Our client is large growing safety consulting organization who truly impact and saves lives.
They are looking to add to their growing team with the addition of Director of Operations.
Location: Kitchener-Waterloo / Hybrid
Reports To: COO / Executive Leadership
We are looking for a hands-on, builder-minded Director of Operations – Workforce to lead and scale our field workforce operations across safety personnel, consulting, and client-facing service delivery.
his is not a “big-company, ivory tower” role. This is a roll-up-your-sleeves, jump-into-the-organization, build-while-you-run leadership position. You will be deeply embedded in the business — balancing strategic planning with real-time operational execution.
In this role, you will work side-by-side with divisional leaders across Training, Consulting, Rescue, and Safety Solutions to ensure our workforce is deployed safely, compliantly, and effectively in support of client needs. You will also operate in close partnership with other Directors of Operations to ensure alignment, consistency, and shared operational standards across the organization, while maintaining clear ownership of workforce operations.
This role is being built from the ground up. We don’t have everything figured out — and we’re not pretending we do. We are looking for someone energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited by the idea of building structure, systems, and capability as the organization grows.
If you want to leave things better than you found them — and you’re willing to get into the weeds to do it — this role will be deeply rewarding.
Operational Leadership & Execution
- Own and lead operational execution for workforce operations, translating strategy into clear priorities, practical systems, and consistent follow-through.
- Act as a true partner to executive leadership and divisional leaders — turning ideas into action and ensuring momentum does not stall.
- Balance short-term execution with long-term scalability, knowing when to move fast and when to slow down and build it right.
- Be comfortable moving between strategic planning, operational problem-solving, and real-time decision-making as the business evolves.
People Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and support field leaders, safety professionals, and operational support teams with a focus on accountability, clarity, and growth.
- Set clear expectations and performance rhythms while fostering a culture where people feel supported, challenged, and trusted.
- Build internal capability by developing emerging talent and strengthening leadership bench strength.
- Model company values daily — integrity, curiosity, ownership, and a commitment to getting better every day.
Process, Systems & Infrastructure
- Design, improve, and standardize workforce operational processes, including recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, deployment, training coordination, and offboarding.
- Own the practical use and adoption of operational systems (TMS, CMS, Zoho, HubSpot, and related tools).Create and maintain SOPs that are actually used — clear, simple, and grounded in how work really gets done.
- Identify inefficiencies, friction points, and gaps, then work hands-on with teams to fix them.
Facilities, Vendors & Risk Oversight
- Provide operational oversight of field operations and client sites to ensure they are safe, compliant, and operationally sound.
- Manage vendor and partner relationships with a practical, value-driven mindset — balancing cost, quality, and reliability.
- Proactively identify operational and safety risks and implement controls to protect people, clients, and business continuity.
Performance Management & Continuous Improvement
- Partner with divisional leaders to define and track meaningful KPIs, including utilization, productivity, safety performance, service delivery, and workforce health.
- Create clarity and accountability around commitments, timelines, and outcomes — without unnecessary bureaucracy.
- Lead cross-functional operational initiatives from idea through execution, measuring what matters and adjusting as needed.
- Champion continuous improvement — prioritizing steady, intentional progress over perfection.
Who You Are
- You are an operator and a builder who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution.
- You are comfortable with ambiguity and change, and you do not wait for perfect information to take ownership.
- You believe no task is beneath you and are just as willing to solve a frontline issue as you are to lead a leadership discussion.
- You are practical, curious, and grounded — focused on what will actually move the business forward.
- You want to make a real impact in a growing organization where your fingerprints will be everywhere.
Qualifications & Experience
- 8–10+ years of progressive experience in operations, workforce management, or field-based service delivery within industrial, construction, safety, or professional services environments.
- Proven experience leading operational and field teams with accountability for real outcomes.
- Strong understanding of occupational health and safety legislation, standards, and leading practices (Ontario regulations preferred).Demonstrated ability to design, improve, and implement operational processes in evolving environments.
- Hands-on experience with operational systems and technology adoption
- .Excellent communication, judgment, and stakeholder management skills.
- NCSO, CRSP, CHSC, or similar safety designations considered a strong asset.
- Ability and willingness to travel to client sites as required.
$90,000 - $100,000 a year
AIP Connect believes in equal opportunity. Our recruitment consultants are committed to inclusive recruitment and selection practices and will not discriminate based on age, colour, ability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
Accessibility: If you need any accommodations during the interview process, please let us know.
Posted Salary: Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on job-related skills, relevant experience, education, and training. This range reflects base salary only and does not include eligibility for bonus program or other benefits.
For the most accurate and up-to-date details on this role, please refer directly to AIP Connect’s careers page, as third-party sites may not reflect current information.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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