OPERATIONS MANAGER, KITCHENER, ON – #5797

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IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc. is currently looking to hire an OPERATIONS MANAGER for our client in Kitchener, ON.

We’re looking for a dynamic operations leader to take full ownership of a high-volume materials recovery facility (MRF). This role is at the heart of environmental performance and operational excellence—driving efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced, industrial setting.

If you’re someone who thrives on optimizing complex operations, leading teams, and delivering measurable results, this is an opportunity to make a tangible difference every day.

What You’ll Do:

As a site leader, you will be accountable for the full scope of facility operations—balancing performance, cost control, and safety while building a high-performing team culture.

Operational Excellence

  • Oversee daily site operations including inbound/outbound logistics, sorting, and processing activities
  • Drive efficiency by reducing handling costs and improving throughput
  • Continuously improve turnaround times for inbound and outbound vehicles
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reliability
  • Identify and eliminate waste to improve process flow, reduce downtime, and optimize labor and equipment utilization
  • Lead structured problem-solving initiatives across operations
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives with clear metrics and measurable results

Safety & Compliance

  • Champion a culture of safety, ensuring adherence to all regulatory and operational standards
  • Lead safety initiatives, meetings, and training to maintain a zero-incident mindset

Financial & Performance Management

  • Manage site-level budgets and monitor performance against forecasts and historical data
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining operational integrity

Leadership & Team Development

  • Build, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline teams
  • Set clear expectations and consistently hold teams accountable for performance and behavior
  • Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performing work environment
  • Motivate teams during high-pressure situations while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards

Facility & Stakeholder Management

  • Ensure facility cleanliness, maintenance, and operational readiness through inspections and preventive programs
  • Serve as a key point of contact for community and external stakeholders when needed
  • Deliver clear, timely reporting and operational updates

What We’re Looking For:

Experience & Education

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 7+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, logistics, or industrial environments
  • Proven leadership experience managing teams in a fast-paced setting

Core Strengths

  • Strong operational and financial acumen
  • Continuous improvement mindset (Lean/efficiency-driven thinking is a plus)
  • Ability to lead through change and drive accountability
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and influence at all levels
  • Calm, decisive, and resilient under pressure with strong problem-solving capability
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Data-driven mindset with strong analytical ability
  • High level of ownership, accountability, and personal integrity

Work Environment

  • Combination of office and active industrial facility environment
  • Hands-on leadership presence on the floor is essential

Compensation

  • Base salary range: $93,800 – $140,300
  • Performance-based bonus eligibility
  • Final offer will reflect experience, skills, and location

Why This Role Stands Out

  • High visibility leadership role with full operational ownership
  • Opportunity to drive meaningful environmental and business impact
  • Autonomy to shape processes, culture, and performance

 

Ready to discuss? Connect today to learn more!

Qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to apply today in confidence by sending your resume as a MS 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.