Operations Manager - Baked Goods

Operations Manager – Baked Goods

Greater Vancouver, BC

Our client is an industry-leading Canadian Food Manufacturer who is partnering with Nick Kanaan of the Lock Search Group to find an Operations Manager to lead their Lower Mainland Team.

The Operations Manager is responsible for driving safe, efficient, and accurate operations across equipment readiness, receiving, storage, internal shipping, and distribution. This role leverages strong supply chain expertise to coordinate seamlessly with Production, Logistics, Procurement, and QA/QC teams. Additionally, the Operations Manager oversees Vancouver operations, ensuring disciplined route execution, high field performance, product freshness, and strong alignment between warehouse processes and in-store service standards. Unlike traditional operations manager roles, the ideal candidate has strong sales and client management experience as they will also be in field supporting clients and territory expansion.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Vancouver-based operations, ensuring smooth execution, route efficiency, and product freshness.
• Monitor and analyze operational data and KPIs to drive process improvements, route optimization, and cost efficiency.
• Support new product launches, merchandising, and in-store execution to maintain strong retailer relationships and operational excellence.
• Manage issue resolution, contract compliance, and adherence to SOPs across all operational activities
• Oversee warehouse operations, including receiving, shipping, storage, inventory control, and internal logistics.
• Manage a team of 10-15 employees
• Conduct field visits, ride-alongs, and retail audits to evaluate service levels, merchandising execution, and customer satisfaction.
• Recruit, onboard, coach, and develop Delivery, Warehouse, and Merchandising teams, fostering accountability and high performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Logistics, Procurement, QA/QC, and Sales to align operations with company objectives.
• Represent the company at industry, community, or networking events and support market development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with delivery schedules, service standards, QA protocols, food safety, and OH&S regulations.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of leadership experience within operations and sales roles
• Direct Store Delivery (DSD) management experience is required
• An entrepreneurial and leadership mindset that requires minimal supervision
• Proven experience managing Delivery and warehouse operations in a fast-paced, perishable goods environment.
• Sales management experience is an asset
• Strong supply chain and logistics knowledge, including route planning, distribution, and inventory management.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, including coaching, performance development, and staff engagement.
• Solid understanding of QA, food safety, and compliance protocols, including code dating and traceability (CFIA & HACCP).
• Strong analytical skills with experience tracking, interpreting, and acting on operational KPIs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive operational alignment and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities in dynamic operational environments.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multi-tasking capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Proficiency with IT and inventory systems, Microsoft Office, and other operational tools.

Perks:

• $90K-$110K + bonus
• Entrepreneurial role with full ownership of the Vancouver facility and team
• Ability to influence strategy and leave a personal imprint on the organization’s growth
• Work in a people first environment where your voice is heard and you are empowered
• Complimentary baked products to take home
• Comprehensive Wellness and Leadership Development Program

If you’re a Operations Manager that comes form a Food Based Manufacturing & Distribution environment in the Greater Vancouver region apply today in confidence by directly emailing your resume to Nick Kanaan (Recruitment Consultant),

Thank you in advance for your interest, only individuals deemed to have the skill set and experience to fit the role will be contacted. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship.

Lock Search Group is a National Executive Recruitment firm with a dozen offices in Canada, a staff of more than 50 Consultants and Associates, and expertise in 11 major disciplines. Our mission is to provide exceptional Recruitment and Consulting Services to clients and candidates. We apply our experience and expertise to deliver solutions with a personalized approach that focuses on clients’ needs and candidates’ goals.