Operations Manager

VCNA•Clarington, ON

19d•CA$126,900 - CA$190,350•Hybrid

About The Position

The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the cement manufacturing plant in order to obtain optimum output for operations and maximize profits. This position provides leadership to production managers, supervisors, technicians and planners, to ensure the plant consistently achieves production, quality, environmental, and safety targets. The Operations Manager oversees all aspects of the production process, including raw material preparation, kiln operations, clinker production, finish grinding, alternative fuel processes and cement dispatch coordination. The role is accountable for optimizing plant performance, driving continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. Be advised that this role serves as the designated alternate to the Plant Director, assuming leadership responsibilities and ensuring continuity of operations during the Director's absence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in heavy industrial manufacturing.
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing large cement production operations in a unionized environment.
Strong understanding of cement manufacturing processes, kiln operations, grinding systems, and process control.
Ability to read, interpret, analyze reports, periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, advanced engineering blueprints.
Strong computer skills with proficient knowledge of SAP, Process Control Manufacturing; MS Word, Power Point; advanced user of Excel.
Financial acumen with experience managing departmental budgets.
Excellent communication skills with proven leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
Strong organizational and project management capabilities with the ability to make sound operational decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of Ontario health and safety legislation and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage all production activities within the cement manufacturing process.
Ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining product quality specifications.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including production volumes, throughput, kiln performance, energy consumption, and equipment utilization.
Develop and implement production plans to meet customer demand and business objectives.
Coordinate production schedules with maintenance, quality control, quarry, logistics, and other plant departments.
Identify and implement process improvements to optimize productivity, efficiency, and operating costs.
Analyze production data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions related to production losses, quality issues, and operational inefficiencies.
Support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Work closely with maintenance teams to optimize equipment reliability and availability, while ensuring production impacts related to maintenance activities are minimized.
Participate in shutdown planning and execution.
Develop and monitor departmental budgets and cost control measures.
Manage operating expenses while maintaining production and quality standards.
Lead the safe and efficient implementation, operation, and continuous improvement of alternative fuel programs within the cement manufacturing process, while ensuring compliance with Ontario environmental regulations, emissions permit requirements, and corporate sustainability objectives.
Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to production managers, supervisors and hourly staff.
Establish performance objectives and conduct performance evaluations.
Support employee development through training, mentoring, and succession planning.
Foster positive employee relations and maintain effective communication throughout the department.
Promote accountability, teamwork, and a continuous improvement mindset.
Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Ontario), company policies, and industry best practices.
Lead incident investigations and corrective action initiatives.
Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments.
Ensure compliance with environmental permits, emissions standards, and applicable federal, provincial, and municipal regulations.
Promote continuous improvement in workplace health, safety, and environmental performance.
Ensure compliance with all product quality standards and specifications.
Collaborate with Quality Control personnel to maintain consistent product performance.
Address and resolve production-related quality concerns.
Drive process improvements that enhance product quality and customer satisfaction.
Maintain compliance with applicable employment, health and safety, environmental, and industry regulations.
Support internal and external audits.
Ensure accurate operational records and reporting requirements are maintained.

Benefits

Training, professional development
Access to Employees Resource Groups (ERGs), including SheBuilds, which fosters mentorship, leadership development and community support
Tuition reimbursement/assistance
Competitive wages, vacation and holiday time
Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
RRSP and DC (CAN) and 401K (U.S.)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): confidential support for you and your family (CAN)
Educational scholarship program for dependents of regular salaried employees.
Fertility drug coverage
Paid Maternity Leave Top Up