Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, polyiso or similar foam insulation production (e.g., XPS, EPS, PUR) would be beneficial.
• Proven track record in plant management or operations leadership, including budgeting, staffing, and process optimization.
• Strong knowledge of polyiso manufacturing processes, including chemical reactions, blowing agents (e.g., pentane, HFOs), and continuous lamination systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage conflict, and drive performance in a fast-paced production setting.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Proficiency in production management software (e.g., ERP systems, MES) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to manage cross-functional teams and interact with senior management.
• In-depth understanding of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Environmental Protection Act, and fire safety regulations related to chemical handling and foam production.
• Ability and willingness to travel outside of Canada, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of polyiso manufacturing operations including raw material handling (e.g., polyols, isocyanates, blowing agents), foam production, lamination, cutting, and packaging.
• Direct production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet demands while minimizing costs and maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor and optimize key process parameters (e.g., reaction rates, foam density, curing times) to ensure consistent polyiso product performance and compliance with industry standards (e.g., ASTM, UL).
• Lead a team of supervisors, operators, and maintenance staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Develop and manage the plant’s operating budget, including labor, materials, and capital expenditures, while identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure equipment reliability through preventive maintenance programs, troubleshooting, and coordination with maintenance teams for repairs and upgrades.
• Implement and sustain continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve yield in polyiso production.
• Maintain compliance with Canadian occupational health and safety regulations (e.g., OHSA), Environmental Protection Act standards, and other provincial requirements, including safe handling of chemicals (e.g., pentane, HFOs) and waste management.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to address product defects, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for plant-level decision-making in Brampton, including vendor negotiations, workforce management, and emergency response planning.
• Coordinate with R&D and engineering teams to support new product development, process trials, and equipment modifications.
• Prepare and present performance reports (e.g., production metrics, downtime analysis, safety incidents) to senior leadership.
• Travel outside of Canada as required to attend meetings, visit other facilities, or collaborate with global teams on operational or strategic initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience managing polyiso production lines, including familiarity with pentane-based blowing agents and fire-retardant additives.
• Project management experience related to plant expansions, equipment upgrades, or safety system enhancements.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency and sustainability practices in insulation manufacturing, aligned with Canadian environmental goals.