Reports To: Director of Operations
Job Summary
The Project Leader – Operations is responsible for driving high-impact, cross-functional initiatives across manufacturing, logistics, and distribution networks. This role leads projects end-to-end—from concept through execution—ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic objectives.
With a strong emphasis on timeline integrity, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence, the Project Leader leverages advanced analytics, visualization tools, and structured project methodologies to identify risks, optimize performance, and deliver measurable business outcomes.
Reporting directly to the Director of Operations Manager, this role acts as a key connector between operations, engineering, supply chain, and executive leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Project Execution & Delivery
- Lead strategic initiatives such as:
- Plant consolidations and capacity expansions
- New customer/product launches
- Distribution center design, construction, or retrofit
- Automation and technology implementations
- Define project scope, objectives, risks, and deliverables through formal project charters
- Manage full project lifecycle: planning, execution, monitoring, and post-mortem analysis
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to defined specifications
Schedule & Performance Management
- Build and manage detailed project schedules, including Gantt charts and critical path analysis
- Monitor milestones and proactively identify risks or delays
- Drive accountability across cross-functional teams without direct authority
- Develop and execute recovery plans when timelines are at risk
- Manage project dependencies and resource allocation
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Identify and implement process improvements across:
- Manufacturing operations
- Warehousing and distribution
- Transportation and logistics
- Conduct process mapping and eliminate non-value-added activities
- Analyze flow of goods and optimize layouts, capacity, and efficiency
- Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for continuous improvement initiatives
Data Analytics & Visualization
- Develop automated dashboards and reports using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Excel
- Translate complex operational data into clear, actionable insights for leadership
- Track KPIs and measure project performance against business cases
- Leverage AI tools and modern software to streamline reporting and workflow tracking
Financial & Business Case Development
- Build business cases including cost-benefit analysis, ROI, and risk assessment
- Support CAPEX planning, budgeting, and financial tracking
- Ensure financial discipline and alignment with approved funding
Stakeholder Management & Communication
- Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Sales, and external partners
- Lead cross-functional project teams and facilitate alignment
- Communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to senior leadership
- Establish structured communication plans and reporting mechanisms
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in: Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics / Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related analytical field
- 5+ years of experience leading operations or supply chain projects
- Proven success delivering complex, cross-functional initiatives
- Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or logistics environments
- Exposure to network optimization, automation, or facility design is an asset
Skills & Competencies
Technical & Analytical
- Strong understanding of:
- Project management methodologies and tools
- Critical path and schedule modeling
- Supply chain and operational processes
- Advanced data analysis and visualization (Power BI, Tableau, Excel)
- Experience with ERP, WMS, and AutoCAD (asset)
- Ability to build KPIs and performance tracking systems
Leadership & Behavioral
- Strong sense of urgency and accountability
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Ability to influence and drive results without direct authority
- Clear and effective communicator across all organizational levels
- Highly organized with strong time and priority management
- Adaptable in fast-paced, evolving environments
Work Environment
- Fast-paced manufacturing and operational setting
- Frequent interaction with plant teams, technical staff, and leadership
- Occasional travel depending on project requirements
Why Join Us
- High-impact, visible role with strategic importance
- Opportunity to lead transformative operational initiatives
- Collaborative, growth-focused environment
- Competitive compensation and career advancement opportunities
