Canada is at an inflection point.

Defence budgets are rising. NORAD modernization is underway. Government and prime contractors are actively seeking Indigenous supply chain partners who can deliver — not as a checkbox, but as a genuine capability. LaFlesche is already there. We're looking for the leader who will help us scale it.

About LaFlesche

LaFlesche is one of Canada's only Indigenous-owned advanced manufacturers serving the defence, aerospace, space, and MedTech sectors. Based in Kahnawà:ke, QC — 20 minutes from Montreal — we operate precision CNC machining, injection molding, mold making, prototyping, and assembly. Our clients include global leaders such as MDA Space, GE Aerospace, Thales, and General Dynamics.

We hold AS9100, ISO 9001, and Controlled Goods certification. CMMC Level 2 is in progress.

We're not a startup finding our footing. We're a platform company building toward something bigger — and we need a COO who sees that.

The Opportunity

This is a foundational leadership role at a company on the verge of its next chapter.

Until now, we LaFlesche has been founder-led by a passionate and small team. What they need — and what this company needs — is an operational anchor: someone who can run the day-to-day with precision, build the financial controls and KPIs that a scaling platform requires, and free the executive team to do what they do best.

You will be the person who makes sure LaFlesche delivers — every shift, every contract, every audit.

What You'll Own

· Day-to-day manufacturing operations across CNC and injection molding

· Financial controls, budgeting, and KPI development

· Certifications, quality management system maintenance, and continuous improvement

· People leadership: shop floor to supervisory team

· Injection molding line activation and utilization strategy

· Operational decision-making structure as the company scales

· Cross-functional coordination between production, business development,



and executive leadership

What We're Looking For

· 8+ years of progressive operations experience, with senior leadership in defence, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing (Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier environment strongly preferred)

· Demonstrated experience running a manufacturing operation with AS9100 or equivalent quality management systems

· Financial acumen: you've owned a P&L; or worked closely with one; you build dashboards, not just read them

· Track record of activating underutilized capacity and building the systems that prevent it from happening again

· Familiarity with Controlled Goods or ITAR-adjacent compliance environments is a robust asset

· A bias toward getting things done — and the discipline to document how

· Genuine alignment with Indigenous economic development and community values

· Bi-lingual English and French preferred

Why LaFlesche

This isn't a maintenance role inside a large bureaucracy. This is a seat at the table of something genuinely rare: an Indigenous-owned defence and aerospace manufacturer with blue-chip clients, real certifications, and a strategy for growth that includes acquisition, fund development, and a positioning play as Canada's Indigenous Aerospace, Space & Defence Corridor in Quebec.

The candidates who thrive here are builders. People who want their fingerprints on something that matters — to their industry, to their country, and to a community.

We machine more than parts. We build the foundation for what comes next.

Compensation & Location

Compensation: $130,000–$160,000 base, commensurate with experience. Additional benefits and details available through the interview process.

Location: Kahnawà:ke, QC. On-site. We are seeking a local or Greater Montreal-area candidate.

Work Type: In office. Full time. Please note this is not a remote or hybrid position.

Deadline

This position is open until filled — we are moving quickly and reviewing applications as they arrive.

LaFlesche welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

📌 Chief Operating Officer (Kahnawake)
🏢 LaFlesche
📍 Kahnawake