Director of Operations

POSITION TITLE : Director of Operations REPORTS TO : Director and General Manager LOCATION : Brampton, ON WHO WE ARE Horstman Canada Inc, a Company of the RENK group is an agile and growing business comprising business units in the UK, US, and Canada. Providing world-leading design and manufacturing capabilities, our customers benefit from our time-tested pedigree in innovation, product development manufacture, and defense project management in heavy armored and tracked vehicle suspension systems. POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of our manufacturing operations.

This senior leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence in support of our government defense and commercial contracts, ensuring compliance, scalability, and performance in a dynamic and highly regulated environment. As a core member of the executive team, the Director of Operations will oversee cross-functional teams, lead initiatives optimizing business processes, and manage the successful transition of products from prototype and low-rate initial production (LRIP) to full-rate production. This role drives the development and oversight of operational budgets, ensuring fiscal discipline and alignment with organizational goals.

The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, a technical foundation in mechanical product manufacturing, and a deep understanding of defense contracting and compliance requirements. REPORTING RELATIONSHIP The post holder reports directly to the Director and General Manager of Horstman Canada. The Director of Operations works in a closely knit team with Horstman staff across Horstman and wider Horstman Group and RENK companies. RESPONSIBLE FOR Strategic Execution: Transform organizational goals into operational plans, working closely with executive leadership to align business activities with long-term strategy. Organizational Efficiency: Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements that reduce costs and increase productivity. Cross-functional Partnership:

Guide and support departmental leaders in areas like finance, HR, logistics, and IT to ensure cohesive operation and optimal performance. Performance Monitoring: Develop KPIs and data-driven systems to track performance metrics across various units, enabling proactive problem-solving. Risk Management & Compliance: Ensure that operational procedures meet regulatory standards, internal policies, and industry best practices. Talent Development & Team Building: Collaborate with HR to recruit top talent and foster an environment that encourages professional growth and high engagement. Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with suppliers, partners, and key stakeholders to streamline external collaboration and service delivery. Innovation & Change Management:

Champion technology upgrades, new systems, and cultural shifts that modernize the organization and support scalability. Financial & Budget Oversight: Develop, manage, and report on the operations budget. Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage ERP and manufacturing data to assess operational performance, identify trends, and drive improvements. Safety Champion: Through the Safety Coordinator, maintain and uphold policies and procedures that ensure a safe working environment throughout the organization KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Directs/manages the General Foremen, Production Control and Material Control personnel, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, and Continuous Improvement Coordinator.

Oversee daily operations across departments to ensure efficiency and effectiveness Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals Lead cross-functional teams and foster a culture of accountability and performance Monitor KPIs and operational metrics to inform decision-making Identify and execute process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning and resource allocation Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies Manage budgets, forecasts, and operational expenditures Support talent development and succession planning within operational teams Safety Champion KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY REQUIRED Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related technical field.

Master’s degree (MBA, MEng, or similar) preferred. 7+ years of progressive experience in operations leadership Proven track record of driving operational excellence and managing complex projects, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, improving operational KPIs, and optimizing production processes. Demonstrated success transitioning products from LRIP/prototype to full production.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills Exceptional personnel, communication and leadership abilities Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus TECHNICAL & SOFT SKILLS Visionary leadership with a knack for streamlining processes Ability to foster collaboration across departments Analytical mindset to identify bottlenecks and drive solutions Commitment to company culture and long-term success Ability to navigate within a large, foreign, policy-driven organization