About the Role
As the VP of Operations at Friendlier, you will act as a key strategic partner to the Co-Founders in shaping the overall direction of the operations side of the business. This role is dedicated to driving the business forward and building a robust future for Friendlier. While the business is in growth mode, the focus of this role is both on the innovation and expansion of operations into new areas, and also the maximization and effectiveness of our existing operations. This role oversees more than half of Friendlier people, and leads leaders and individual contributors across multiple locations.
Requirements
Location:Â Guelph, ON - Hybrid
Salary: $130,000 - $145,000 per year
Key Responsibilities:Â
People Leadership and Coaching
Directly manage, coach and empower the leaders responsible for onsite Operations, Logistics and Continuous Improvement
Partner with leaders on the Operations team to create an engaged environment with career potential and a positive startup cultureÂ
Collaborate with Managers to plan, budget and deliver on healthy labour plans to support the growth of the businessÂ
Manage Site OperationsÂ
Perform regular reviews of cost, quality, safety and productivity metrics, setting plans and executing these effectively to drive optimal performance of the Operations team through goal setting, observation, coaching and reviews
Measure, monitor and drive achievement of all Operational KPI’s and provide appropriate reporting and analysis
Ensure that schedules, hiring and the capacity of the team are effective and in line with forecast and orders
Report out on all operational KPI’s and drive projects to hit quarterly operational objectivesÂ
Responsible for overseeing health and safety for the various physical locationsÂ
Ensure all operations comply with relevant regulations, internal policies, while managing riskÂ
Financial Focus
Using the sales forecast, forecast the material demand and order inventory of containers to ensure adequate inventory levels are maintainedÂ
Track inventory levels, usage of materials, and operational costs to create a reliable forecast which focuses on cost efficiencyÂ
Strategic GrowthÂ
Support the CEO in strategic decisions to drive down operations and logistics costsÂ
Contribute to the strategic planning and execution of company-wide growth initiatives, including market expansion and operational scaling
Seek out, build and maintain relationships with strategic partnershipsÂ
Partner with the Expansion Manager to build and execute new operations in new marketsÂ
Create and execute a vision and strategy for the Operations business which promotes a culture of continuous improvement, while developing employee capability and potentialÂ
What you Bring:Â
Bachelor’s Degree preferred, ideally Engineering or BusinessÂ
10+ Years’ experience in related industry preferredÂ
Solid P&L and operations experience with demonstrated success in managing costs well and improving bottom-line profitability in low margin environments
Familiarity in managing all of the operational areas in a production and/or sanitation environment
Experience managing managers, as a member of an executive team
Knowledge and experience with health & safety regulations and best practices
Experience with building budgets, financial planning and identifying and tracking KPI’s and drivers in a startupÂ
Experience managing operational/hourly employees as well as multiple locations
Visionary approach to management and proven ability to design and drive initiatives to improve operational efficiencies across the business
Financial acumen
Business acumen
Strong organizational skills, project management skills
Can-do attitude and ability to drive entrepreneurial culture throughout operations teams
Project management experience
Ability to travel internationally on occasion and as needed with expansion opportunities
Why You Should Join Us:
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by driving positive environmental change through innovative solutions.
Competitive compensation package including base salary, performance-based bonuses, and stock options.
Collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity, creativity, and continuous learning.
Flexible work environment with the option for remote work and a focus on work-life balance.
Career growth and advancement opportunities within a fast-growing startup environment.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, or 2SLGBTQI+ identity. Be part of a team that celebrates diversity and promotes an inclusive environment for all. Please let us know if you require an accommodation due to a disability and we will work with you to address your needs.
If you are an experienced and senior leader of Operations with a passion for driving positive change and building high performing teams, we invite you to join us in creating a cleaner, greener future. Apply now and be part of the Friendlier revolution!
About the Company
Friendlier is the leading clean-tech in Canada dedicated to simplifying the switch from single-use to reusable packaging. With our innovative turnkey reusable packaging solution, we aim to revolutionize the way businesses approach packaging, by making sustainability easy and accessible. Our mission is to drive positive environmental impact while offering convenience and cost savings to our clients.