Director of Operations
Role Overview
The Operations Director will lead the full operational ecosystem of a fast-paced, high-volume publishing business with complex SKU management and diverse production requirements. This role is responsible for ensuring seamless alignment across all operational units—including production, inventory, logistics, HR operations, and workflow systems—while managing the Operations Manager and their teams.
A strategic, solutions-driven leader, the Operations Director will break down silos, strengthen interdepartmental collaboration, and build unified processes that support rapid growth, high throughput, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate thrives in multi-project environments, brings transferable experience from scaling operations or manufacturing-style industries, and is motivated by efficiency, structure, and team performance.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Strategy & Organizational Leadership
Develop and execute a cohesive operational strategy that supports company growth, margin expansion, and scalable production and distribution processes.
Lead, mentor, and manage the Operations Manager and all related operational staff, ensuring clarity of responsibilities, strong performance, and a collaborative team culture.
Design organizational structures and capacity plans that support a high-SKU, high-volume publishing environment.
Cross-Unit Synchronization & Collaboration
Drive alignment between sales, editorial, creative, production, inventory, logistics, and finance teams to ensure the business operates as a unified system.
Break down departmental silos by implementing shared workflows, communication frameworks, and cross-functional accountability.
Partner with other directors to align priorities and ensure consistent execution across all business units.
Performance Management
Establish, implement, and track KPIs for all operational functions, ensuring measurable improvements in output, timelines, quality, and cost-efficiency.
Conduct structured reviews of operational performance and proactively address underperformance through coaching or process improvements.
Process & Workflow Optimization
Audit current workflows, SKU management systems, and operational touchpoints to identify inefficiencies, duplications, and bottlenecks.
Implement scalable, data-driven solutions that improve throughput, reduce operational friction, and support rapid product cycles.
Oversee project management practices, ensuring visibility, discipline, and predictable delivery across multiple simultaneous projects.
Financial & Resource Efficiency
Collaborate with the finance team to forecast operational needs, align budgets with business priorities, and optimize cost structures.
Monitor spending, resource allocation, and margins to ensure sustainable and profitable operations.
Evaluate vendor, supplier, and logistics efficiencies and contribute to strategic sourcing.
Human Resources & Organizational Development
Oversee HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, and workforce planning.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance throughout the operations department.
Support change management initiatives and training related to new systems, processes, or organizational shifts.
Technology, Systems & Automation
Lead the integration and effective use of operational systems (ERP, workflow/project management, analytics tools, inventory management platforms).
Champion automation and digital workflows to increase transparency, reduce manual tasks, and improve decision-making.
Risk, Compliance & Operational Resilience
Ensure compliance with legal, safety, labour, and regulatory requirements related to publishing and production.
Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure continuity and resilience.
Oversee quality assurance in production, logistics, and fulfillment.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field (MBA or equivalent leadership experience preferred).
5–7+ years of progressive operational leadership, ideally in publishing, manufacturing, CPG, or other high-SKU/high-volume industries.
Demonstrated success in scaling operations, improving cross-department efficiencies, and managing multi-team structures.
Strong financial literacy with experience in budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and margin improvement.
Proven ability to lead teams, manage managers, and drive performance in dynamic environments.
Highly organized, able to manage multiple concurrent projects with disciplined follow-through.
Experience implementing process improvements, technologies, and workflow automation.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and change-management skills.
Bilingual (English/French) an asset.
