Proven ability to lead through growth, organizational change, or leadership transition while maintaining team confidence and stability.

• Effective people leadership skills with the ability to build trust across both frontline teams and management groups.

• Comfortable working visibly on the floor and becoming directly involved in resolving operational challenges.

• Solid understanding of capacity, throughput, workforce utilization, customer expectations, and margin awareness.

• Experience in industrial manufacturing, building products, packaging, lumber, wood products, or a related operational sector is considered an asset.

This job posting is for a current vacancy with our client.

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