Company Overview
OZ Optics Limited is a leading worldwide supplier of fiber optic products, test equipment and sensors. It is located in Canada's capital city of Ottawa and established in 1985.
Company Perks:
Every employee receives full benefits including medical, dental, optical, and life insurance with the premiums paid for by OZ Optics.
- Opportunity to work alongside with subject matter experts in fiber optics
- Opportunity to work on world-class products with cutting-edge technologies
- Best recreational facilities company can offer. Squash and basketball courts, weight-training rooms, indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub for use by employees
- Staff events - adult and children's holiday parties, Easter egg hunt, family summer barbeque, and soccer games.
- Free on-site parking
Position Summary:
The General Manager of the Test Equipment Group will be a dynamic and results-oriented leader responsible for overseeing all operational facets of the company. This pivotal role demands a strategic thinker with a proven ability to lead diverse teams, optimize processes, and drive sustained growth and profitability. The General Manager will ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration across all departments including R&D, Engineering, Production, Quality, Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Finance, aligning their collective efforts with the company's overarching strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Business Development
- Translate the company's vision and strategic goals into actionable business plans for all departments.
- Identify and pursue new market opportunities, product innovations, and operational efficiencies to drive competitive advantage and market share growth.
- Contribute to the long-term strategic planning and direction of the company.
- Oversee and evaluate the activities and operations of all key departments, including engineering and manufacturing, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
Operational Excellence & Efficiency
- Oversee the entire product lifecycle, from research and development (R&D) and design to production, quality control, and customer delivery.
- Direct the strategic planning and management of manufacturing operations, including efficient use of materials, labor, and equipment to meet production targets and optimize resource allocation.
- Ensure efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality operations across all manufacturing, production, and engineering processes.
- Guide the planning and implementation of significant changes to machinery, equipment, production systems, and methods of work.
- Implement and champion continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing and agile methodologies, to optimize workflows and reduce waste.
- Ensure all operations adhere to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
Team Leadership & Talent Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing management team across all functional areas.
- Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven work environment.
- Work closely with the Human Resources department to ensure effective talent acquisition, retention, performance management, and employee development strategies.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of staff competence across all technical and operational disciplines.
Financial Management & Performance
- Oversee the development and management of overall company and departmental budgets, financial forecasts, and cost controls.
- Analyze financial performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance profitability and return on investment.
- Ensure sound financial practices and compliance with all accounting standards.
Product/Technology Development & Engineering Oversight
- Guide the lifecycle of products and solutions from research and development (R&D) through commercialization.
- Establish and uphold policies, standards, and procedures for all engineering and technical work performed within the company.
- Oversee the assignment, coordination, and review of major technical projects and departmental engineering initiatives.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous technological advancement in product design and development.
Market & Customer Focus
- Work closely with the Sales and Marketing teams to develop and execute strategies for market expansion, lead generation, and robust customer relationship management.
- Ensure that product development and production efforts are aligned with market demands and customer needs.
- Engage in high-level consultation and negotiation with key clients to articulate proposals and present engineering reports and findings where strategic alliances are involved.
- Maintain a strong understanding of industry trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform business strategy.
Quality Assurance & Risk Management
- Champion a culture of quality throughout the organization, ensuring that all products and processes meet or exceed established quality standards and customer expectations.
- Direct the implementation and effectiveness of the overall quality control inspection system and production reporting procedures.
- Identify potential risks across all operations and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard company assets and reputation.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations and standards.
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering or a related field is required.
- An MBA or an advanced degree is highly preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing or high-tech environment, with at least 5 years in a senior management or multi-departmental leadership role.
- Extensive experience in an engineering discipline and/or manufacturing management, including significant supervisory experience, is required.
- Proven track record in managing diverse teams (e.g., engineering, production, sales, finance, and human resources).
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, forecasting, and P&L responsibility.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic plans that drive business growth and operational efficiency.
- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Agile) is highly desirable.
Skills:
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, and mentoring abilities.
- Superior communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage change effectively.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Proficiency in relevant business software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Working Conditions:
This role is primarily based in the Ottawa, Ontario facility, requiring full-time on-site presence. Occasional travel may be required to meet business needs, visit clients, attend industry events, or engage with other company locations if applicable.
Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
