Pursuit AerospaceVerified Job Source

Business Unit Leader

Orillia, ON
On-site
Posted Sep 23, 2026
1 position

$90,000–$120,000 / year

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Lead · 10+ years
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The Business Unit Leader is responsible for managing daily operational performance, including schedule adherence, throughput, and cost objectives within an aerospace manufacturing unit. They lead cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Job details

About Us: As a global manufacturer of complex aircraft engine components, Pursuit Aerospace (formerly Paradigm Precision) is founded on a commitment to relentless, continuous, operational improvement and extraordinary customer service. We pride ourselves on competitive cost structure, exceptional on-time delivery, and industry-leading quality. The Pursuit family of companies has cultivated long-term relationships with our customers around the world through respect, teamwork, technology, and trust. We are driven to develop industry leading process innovations and manufacturing techniques on behalf of our customers. Our exceptional quality is driven by a deep investment in and the daily practice of continually improving our people, processes, and products. About the Opportunity: At Pursuit Aerospace, we are committed to excellence in precision machining for the aerospace industry. The Business Unit Leader is responsible for delivering the performance of an assigned business unit within the operational framework established by the Operations Manager. This position plays a key role in daily execution, tactical planning, team leadership, and continuous improvement, ensuring that safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are consistently achieved. The Business Unit Leader integrates operational processes, manages complex issues within the unit, and contributes to long‑term planning and business strategy. This leader directs hourly and salaried staff, including production employees, engineering and quality resources within the unit, planners, and cell supervisors. The role is well‑suited for an individual who excels in a fast‑paced aerospace manufacturing environment and who is passionate about team development, operational discipline, and driving measurable results. Location: Orillia, Ontario This is an Onsite position. This is for an existing vacancy. Responsibilities: Operational Leadership & Daily Performance • Lead daily unit performance including schedule adherence, throughput, customer order execution, and recovery planning. • Own Business Unit KPIs and drive data‑based decisions to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets. • Maintain alignment with the Master Production Schedule (MPS) by coordinating priorities, sequencing work, and resolving constraints within the approved framework. • Ensure disciplined daily management, including Gemba presence, problem escalation, and structured communication with supervisors and teams. Cross‑Functional Coordination & Workflow Optimization • Drive collaboration between Operations, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain to resolve issues quickly and improve workflow. • Support NPIs and engineering changes by coordinating resources, clarifying priorities, and ensuring readiness within the unit. • Provide first‑response support for customer escalations impacting the business unit. Leadership, Coaching & Workforce Development • Lead, coach and develop supervisors, team leads, and hourly employees to build capability, engagement, and ownership. • Direct daily staffing assignments and resource allocation to meet schedule and customer requirements. • Foster a culture of accountability, communication, teamwork, and continuous learning. Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving • Implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, root cause analysis, standard work, and structured problem‑solving methods. • Support site‑wide improvement projects and contribute input on capital needs or process enhancements affecting the business unit. Safety, Compliance & Workplace Discipline • Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, customer requirements, and company standards within the business unit. • Champion a safe and highly disciplined working environment, including adherence to PPE, 5S, housekeeping, and audit readiness. • Execute established process standards and support continuous refinement of procedures, work instructions, and training materials. Financial & Resource Management • Manage business unit performance within approved budgets and cost expectations. • Recommend staffing model adjustments based on demand, productivity, and long‑term capability planning. • Provide input on capital decisions and investments affecting production flow, equipment, and tooling. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical field, OR 10 years of progressive experience in a complex, precision‑driven manufacturing environment. • Minimum 3 years of leadership experience with direct reports. • Experience in machining, aerospace, precision manufacturing, or similarly complex production environments. • Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and understanding of planning, scheduling, and production control processes. • Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience in Lean, Kaizen, Master Scheduling, Continuous Improvement, and/or Six Sigma methodologies. • Strong technical, analytical, and quantitative skills. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Strong project management and presentation abilities, including facilitation of training. • Demonstrated ability to lead supervisors and cross‑functional teams. • Ability to analyze problems, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions. • Strong organizational, influencing, and prioritization skills in a fast‑paced environment. • Experience working effectively with internal stakeholders at multiple levels. Physical Requirements: • Frequent presence on the shop floor in a manufacturing environment with required PPE (such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and hearing protection as needed). • Requires regular mobility throughout the facility, including walking, standing, and moving between production areas. • Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day). • Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing short ladders or steps. • Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs as needed. • Exposure to typical manufacturing conditions, including noise, moving mechanical equipment, lubricants, solvents, and varying temperatures. • May require occasional evening or weekend work to support operational priorities and schedules. Compensation & Benefits: Pursuit Aerospace also offers a variety of benefits, including health insurance, EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on your employment classification - whether you're full-time, part-time, or a contractor. Pursuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a technical field or 10 years of progressive experience in complex precision manufacturing. A minimum of 3 years of leadership experience and proficiency in ERP/MRP systems are required.