Senior Director, Canadian Operations

Biscuits Leclerc is a family-owned company with 120 years of experience, tradition, and expertise passed down by people of heart. With 1,900 employees spread across nine plants in Canada and the United States, we constantly innovate to exceed the expectations of small and large appetites.

Working at Leclerc is…

• Evolving in a clean, temperature-controlled, and cutting-edge technology environment
• Starting a new job with paid and tailored training
• Benefiting from a comprehensive social benefits program (drug and dental insurance, 1 week of sick leave [conditions apply], telemedicine, collective REER with employer participation, and more)
• Enjoying quality meals at affordable prices in the cafeteria (coffee, tea, biscuits, and snack bars at will)
• Freely using sports facilities (basketball court, training and cardio room)
• Saving on our delicious products and discovering exclusive new items
• Taking advantage of job security and advancement opportunities within the company
• Joining a rich company culture (Christmas, birthday, and maternity gifts, use of the Poka platform, and more)

Reporting to the vice president of manufacturing operations, the senior director of Canadian operations is responsible for the development and competitiveness of Canadian manufacturing operations in terms of costs, production standards, safety, quality, and work environment. They actively participate in the company's strategic planning and act as a change agent, combining strategic vision with on-the-ground presence. They are responsible for implementing and maintaining, with the highest levels of rigor, world-class processes, methods, and management modes, collaborating closely with other departments to ensure optimal integration of their services into manufacturing operations.

Strategic Aspect

• Participate in the development of the organization's global strategies, incorporating operational reality;
• Drive a proactive problem-solving culture by deploying Lean tools and methodologies to identify root causes, eliminate waste, and implement sustainable solutions across all plants;
• Identify, develop, and lead the implementation of improvement processes to enhance manufacturing operations' efficiency;
• Stay abreast of best practices in the market and measure operational performance against available indicators;
• Develop, plan, execute, and control the necessary actions to achieve goals under their responsibility;

Operational Aspect

• Structure operations in their sector to ensure the efficiency and performance of invested resources;
• Ensure the implementation and follow-up of the health and safety plan and compliance with applicable rules and regulations in Quebec and Ontario;
• Promote the adoption of Lean principles (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping) and ensure the transfer of continuous improvement knowledge throughout the organization;
• Plan, direct, and support operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of plant managers;
• Lead, advise, and support teams assigned to major investment and improvement projects;
• Collaborate on the development, implementation, follow-up, and compliance with standardized operation, cleanliness, and key performance indicator (KPI) procedures;
• Optimize equipment efficiency, productivity, and yield to achieve set goals;
• Ensure the follow-up of their team's work to guarantee the strict adherence to expected operation, safety, and quality standards;
• Participate in quality and cleanliness audits.

Human Resources, Materials, and Financial Management Aspect

• Act as a leader by implementing a continuous improvement culture and positively managing change;
• Mentor the management team, particularly by integrating Lean problem-solving techniques into daily management routines and fostering an innovation and experimentation culture;
• Develop a succession plan to guide and support employee development and ensure active leadership within their department;
• Make decisions regarding hiring, compensation, promotions, discipline, and employment termination of operational staff, in accordance with established policies and applicable Canadian legislation;
• Develop and recommend operational budgets to optimize production capacity in the short and long term, while minimizing exposure to economic and environmental risks.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• University degree in engineering (industrial, mechanical, or electrical), in production operations management, or any other relevant combination of education and experience;
• Minimum of five (5) years in a senior director role in a manufacturing context;
• Demonstrated experience in multisite management, ideally across several Canadian provinces;
• Significant experience in the manufacturing industry, preferably in the food sector or in a high-volume, high-paced sector;
• Recognized certification (e.g., Black Belt or equivalent) or equivalent experience in Lean principles, continuous improvement, implementation, and management;
• Motivational leadership: ability to engage teams, demonstrate courage in decisions, and inspire confidence;
• Superior analytical and synthesis skills;
• Excellent organizational, planning, and priority management skills;
• Strong interpersonal, communication, persuasion, and negotiation skills;
• Solid problem-solving and quick, informed decision-making skills;
• Results-oriented; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and supervise work teams;
• Bilingualism (French and English) required, given the pan-Canadian operational context;
• Availability for travel to Canadian plants (Ontario - Quebec), representing approximately 20 to 30% of working time.
• Why join Leclerc?
• At Leclerc, we live according to five fundamental values:
• Authenticity, Respect, Innovation, Commitment, and Joy

These values guide each of our actions and create a unique work environment where you can thrive.

• We believe in the development of our talents – because growth starts with authenticity and commitment.
• We offer career advancement opportunities – in a respectful and supportive atmosphere.
• We provide a dynamic and stimulating environment – where innovation is encouraged and celebrated.
• We use innovative digital tools – to facilitate your work and maximize your impact.
• We are an innovative and growing company – committed to continuous improvement and bold ideas.
• We cultivate a collaborative and respectful culture – because teamwork and workplace joy matter.
• We offer an excellent salary and competitive social benefits.

Ready to take on the challenge?

Apply now and contribute to Leclerc's growth!