Manufacturing Director

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & OversightLead and mentor a cross-functional workforce across engineering, finishing, framing, logistics, and MEP.Develop future leaders and instill a performance-driven, safety-first culture.Align production with business objectives in collaboration with procurement, project management, and engineering.Prototype-to-Production TransitionDirect the shift from prototype builds to repeatable, standardized production.Establish stable processes, tooling, and workflows to support volume manufacturing.Ramp production to deliver two SmartCores per shift within target timelines.Safety & ComplianceEnsure adherence to WorkSafeBC regulations and CSA certification standards.Lead site-wide safety initiatives, audits, and training to reinforce a zero-incident culture.Drive a proactive approach to compliance and risk management.Quality Control & AssuranceImplement robust QA systems across all stages of production.Monitor, audit, and continuously improve quality performance.Ensure products meet or exceed CSA standards and design specifications.Operational ExcellenceDevelop and enforce SOPs across all production lines.Manage assembly line training programs and workforce readiness.Manage production scheduling, resource planning, and cost control.Monitor and control operating costs to meet budget targets.Implement and adopt ERP systems for real-time production monitoring, inventory control, and reporting.Continuous Improvement & StrategyApply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods to optimize throughput.Drive efficiency gains and cost reductions while safeguarding quality and safety.Contribute to long-term factory planning, automation strategies, and capacity expansion.Reporting & CommunicationReport production performance, safety metrics, and operating costs to the COO.Provide data-driven insights for leadership decision-making.Manage operation expense budget and forecasting.Supply Chain Strategy & OptimizationOptimize domestic and overseas sourcing.Set finished-goods inventory strategy and line-side material flow.Balance cost, quality, delivery speed, and sustainability.Procurement and Supply Systems & Process LeadershipSelect and implement ERP/MRP with partners.Execute the implementation plan and business-process blueprint.Integrate QMS with ERP/MRP rollout.Lead S&OP to align demand, supply, and production.Design & Engineering IntegrationEnsure BOM accuracy and subassembly structure across design/manufacturing.Support SmartCore' costing aligned to design and production needs.Partner with the Design Manager to align design choices with material availability and cost.Supplier & Logistics OversightDirect supplier relationship management across Canadian, Indigenous, and overseas vendors.Guide international supplier engagement (e.g., Yekalon) and freight forwarding.Ensure customs/import-export compliance.Lead negotiations to secure competitive, sustainable procurement.Team Leadership & Coaching and CultureSet clear goals, roles, and operating rhythms; align work to company priorities .Run weekly 1:1s and team stand-ups; remove blockers and allocate resources to hit plan.Build a bench: define org design, succession plans, and backfill strategies.Coaching and developmentCreate individualized development plans, coach for performance and growth.Provide timely feedback (real-time and quarterly); recognize wins and correct course early.Ensure role readiness through structured onboarding, cross-training, and certifications.Culture and engagementModel values: safety first, integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.Foster psychological safety and a no-blame problem-solving mindset.Drive DEI practices in hiring, assignments, and advancement.Performance and accountabilitySet measurable KPIs; track SQCDP (safety, quality, cost, delivery, people).Hold regular performance reviews, address underperformance with clear plans.Celebrate results; document and escalate issues promptly.Communication and alignmentTranslate strategy into actionable team plans; communicate the "why" and the "how."Coordinate cross-functionally (procurement, design, projects, HSE, HR, IT).Keep leadership informed with concise dashboards and risk/mitigation updates.Hiring and workforce planningPartner with HR on requisitions, interviews, and selection; hire for values and capability.Plan capacity to demand; manage overtime, shifts, and vacation without impacting delivery.Maintain a diverse pipeline through inclusive outreach and fair process.Health, safety, and wellbeingEnforce WorkSafeBC and company HSE policies; lead toolbox talks and audits.Act on incident learnings; drive proactive hazard identification and near-miss reporting.Support workload balance, time off, and access to wellbeing resourcesWays of workingStandardize SOPs; promote lean/CI methods and problem-solving at the source.Ensure disciplined use of ERP/AI tools for planning, reporting, and decision quality.Protect data, confidentiality, and respectful conduct onsite and online.Qualifications & Experience10+ years' manufacturing leadership in hybrid construction, industrial construction, or advanced manufacturing.Proven track record scaling from prototypes to volume production.Deep expertise in lean, operational transformation, and continuous improvement.Experience leading large multi-disciplinary teams.Familiarity with CSA certification and compliance.Strong knowledge of WorkSafeBC requirements and OHS systems.Proficiency with ERP (scheduling, planning, inventory, performance).Financial acumen managing operating budgets and cost efficiencies.Direct leadership of procurement/supply chain (contracts, MRP, SRM, logistics). SCMP/CIPS/APICS (CPIM/CSCP) assets.Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred; Lean/Six Sigma or H&S certifications are assets.