Director of Manufacturing – Precision Manufacturing & Operations

East End, Toronto | On-Site | Full-Time

$130,000–$150,000 CAD + Benefits

The Opportunity

We're hiring on behalf of one of our established manufacturing partners in Toronto for an experienced Director of Manufacturing to lead operational performance, production execution and continuous improvement across a complex precision manufacturing environment.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this is a senior leadership position with responsibility for manufacturing strategy, production performance, operational efficiency, workforce development and cost management.

The organization operates in a technically demanding manufacturing environment where production capacity, quality, delivery performance and financial discipline must work together.

We're seeking an accomplished manufacturing leader who combines strong operational expertise with the ability to build high-performing teams, establish accountability and drive measurable improvements across production operations.

This opportunity is suited to someone who understands manufacturing at every level — from the realities of the production floor to the strategic decisions that influence capacity, profitability and long-term operational performance.

The Mandate

As Director of Manufacturing, you'll lead the execution and continuous improvement of manufacturing operations, ensuring production performance aligns with customer commitments, quality requirements and business objectives.

Manufacturing Operations & Strategy

• Lead manufacturing operations across production departments, establishing clear performance expectations and operational priorities.

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that support business objectives, customer requirements and production growth.

• Oversee production planning, scheduling, capacity utilization, workflow and resource allocation.

• Establish and monitor production targets related to output, efficiency, cost, quality and delivery.

• Improve coordination across production teams and manufacturing functions to strengthen operational execution.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive measurable improvements in productivity, manufacturing efficiency, equipment utilization and production costs.

• Implement Lean manufacturing principles, process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Identify operational bottlenecks, recurring production challenges and opportunities to reduce waste and downtime.

• Establish meaningful manufacturing KPIs and hold teams accountable for performance.

• Translate operational data into practical improvement plans and measurable results.

Manufacturing Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach and develop manufacturing managers, supervisors and production teams.

• Establish clear organizational structures, reporting relationships and accountability across manufacturing operations.

• Strengthen frontline leadership capability, performance management and operational discipline.

• Support workforce planning, recruitment, employee development and succession planning.

• Build a culture focused on safety, quality, ownership and continuous improvement.

Quality, Engineering & Production Integration

• Partner with Quality to maintain manufacturing standards, reduce defects and address recurring production issues.

• Ensure production processes align with applicable quality management systems, customer specifications and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with Engineering to improve manufacturability, production routings, process consistency and new product introduction.

• Work with Supply Chain, Procurement and Maintenance to improve material availability, equipment reliability and production readiness.

• Support adherence to ISO standards and AS9100 requirements where applicable.

Financial Performance & Resource Management

• Develop and manage manufacturing budgets, operating costs and resource requirements.

• Optimize labour utilization, overtime, material consumption and equipment capacity.

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing margins through stronger cost control and operational efficiency.

• Support estimating, quoting and costing through accurate manufacturing inputs.

• Evaluate capital equipment and infrastructure requirements, recommending investments that improve productivity, capacity and profitability.

Safety & Operational Compliance

• Promote safe manufacturing practices and accountability across production operations.

• Partner with the Safety team to identify hazards, implement corrective actions and maintain compliance.

• Ensure manufacturing procedures, work instructions and operational controls are consistently followed.

The Experience You Bring

Essential Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressive manufacturing experience, including at least 5 years in senior manufacturing or operations leadership.

• Demonstrated experience leading multiple manufacturing departments, production teams or operational functions.

• Strong background in complex industrial manufacturing, precision manufacturing or contract manufacturing environments.

• Proven ability to improve manufacturing performance across productivity, quality, delivery, capacity utilization and cost.

• Experience managing manufacturing budgets, operating expenses and resource allocation.

• Strong understanding of production planning, capacity management, manufacturing processes and operational performance metrics.

• Practical experience implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Experience using ERP systems and manufacturing KPIs to support operational decisions.

• Strong people leadership, organizational development and performance management capabilities.

• Degree or diploma in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Experience That Will Set You Apart

• Leadership experience within CNC machining, precision metal fabrication, electromechanical assembly or diversified contract manufacturing.

• Exposure to high-mix manufacturing operations with complex production routings and customer requirements.

• Experience improving manufacturing processes across multiple departments or facilities.

• Familiarity with ISO quality management systems and AS9100 requirements.

• A track record of improving manufacturing profitability through operational improvements, capacity optimization and cost control.

• Experience evaluating capital investments, equipment utilization and manufacturing scalability.

What Success Looks Like

The strongest candidate will bring the credibility to lead from the production floor and the commercial judgment to influence decisions at the executive level.

You'll understand how manufacturing performance directly affects customer relationships, delivery commitments, working capital and profitability.

You'll be comfortable challenging established processes, developing capable leaders and creating the structure required for consistent execution.

Success in this position means building a manufacturing operation that is more productive, predictable, accountable and financially disciplined.

Compensation & Benefits

Benefits include:

• Extended health care

• Dental and vision coverage

• Life insurance

• Employee assistance program

• On-site gym

Work Schedule

• Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Friday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Interested in Exploring the Opportunity?

If you've built your career leading complex manufacturing operations and bring the experience, operational discipline and leadership capability to drive meaningful improvements in performance, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.

We're particularly interested in professionals who have demonstrated success leading manufacturing teams, improving operational efficiency and taking ownership of production and financial results.

This opportunity is being managed confidentially by Remote People on behalf of one of our established manufacturing partners.

All applications will be reviewed discreetly. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the selection process.