COMMODITY MANAGER – PLASTICS & CHEMICALS, MORRISTOWN, PA, USA – #5910

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COMMODITY MANAGER – PLASTICS & CHEMICALS

Strategic Sourcing | Manufacturing | Supply Chain & Procurement
United States | Full-Time | Permanent

THE OPPORTUNITY

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. is currently assisting our client, an established North American manufacturing organization, in their search for an experienced Commodity Manager – Plastics & Chemicals to oversee strategic sourcing and procurement activities supporting its U.S. operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute procurement professional who understands the complexities of sourcing raw materials within the plastics and chemical industries and enjoys developing supplier relationships, negotiating competitive agreements, and implementing sourcing strategies that deliver measurable business value.

The successful candidate will play an important role in managing the procurement of resins, titanium dioxide (TiO₂), carbon black, chemical additives, and indirect materials, while ensuring cost competitiveness, continuity of supply, supplier performance, and alignment with broader operational objectives.

Working collaboratively with Procurement, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, Sales, Technical Services, and Operations, you will help strengthen supplier partnerships, identify cost-saving opportunities, and support procurement excellence across the organization.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As the Commodity Manager, you will take ownership of assigned purchasing requirements and contribute to the development and execution of effective commodity sourcing strategies.

You will:

  • Manage procurement activities for raw materials, chemicals, additives, and indirect/non-production materials supporting manufacturing facilities across the United States.
  • Develop and implement strategic sourcing and commodity management initiatives focused on cost optimization, supply continuity, supplier performance, and risk mitigation.
  • Source and negotiate purchases involving plastic resins, TiO₂, carbon black, chemical additives, and related manufacturing materials.
  • Conduct market research and commodity analysis to identify pricing trends, supply constraints, cost drivers, emerging technologies, and potential sourcing opportunities.
  • Lead supplier identification, qualification, competitive quotation processes, bid evaluations, and contract negotiations.
  • Evaluate purchasing decisions using total cost of ownership, supplier capabilities, material specifications, quality requirements, and long-term business needs.
  • Build and maintain productive supplier relationships through regular communication, site visits, audits, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, pricing histories, contracts, material specifications, and vendor performance data.
  • Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities through supplier negotiations, purchasing leverage, process improvements, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
  • Support material budgeting, procurement cost forecasting, and purchasing performance reporting.
  • Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, Technical Services, and Operations to ensure purchased materials meet applicable specifications and manufacturing requirements.
  • Work proactively with internal stakeholders and suppliers to resolve supply disruptions, quality concerns, delivery issues, and supplier performance challenges.
  • Participate in supplier corrective action processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Monitor key procurement performance indicators and recommend improvements to purchasing efficiency, cost management, and supplier reliability.
  • Support broader supply chain initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening the organization’s competitive position.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a procurement professional who combines strong plastics and chemical commodity knowledge with strategic sourcing expertise, commercial judgment, and the ability to build effective supplier partnerships.

The successful candidate will bring:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Chemistry, or a related discipline, preferred.
  • A minimum of 5 years of progressive procurement or purchasing experience, ideally within plastics, chemicals, or a related manufacturing environment.
  • Strong knowledge of plastic resins, titanium dioxide (TiO₂), carbon black, chemical additives, and associated commodity markets.
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, supplier selection, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management.
  • An understanding of global supply chains, commodity pricing dynamics, supply market trends, and factors influencing material availability and cost.
  • Experience developing sourcing strategies that improve purchasing leverage, reduce costs, and protect continuity of supply.
  • Strong analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate supplier quotations, purchasing trends, cost structures, and total cost of ownership.
  • Familiarity with supplier performance management, quality expectations, corrective actions, and procurement risk mitigation.
  • Working knowledge of purchasing contracts, commercial terms, and relevant procurement practices.
  • The ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering documents, and material requirements.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Power BI.
  • Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power BI is strongly preferred.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
  • The ability to manage multiple sourcing projects and priorities independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and the ability to work effectively with technical, operational, and commercial teams.
  • Willingness and ability to travel as required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on procurement professional who understands both the commercial and technical considerations involved in sourcing plastics and chemical commodities.

You are comfortable navigating fluctuating raw material markets, evaluating supplier capabilities, negotiating competitive agreements, and balancing cost objectives with quality, service, and supply reliability.

You understand that successful procurement extends beyond securing the lowest purchase price. It requires developing strong supplier partnerships, anticipating market changes, managing supply risks, and making informed sourcing decisions that support long-term manufacturing performance.

You bring a proactive, analytical mindset and enjoy working cross-functionally to solve problems, identify opportunities, and deliver measurable results.

Above all, you take ownership of your commodities, build credibility with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and approach procurement as a strategic contributor to business success.

WHY CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY?

This is an opportunity to join an established manufacturing organization where strategic procurement plays a direct role in operational performance, cost competitiveness, and supply chain resilience.

You will have the opportunity to influence commodity sourcing strategies, develop meaningful supplier relationships, and contribute to purchasing initiatives supporting manufacturing operations across the United States.

For a procurement professional with a strong background in plastics and chemicals, this role offers an attractive combination of commercial responsibility, cross-functional collaboration, strategic influence, and long-term career development.

Qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to apply today in confidence by submitting their résumé as an MS Word document to info@indemand.ca.

ONLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. may use artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools to support certain aspects of our recruitment process, including the screening and assessment of applications. These tools are used to assist with organizing, reviewing, and evaluating candidate information and do not replace human judgment or decision-making.

PLANT MANAGER, ROCKINGHAM, NC, USA – #5909

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PLANT MANAGER

Location: Rockingham, North Carolina, USA

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. is currently recruiting for an experienced PLANT MANAGER on behalf of our client, a well-established tissue and paper manufacturing operation located in the Rockingham, North Carolina area.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a proven manufacturing executive with deep paper manufacturing and paper machine operations experience. Our client is seeking a hands-on, results-driven leader who can take full ownership of plant performance, strengthen operational discipline, and lead the facility to improved results across safety, quality, production, reliability, cost and people development.

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of plant operations and will play a key role in driving performance improvements, stabilizing underperforming areas, and building a strong culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This role is ideal for a seasoned Plant Manager or senior operations leader who understands the complexity of paper manufacturing and has a track record of improving plant performance through strong leadership, technical knowledge, disciplined execution and data-driven decision-making.

The Plant Manager will oversee the day-to-day and strategic leadership of the facility, ensuring the plant operates safely, efficiently and profitably while developing both leadership and frontline teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead all plant operations to achieve established safety, quality, production, reliability and financial objectives.
  • Build and reinforce a strong safety culture through visible leadership, clear expectations, coaching and accountability at all levels of the organization.
  • Oversee plant performance and ensure operations are aligned with productivity, quality and cost targets.
  • Optimize paper machine performance, equipment uptime, production output and finished-product quality.
  • Improve equipment reliability through strong maintenance systems, including preventive and predictive maintenance, planning and scheduling, and root cause analysis.
  • Manage and improve plant financial performance, including cost-per-ton, labour, maintenance, fibre, chemical and energy costs.
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts using structured, data-driven problem-solving methodologies to improve operational and financial results.
  • Develop and execute recovery or turnaround plans for underperforming operations, establishing clear priorities, ownership, milestones and measurable outcomes.
  • Build, coach and strengthen plant leadership, technical and hourly teams through employee development, performance management, succession planning and accountability.
  • Partner with maintenance, production, quality and leadership teams to ensure cross-functional alignment and effective execution of plant priorities.
  • Establish a culture focused on performance, engagement, ownership and continuous improvement.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a strong plant leader with deep technical and operational knowledge of paper manufacturing, particularly paper machine operations, who can lead a large team and drive measurable business results.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing or a related field is preferred.
  • 10–15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
  • Must have direct paper manufacturing experience, including demonstrated technical knowledge of paper machine operations.
  • Proven experience leading paper machine operations and delivering sustainable improvements in performance, reliability and quality.
  • Demonstrated success improving underperforming facilities or leading plant turnaround/recovery initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of papermaking processes, maintenance and reliability systems, plant operations and financial management.
  • Experience managing key manufacturing metrics, including productivity, equipment uptime, cost control and quality performance.
  • Proven ability to lead large teams, develop talent, drive accountability and guide organizational change effectively.
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence performance at all levels of the plant.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Plant Manager who combines strong technical knowledge of papermaking with the leadership capability to improve results, develop people and create operational stability.

You are someone who:

  • Leads from the front and creates credibility on the plant floor.
  • Understands the operational and financial drivers of a paper manufacturing facility.
  • Knows how to improve reliability, productivity and quality through disciplined execution.
  • Uses data to identify issues, solve problems and drive decisions.
  • Can build structure, accountability and consistency within an operation.
  • Develops leaders and teams rather than simply managing day-to-day performance.
  • Has the confidence and experience to lead change in an underperforming or evolving environment.

WHY CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY?

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a tissue and paper manufacturing operation in a high-visibility plant leadership role where you will have direct influence over the performance and future success of the facility.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

  • Take full leadership responsibility for a tissue and paper manufacturing operation.
  • Lead meaningful improvements in safety, reliability, quality and cost performance.
  • Drive measurable operational turnaround and business results.
  • Build and strengthen leadership and frontline teams.
  • Make a visible impact in a key manufacturing facility.

Qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to apply in confidence by submitting their résumé as an MS Word document to info@indemand.ca.

ONLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. may use artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools to support certain aspects of our recruitment process, including the screening and assessment of applications. These tools are used to assist with organizing, reviewing and evaluating candidate information and do not replace human judgment or decision-making.

MAINTENANCE MANAGER, PRYOR, OK, USA – #5908

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MAINTENANCE MANAGER

Location: Pryor, Oklahoma Area, USA

Full Relocation Assistance Available

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. is currently recruiting for an experienced MAINTENANCE MANAGER for our client, a well-established manufacturing organization located in the Pryor, Oklahoma area.

This is an excellent opportunity for a results-driven maintenance professional with a strong background in paper manufacturing and/or paper machine operations to take ownership of plant maintenance, equipment reliability and continuous improvement initiatives within a large-scale industrial manufacturing environment.

Our client is seeking a hands-on, technically strong leader who combines mechanical expertise, strategic planning capabilities and a passion for developing high-performing maintenance teams.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in improving equipment reliability, maximizing plant performance, controlling maintenance costs and establishing a proactive maintenance culture.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead, manage, coach and develop the plant maintenance team, promoting a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Champion workplace health and safety practices, ensuring compliance with established safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, PPE requirements and confined-space regulations.
  • Develop and execute preventative and predictive maintenance programs designed to improve equipment reliability, reduce unplanned downtime and maximize asset performance.
  • Oversee site-wide mechanical maintenance operations, ensuring equipment and systems operate safely, efficiently and reliably.
  • Utilize LEAN manufacturing principles to identify operational inefficiencies, improve maintenance processes and support ongoing continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Develop and implement maintenance strategies, asset reliability programs and long-term equipment improvement plans aligned with plant objectives.
  • Lead maintenance planning and scheduling activities, including equipment shutdowns, major repairs and planned maintenance outages.
  • Prepare, manage and monitor maintenance operating budgets and capital expenditure plans, ensuring effective cost management and return on investment.
  • Identify, prioritize and manage capital improvement projects, equipment upgrades and asset replacement initiatives.
  • Establish, monitor and improve maintenance KPIs, including equipment availability, downtime, maintenance costs, reliability and work order performance.
  • Collaborate closely with Production, Engineering, Operations and other departments to ensure maintenance activities support production schedules, capacity targets and quality standards.
  • Manage external contractors, equipment suppliers and service providers to ensure quality, safety, cost effectiveness and timely project completion.
  • Drive improvements in maintenance planning, work execution, equipment standardization and overall plant efficiency.
  • Mentor and develop maintenance supervisors, technicians and skilled trades personnel, supporting professional development and succession planning.
  • Participate in annual business planning, strategic initiatives and operational performance reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • MUST HAVE direct experience in paper manufacturing and/or paper machine maintenance and operations.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering Technology or a related technical discipline is preferred.
  • A minimum of 5 years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience in maintenance, engineering or reliability may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience leading a maintenance department, including direct responsibility for supervising, coaching and developing employees.
  • Strong technical knowledge of industrial mechanical systems, production equipment, preventative maintenance and reliability improvement practices.
  • Proven experience maintaining and troubleshooting paper manufacturing machinery and associated plant equipment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of workplace safety requirements, including lockout/tagout, PPE, confined-space procedures and safe maintenance practices.
  • Experience implementing effective maintenance planning and scheduling systems to improve equipment availability and reduce downtime.
  • Working knowledge of LEAN manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies and root cause analysis.
  • Experience developing, tracking and improving maintenance performance metrics and KPIs.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing and managing operating budgets and capital expenditure projects.
  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to coordinate plant shutdowns, equipment installations and major maintenance activities.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving and leadership capabilities.
  • Ability to build strong working relationships across maintenance, production, engineering and senior management.
  • Demonstrated career stability and a track record of sustained contributions in previous leadership positions.

WHY IS THIS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY?

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Maintenance Manager who enjoys taking ownership of complex industrial operations and making a measurable impact on plant reliability and performance.

Our client offers the opportunity to:

  • Make a meaningful impact: Lead critical maintenance and reliability initiatives within a large-scale manufacturing environment.
  • Drive operational excellence: Implement strategies that improve equipment performance, minimize downtime and strengthen plant efficiency.
  • Lead and develop people: Build a strong safety culture while coaching and developing a skilled maintenance team.
  • Influence long-term strategy: Participate in capital investment planning, equipment modernization and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Apply your technical expertise: Work in a challenging paper manufacturing environment where mechanical knowledge and reliability experience are highly valued.
  • Relocate with support: Full relocation assistance is available for the successful candidate.

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS

Paper manufacturing and/or paper machine experience is mandatory. Candidates without directly relevant industry experience will not be considered.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to apply today in confidence by sending their resume as an MS Word document to info@indemand.ca.

ONLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED

Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. may use artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled tools to support certain aspects of our recruitment process, including the screening and assessment of applications. These tools are used to assist with organizing, reviewing, and evaluating candidate information and do not replace human judgment or decision-making.

Our talent is finding yours.

OPERATIONS MANAGER – INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION, NORTH GTA/YORK REGION, ON – #5904

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IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. is confidentially seeking an OPERATIONS MANAGER – INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION for our client in North GTA/York Region, ON.

The Opportunity

Our client is an established specialty automation equipment manufacturer serving industrial customers across North America. They are seeking an Operations Manager to lead purchasing and day-to-day production, strengthen operating processes, and improve delivery performance.

Permanent | Full Time | On Site

Typical Business Hours – Occasional evenings/weekends as required.

Minimal Travel – most within the GTA area. Very occasional overnight travel.

Compensation Target: $105,000 – $130,000/year, plus bonus. (Open to hearing from those outside this range.)

Comprehensive employer paid benefits package.

 

Who We’re Looking For

You are a hands-on manufacturing leader who brings structure to a busy operation. You combine practical production knowledge with sound purchasing judgment, communicate clearly, and help teams turn improvement ideas into consistent results.

Why This Role?

Make a visible impact in a growing business where you can influence the full operation. Work closely with an experienced Director of Operations, gain exposure to senior leadership, and develop your capabilities as the company scales.

What You Will Do

The Operations Manager will oversee purchasing and production execution within a manufacturing operation of approximately 30 employees. Working closely with the Director of Operations, you will align materials, people, and production schedules to meet customer commitments safely, efficiently, and consistently.

This role combines shop-floor leadership with planning, supplier management, and continuous improvement. Your focus will be building practical processes that support reliable delivery, cost control, and sustainable growth.

  • Lead production execution: Manage daily and weekly production schedules, coordinate resources, and resolve bottlenecks while maintaining safety, quality, and delivery standards.
  • Own purchasing: Manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and lead times, and ensure materials are available to support production.
  • Control inventory: Balance material availability with inventory investment, reducing shortages, excess stock, and unnecessary costs.
  • Strengthen operating processes: Implement practical lean tools, including 5S, visual management, standard work, and root-cause problem solving.
  • Develop the team: Coach purchasing and production employees, set clear expectations, and reinforce accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Coordinate across functions: Partner with sales, engineering, and finance to align production capacity and purchasing decisions with customer requirements and business priorities.
  • Measure performance: Track and report key measures, including on-time delivery, inventory turns, purchase price variance, and safety performance.
  • Deliver improvements: Lead focused initiatives that reduce waste, improve productivity, shorten lead times, and control costs.

Qualifications

  • 5–8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, production, and/or purchasing, including demonstrated team leadership.
  • Experience within equipment, industrial, or capital-goods manufacturing.
  • Practical knowledge of production scheduling, material availability, and shop-floor execution.
  • Experience managing suppliers, negotiating purchasing terms, and making decisions that affect cost and profitability.
  • Demonstrated application of lean or continuous-improvement methods in a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to simplify processes, establish priorities, and follow through on improvements.
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including sound judgment on when to escalate issues.
  • A collaborative leadership style and comfort working both on the shop floor and with the leadership team.
  • Post-secondary education in operations, supply chain, engineering, or business. APICS/CPIM, SCMP, or Lean Six Sigma certification is an asset.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada for any employer, without the need for sponsorship now or in the future. 

Qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to apply today in confidence by sending your resume to us at:  misty@indemand.ca

We thank all candidates for applying. Only those applicants moving forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.

Our client is committed to ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities by identifying, removing and preventing barriers to promote the rights of all persons and to build and create an inclusive and accessible working environment, in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the “AODA”).

Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. may use artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled tools to support certain aspects of our recruitment process, including the screening and assessment of applications. These tools are used to assist with organizing, reviewing, and evaluating candidate information and do not replace human judgment or decision-making.

OPERATIONS MANAGER / FUTURE GENERAL MANAGER (MANUFACTURING), EDMONTON, AB, CANADA – #5894

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OPERATIONS MANAGER / FUTURE GENERAL MANAGER

Edmonton Area, Alberta | Full-Time | Permanent

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. is currently assisting our client, a growing custom manufacturing organization, in the search for an experienced Operations Manager with the leadership capability and ambition to develop into the company’s future General Manager.

This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on, commercially minded manufacturing leader who understands the realities of the shop floor but can also think strategically about people, systems, capacity, technology, profitability and growth.

The organization operates in a high-mix, custom metal fabrication / engineered-to-order manufacturing environment and is entering an important stage of growth, professionalization and operational development.

This is not simply an opportunity to manage today’s operation. The successful individual will be expected to help build the organization required for tomorrow.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Initially, the Operations Manager will take ownership of day-to-day manufacturing performance, including production, scheduling, workflow, labour, quality, safety, capacity and continuous improvement.

A key part of the mandate will be strengthening the systems and operating disciplines that support the business—improving production visibility, developing people, increasing capacity, removing bottlenecks and creating more consistent and repeatable processes.

You will work closely with ownership, Engineering/Design, Finance and the production team to ensure the entire manufacturing process operates as an integrated system rather than a collection of individual departments.

As the business continues to grow, the successful individual will progressively assume broader responsibility for financial performance, capital investment, technology, customers, organizational development and P&L, with a genuine succession path toward General Manager.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Lead daily manufacturing operations, production scheduling and shop-floor execution.
  • Improve throughput, productivity, quality, on-time delivery, labour efficiency and capacity utilization.
  • Identify bottlenecks and implement practical Lean and continuous-improvement initiatives that improve flow, eliminate waste and standardize processes.
  • Establish and strengthen manufacturing KPIs, production data and operating disciplines to improve visibility, accountability and decision-making.
  • Lead, coach and develop production supervisors, skilled trades and manufacturing employees.
  • Build leadership capability within the organization rather than becoming the person who must personally solve every operational problem.
  • Strengthen the utilization of ERP/MRP systems and improve production planning, scheduling and data accuracy.
  • Partner closely with Engineering/Design to improve manufacturability, workflow, standardization and the transition from design to production.
  • Understand and improve the interaction between sales, design, materials, labour, equipment, scheduling, production and customer delivery.
  • Lead capacity planning and support plant-layout optimization, equipment investments and future facility expansion.
  • Evaluate and implement practical opportunities involving CNC, CAD/CAM integration, robotics, cobots, machine vision, automation and emerging manufacturing technologies.
  • Assess capital investments based on operational requirements, productivity gains and expected financial returns.
  • Maintain strong standards for safety, quality, accountability and operational excellence.
  • Use data and root-cause analysis to solve recurring problems rather than repeatedly treating symptoms.
  • Partner with Finance on job costing, budgets, labour and material costs, margins, productivity, working capital, capital planning and financial performance.
  • Understand how production decisions affect customer service, lead times, quality, flexibility, profitability and long-term customer relationships.
  • Help professionalize the organization while preserving the entrepreneurial strengths, customer responsiveness and practical culture that have contributed to its success.
  • Progressively assume broader commercial, strategic and P&L responsibility as you develop toward General Manager.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

  • Approximately 10+ years of progressive manufacturing experience with meaningful leadership responsibility.
  • Demonstrated progression into responsibility for teams, supervisors and increasingly complex manufacturing operations.
  • Strong preference for experience in metal fabrication, truck equipment, commercial vehicles, trailers, sheet metal, industrial equipment, engineered-to-order or other high-mix manufacturing environments.
  • Candidates from adjacent sectors such as agricultural equipment, oilfield equipment, utility equipment, equipment upfitting and custom industrial manufacturing will also be considered.
  • Hands-on experience with production scheduling, capacity planning, workflow, labour management, safety, quality and continuous improvement.
  • Experience within an organization that has grown, professionalized or materially increased production capacity is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop people, including supervisors and skilled trades.
  • Practical experience with ERP/MRP systems, production data and KPIs.
  • Familiarity with Job Boss, Made to Manage or similar software an asset
  • Experience implementing, upgrading or materially improving manufacturing systems is preferred.
  • Familiarity with JobBOSS, Made2Manage or similar job-shop/manufacturing ERP systems would be an asset.
  • Strong Lean/process-improvement mindset with demonstrated ability to improve flow, reduce waste, standardize processes and establish measurable operating disciplines.
  • Exposure to CAPEX, manufacturing equipment selection, plant-layout changes and facility expansion.
  • Exposure to CNC, CAD/CAM integration, robotics, cobots, machine vision or other manufacturing automation is highly desirable.
  • Strong problem-solving capability with an emphasis on root-cause analysis and data-driven decision-making.
  • Commercial and financial understanding of job costing, margins, budgets, working capital, labour productivity, capital returns and P&L concepts.
  • Strong customer orientation and an understanding of how manufacturing performance impacts delivery, quality and long-term customer relationships.

EDUCATION

Preferred educational backgrounds include:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • Engineering Technology diploma combined with substantial progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
  • Operations or Business degree combined with strong technical manufacturing experience.
  • A highly capable trades-trained manufacturing leader may also be considered where the individual has demonstrated exceptional progression into systems, financial and organizational leadership.

An MBA is not required. Practical manufacturing judgment, leadership capability, systems thinking and demonstrated results will carry more weight than academic credentials alone.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You are hands-on, entrepreneurial, practical and low ego.

You understand how products actually move through a fabrication plant and can distinguish between theoretical improvements and solutions that will actually work in a high-mix manufacturing environment.

You can earn credibility with skilled tradespeople while setting clear expectations and holding people accountable. You listen to experienced employees and respect the knowledge already within the organization, while being willing to respectfully challenge long-standing practices when there is a better way.

You are decisive without being authoritarian, data-driven without being bureaucratic, and comfortable with change.

You naturally think in terms of systems. You understand that sales, design, materials, labour, equipment, scheduling, production, delivery and profitability are interconnected, and you avoid optimizing one area at the expense of the overall business.

You embrace technology and are comfortable with ERP, manufacturing data, automation, robotics and emerging AI-assisted systems where they can create meaningful operational value.

You understand the commercial side of manufacturing—including job costing, margins, working capital, labour productivity, customer service and capital returns.

Just as importantly, you are a builder of people. You develop capable leaders underneath you and create repeatable systems rather than making yourself indispensable to every daily decision.

You can manage today’s production issues while simultaneously thinking about the company’s future facility, technology, people, customers, competitive position and profitability.

Most importantly, you are looking for more than your next Operations Manager position. You want the opportunity to help build and professionalize a growing manufacturing business and ultimately step into General Management.

WHO COULD BE A GREAT FIT?

The best candidate may not come from a direct competitor.

We are interested in accomplished manufacturing leaders such as:

  • An Operations or Plant Leader from a high-mix metal fabrication company.
  • A Manufacturing Leader from truck-body, trailer, commercial vehicle or equipment-upfitting manufacturing.
  • An Operations Leader from agricultural, oilfield, utility or industrial equipment manufacturing.
  • An Engineering/Operations Leader from sheet-metal or engineered-to-order manufacturing who has progressed into significant people and financial responsibility.
  • A strong second-in-command from a larger manufacturing organization who is ready to take on broader operating responsibility within a smaller, entrepreneurial business.
  • An exceptional trades-trained manufacturing leader who has progressed well beyond technical expertise into people, systems, financial and organizational leadership.

WHY CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY?

This is a genuine succession and value-creation opportunity with the potential to become the senior operating leader of a growing Western Canadian manufacturer.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence the company’s people, plant operations, systems, capacity, facility expansion, technology, automation, financial performance and long-term strategy for years to come.

For the right manufacturing leader, this is an opportunity to do much more than operate an established plant. It is an opportunity to build the systems, develop the people, shape the operation and ultimately help lead the business into its next stage of growth.

Qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to apply today in confidence by sending your resume as a MS Document to us at:  info@indemand.ca.

ONLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED

 Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. may use artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled tools to support certain aspects of our recruitment process, including the screening and assessment of applications. These tools are used to assist with organizing, reviewing, and evaluating candidate information and do not replace human judgment or decision-making.