Director of Production Operations GTA West, Ontario (On-Site)

$130,000-$150,000 Base + 20% Annual Bonus

MacDonald Search Group has been retained to recruit a Director of Operations for a confidential client operating within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. Experience at Director level in Cannabis, Food, or Pharmaceuticals is required.

This is a key member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the General Manager and responsible for leading end-to-end operations across manufacturing, production, facilities, planning, supply chain, and cultivation (where applicable). The successful candidate will drive operational performance, build high-performing teams, and ensure the business consistently delivers on quality, compliance, customer service, and financial objectives.

The Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to lead a complex manufacturing operation while shaping operational strategy, developing future leaders, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that support long-term business growth.

The successful candidate will balance strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, partnering closely with Quality, Commercial, Finance, HR, and Supply Chain to ensure operational excellence across the organization.

Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership

Lead all manufacturing, production, facilities, planning, supply chain, and operational activities. Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business growth objectives. Ensure production plans meet customer demand while optimizing labour, equipment, inventory, and capacity. Monitor operational KPIs including quality, productivity, yield, service, cost, inventory, and safety. Support commercialization activities and new product introductions.

Leadership & Culture

Coach, mentor, and develop a team of operational leaders. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement. Lead succession planning, workforce development, and performance management. Partner with Human Resources on recruitment and organizational development initiatives.

Operational Excellence

Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. Improve productivity, efficiency, inventory management, and production planning. Lead capital projects, facility improvements, automation initiatives, and process optimization. Implement systems and technologies that improve operational visibility and decision-making. Manage operational budgets, forecasts, and business performance reporting.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

Ensure compliance with all regulatory and quality requirements. Partner closely with Quality Assurance to maintain audit readiness and support internal and external inspections. Promote a quality-first culture across all operational functions. Support investigations, CAPAs, change controls, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Commercial, Finance, Procurement, Supply Chain, Quality, and Executive Leadership. Support demand planning, inventory strategy, customer service, and operational execution. Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to support business continuity.

Qualifications

We're Looking For An Experienced Operations Leader Who Brings

7+ years of progressive manufacturing or operations leadership experience with teams of 70+ full time staff indirectly reporting into you through divisional leaders Experience leading multiple operational functions including manufacturing, production, planning, supply chain, and facilities. Success managing teams within highly regulated manufacturing environments. Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and operational KPIs. Demonstrated success implementing continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives. Experience with ERP systems, production planning, and operational reporting. Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, Manufacturing, Agriculture, or a related discipline is preferred

Why Join?

Senior leadership opportunity with significant influence over business operations within a highly regarded global organization Highly visible role partnering directly with the General Manager and executive team. Opportunity to lead transformational operational improvements. Collaborative, growth-oriented culture.

Competitive compensation package

Interested?

If you're an operations leader who enjoys building teams, improving manufacturing performance, and driving operational excellence within regulated industries, we'd like to hear from you.