Director of Operations & Finance
Overview
We are seeking a hands-on, high-potential Director of Operations & Finance to help lead the operational, financial, and administrative functions of a growing manufacturing and distribution business.
This is a broad leadership role for someone who understands accounting and finance, but who also has a strong interest in operations, people, systems, process improvement, and business execution. The successful candidate may currently be a Controller, Assistant Controller, Finance Manager, Operations Manager, General Manager, or another emerging business leader looking for a larger opportunity.
The role will work closely with ownership and senior leadership to help connect the different parts of the business, improve communication, raise standards, follow through on key initiatives, and ensure that important projects actually get implemented and sustained.
Candidates are not expected to possess every skill listed in this posting. We are open to individuals who are stronger in either finance or operations and have demonstrated potential and interest in developing the complementary skill set.
This position may also provide a path over time into a more senior leadership role such as Controller, VP Finance, VP Operations, CFO, COO, General Manager, or another executive-level position, depending on the candidate’s strengths and the needs of the company.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with ownership, senior leadership, accounting, purchasing, inventory, supply chain, warehouse operations, HR, and sales to ensure departments are aligned and communicating effectively.
- Help connect the business across departments so that purchasing, inventory, warehouse operations, customer service, accounting, and HR are moving in the same direction.
- Lead or support operational improvement initiatives, including Kaizen, Lean, and continuous improvement projects, process improvements, systems development, and accountability around action items.
- Own follow-up on major projects, internal initiatives, grant programs, operational priorities, and cross-functional action plans.
- Help ensure that improvements are not only discussed, but implemented, measured, and sustained.
- Support purchasing, inventory control, supply chain coordination, and warehouse performance from a management and process-improvement perspective.
- Help raise organizational standards around communication, accountability, housekeeping, yard and warehouse appearance, project follow-through, and professionalism.
- Identify gaps in processes, communication, systems, or accountability and help implement practical solutions.
- Provide leadership and support to team members across finance, administration, HR, operations, and related departments.
- Communicate regularly with ownership and senior leadership about business performance, risks, opportunities, people issues, project status, and areas needing attention.
- Help reduce confusion, unnecessary drama, communication gaps, and lack of follow-through as the organization continues to grow.
- Support HR-related initiatives including accountability, employee development, internal communication, and maintaining a professional company culture.
- Oversee and support the accounting and finance function, including reporting, budgeting, cash flow, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, controls, and financial analysis.
- Be capable of stepping into, supporting, or growing into a controller-level role if required.
- Assist with strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, performance reporting, and business decision-making.
- Contribute to business development and growth initiatives where financial, operational, or project-management support is required.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is not just an accountant and not just an operations person. They are someone who understands how a business works, how departments affect one another, and how to get things done through people, systems, communication, and follow-up.
They should be comfortable in the details but also able to see the bigger picture. They should be willing to walk the floor, ask questions, notice issues, follow up on commitments, and help create a culture where people take pride in their work and are accountable for their responsibilities.
Experience & Qualifications
- Experience in accounting, finance, controllership, operations management, general management, or a related business leadership role.
- Strong understanding of accounting, reporting, budgeting, cash flow, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, internal controls, and financial analysis.
- Controller, Assistant Controller, Finance Manager, Senior Accountant, Operations Manager, General Manager, or similar experience would be considered an asset.
- CPA designation, MBA, business degree, accounting degree, engineering degree, supply chain designation, or other relevant education and professional credentials would be considered strong assets.
- Experience in manufacturing, distribution, building products, construction supply, warehousing, logistics, or a similar environment would be a strong asset.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to keep ownership and leadership informed on important business matters.
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects, follow up on action items, and drive initiatives to completion.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work across departments and build trust with different personalities and teams.
- Practical, hands-on leadership style with a willingness to address issues directly and professionally.
- Interest in continuous improvement, operational excellence, and business growth.
- Strong business judgment, maturity, and the ability to handle difficult conversations when required.
- Ambition to grow into a broader leadership role over time.
Compensation
- Base salary: $100,000 - $125,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Eligibility for a performance-based bonus program tied to measurable objectives, execution, accountability, operational improvements, company performance, and successful completion of major initiatives.
Opportunity
Reporting directly to ownership, this role offers significant exposure to strategic decision-making and the opportunity to influence the future direction of the business.
This is an opportunity for someone who wants more than a traditional accounting or operations role. The right person will have the chance to become a key part of the leadership team, help shape the future of the business, and grow with the company over time.
Please note that this is not a work from home opportunity.
Pay: $100,000.00-$135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
