Department: Operations
Reports to: SVP Operations
Location: Teeswater
Status: Full-time
Purpose:
Reporting to the SVP of Operations, this position is responsible for driving operational excellence through both strategic leadership and hands-on operational engagement. The Director will develop and execute operational strategy aligned with organizational goals, lead the operations team, and actively engage in day-to-day operational problem-solving to ensure quality, safety, people-management, efficiency, and continuous improvement across all operational functions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute operational strategy aligned with business objectives and organizational vision
- Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives and leverage data analytics, KPIs, and dashboards to drive performance and improvement opportunities
- Develop succession planning strategies and identify future leadership talent
- Actively engage in day-to-day operational challenges and problem-solving alongside frontline teams
- Ensure production efficiency, product quality, food safety, and SQF (Safe Quality Food) systems compliance
- Provide recommendations and oversight for operating and capital budgets for all operational functional areas
- Lead, coach, and mentor the Operations team to develop leadership capabilities and technical expertise
- Coordinate with departments, customers, and suppliers to establish protocols ensuring operational success
- Build strategic partnerships and facilitate cross-functional problem-solving
- Travel within the sites as needed
Qualifications:
- University degree required; an MBA or advanced degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive Operations leadership experience with a proven ability to set strategic direction and deliver results.
- Demonstrated success in building operational capability, including both people development (role-specific skills and team effectiveness) and the implementation of robust, sustainable operating systems.
- Extensive experience in food manufacturing is essential.
- Dairy industry experience is an asset, though not required.
- Strong financial acumen, with hands-on experience in budget development and management, and a solid understanding of internal controls, audit practices, and assurance standards.
- Comprehensive understanding of organizational structures, including both business and manufacturing environments.
- Expert-level knowledge of Operations, supported by a track record of driving performance, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Gay Lea Foods is a leading Canadian dairy co-operative renowned for producing high-quality, nutritious dairy products that Canadian families love and trust. From farm to table, our 1,200 farmer members in Ontario and Manitoba, and more than 1,200 employees across four provinces, work together to nourish communities through award-winning brands including Gay Lea, Nordica, Salerno, Bothwell Cheese, and more. As part of its deeply rooted, balanced commitment to people, profit, and planet, Gay Lea Foods proudly invests one percent of pre-tax earnings back into Canadian communities through a national food security partnership with Second Harvest, and the community-building efforts of the Gay Lea Foundation. To learn more, visit gayleafoods.com.
Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.
Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.
Gay Lea Foods may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the recruitment process, including screening and assessment.
We are currently accepting applications for this open position.
Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.
Wishing you all the best with your career search!
