Director of Operations

Northgate Industries Ltd. | Acheson, Alberta For over 50 years, Northgate Industries Ltd. has designed and manufactured customized modular structures for commercial, industrial, oil and gas, and permanent multi-family construction. From initial design and planning through manufacturing, delivery and installation, we provide complete modular building solutions.

As an Alberta-owned company, we have built our reputation on quality, speed, accountability and getting the job done. Modular construction is a fast-moving manufacturing environment, and we are looking for an experienced operational leader who thrives in that pace.

Northgate is seeking a hands-on, energetic and solutions-driven Director of Operations to oversee the execution of our manufacturing projects and the teams responsible for delivering them.

As Director of Operations, you will work closely with the President and oversee key operational functions including Project Management, Purchasing, Estimating, Design and Manufacturing coordination. You will be responsible for ensuring projects move efficiently from contract and design through purchasing, production and completion.

Our manufacturing facility operates much like an assembly line. Drawings, materials, labour, decisions and information must all be ready ahead of production. When something threatens the schedule, we need a leader who identifies the problem early, brings the right people together and drives a solution.

We are looking for someone who is firm, decisive and accountable, while also being an exceptional people leader who knows how to motivate teams and build a positive, high-performance culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Lead and coordinate Project Management, Purchasing, Estimating, Design and Manufacturing execution to ensure projects remain aligned from award through completion.
- Take ownership of project execution, ensuring drawings, materials, labour, approvals and decisions are ready ahead of the production line.
- Drive projects forward with urgency. Identify roadblocks early and move teams toward solutions rather than allowing problems to stall production.




- Maintain strong oversight of project budgets, costs, schedules and margins, ensuring operational decisions are commercially responsible.
- Work closely with Project Managers to ensure projects are properly planned, communicated and executed.
- Hold managers and team members accountable for commitments, deadlines, budgets and deliverables.
- Ensure Purchasing and inventory planning support production requirements while controlling material costs, waste, excess inventory and expedited purchasing.
- Coordinate with Estimating and Design to ensure project information and production drawings are complete, accurate and available when required.
- Continuously evaluate workflow, plant efficiency, labour utilization and production processes to improve throughput.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing and practical process improvement principles.
- Establish clear operational KPIs and regularly report on schedule, budget, productivity, project risks and operational performance.
- Protect project margins through robust cost control, change management and disciplined operational decision-making.
- Participate in production, project and site meetings and intervene quickly when schedules, costs, quality or client commitments are at risk.
- Interpret construction drawings, specifications and project requirements and help coordinate revisions or changes when required.
- Ensure safety, quality and regulatory requirements remain fundamental to project execution.
- Support strategic planning, manufacturing growth and future expansion initiatives with the President

EXPERIENCE/ EDUCATION/ ATTRIBUTES:

The successful candidate will ideally bring:

- 10 years of progressive construction,



manufacturing or operational leadership experience, with significant responsibility for people, projects and financial performance.
- At least 5 years in a senior leadership or senior project management capacity.
- Experience managing multiple complex construction or manufacturing projects simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of project management, scheduling, estimating, purchasing, design coordination and manufacturing workflow.
- Experience in modular construction, off-site construction, manufacturing, general contracting or a similar fast-paced construction environment is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets and understand cost-to-complete, margins, change management and operational financial performance.
- Experience with lean manufacturing, production-line environments or continuous improvement is an asset.
- Ability to read and understand construction drawings, specifications and contracts.
- Degree, diploma or equivalent experience in Construction Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Building Construction or a related discipline.

PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES:

· Leadership.

· Understanding of policy, planning, and strategy.

· Ability to develop, implement and review policies and procedures.

· Ability to oversee budgeting, reporting, planning, and auditing.

· Understanding of necessary legal and regulatory documents.

· Ability to address problems and opportunities for the company.

· Ability to build alliances and partnerships with other organizations

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $150,000.00-$180,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:
- Acheson, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:
- Modular Trailer Construction: 5 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Director of Operations (Acheson)
🏢 Northgate Industries
📍 Acheson