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VP of Operations

Guelph, ON, Canada

Job Type

Full-Time, Hybrid

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: Guelph, ON - Hybrid

Salary: $130,000 - $145,000 per year


Key Responsibilities: 


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 culture 

  • Collaborate with Managers to plan, budget and deliver on healthy labour plans to support the growth of the business 

Manage Site Operations 

  • 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 objectives 

  • Responsible for overseeing health and safety for the various physical locations 

  • Ensure all operations comply with relevant regulations, internal policies, while managing risk 

Financial Focus

  • Using the sales forecast, forecast the material demand and order inventory of containers to ensure adequate inventory levels are maintained 

  • Track inventory levels, usage of materials, and operational costs to create a reliable forecast which focuses on cost efficiency 

Strategic Growth 

  • Support the CEO in strategic decisions to drive down operations and logistics costs 

  • 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 partnerships 

  • Partner with the Expansion Manager to build and execute new operations in new markets 

  • Create and execute a vision and strategy for the Operations business which promotes a culture of continuous improvement, while developing employee capability and potential 


What you Bring: 


  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred, ideally Engineering or Business 

  • 10+ Years’ experience in related industry preferred 

  • 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 startup 

  • 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!

careers@friendlier.com 

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.

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