Senior Director, Operations - GTA
Bolton, Ontario, Canada, L7E 3A9
Who We Are
Becoming experts on beer doesn't happen overnight - we've been in business since 1927 and today, The Beer Store is the primary distribution and sales channel for beer in Ontario and is owned by 30+ Ontario-based brewers! Through our Retail Stores, Distribution Centres, Draught Services, Customer Contact Centre, and our Corporate Office, we form one large team that is passionate about the beer business. The Beer Store is proud to foster a respectful and inclusive culture that expands and leverages the diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives of our team members to deliver exceptional service for our customers. We continue to be successful by working together, respecting each other, having a positive attitude and by trying new and innovative ideas. Not only are we knowledgeable, passionate, and loyal ambassadors for beer, we’re also health and safety advocates, environmental champions, DEIB enthusiasts and we give proudly back to our communities.
The Role
We are currently searching for a Senior Director, Operations – GTA. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity, reporting to the Regional VP, TBS Logistics. In this critical leadership role, you will support the Supply Chain & Logistics division in defining and executing the strategic direction for the Bolton Distribution Centre and GTA support centers. You will lead the implementation of operational initiatives that drive service excellence, cost optimization, and overall network efficiency. With accountability for regulatory compliance, facility security, and service level performance, you will provide strong operational leadership in a unionized environment. You will champion our Distribution Process Optimization (DPO) program, leveraging Lean Six Sigma methodologies, automation, and data-driven insights to modernize operations, reduce waste, and deliver sustainable performance improvements. You will also cultivate strong relationships with industry and regulatory partners while overseeing beer distribution and container returns across the Greater Toronto Area.
Location
On-site at the Bolton Distribution Centre with regular visits to assigned cross-dock locations.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the development and execution of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), aligning distribution centre performance with broader strategic, operational, and financial goals
- Monitor and manage operational KPIs, ensuring cost-effective practices while optimizing inventory control, shelf-life management, and shrink reduction through audits and analysis
- Champion continuous improvement by applying Lean Six Sigma and DPO principles to drive process optimization, cost savings, and long-term performance excellence
- Lead the annual budget and forecasting process, including oversight of workforce planning, cost management, and submission approvals
- Provide strong leadership within a unionized environment, ensuring compliance with collective agreements, effective labour relations, and grievance resolution
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team with a focus on accountability, engagement, and excellence
- Foster a culture of collaboration, safety, and customer-centric service across departments while leading change management initiatives
- Represent the GTA Distribution Centres in internal and external engagements, including with customers, industry partners, suppliers, and regulatory bodies
- Maintain high service levels across wholesale and retail operations through collaboration with the Customer Contact Centre and Central Supply Chain team
- Ensure operational compliance with internal standards and external regulations (ODR, WSIB, MOL, WHMIS), maintaining a safe and legally compliant workplace
- Lead proactive health & safety programming, incident prevention, and disability management, including oversight of modified work programs
- Oversee fleet operations and transportation safety, leveraging GPS systems and CVOR monitoring to reduce preventable vehicle accidents
- Contribute to corporate strategy development, policy creation, and cross-functional collaboration that enhances logistics operations and business performance.
- Perform other related duties and projects as assigned
Who You Are - Your Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification or equivalent is required
- Valid drivers license with access to a vehicle required
Experience
- 10+ years of progressive experience in logistics, warehousing, and distribution operations
- 7+ years in a senior leadership/management role
- Proven experience in a unionized environment, including management of collective agreements, grievances, and labour negotiations
- Demonstrated success in leading Lean Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement programs.
- Proven experience with warehouse automation and fleet management
- SAP/EWM system experience is an asset
- Minimum 3 years overseeing cross-functional projects or business initiatives
- Has experience with truck fleets, both mechanical and operational in nature
Skills
- Expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodology and application within a CI framework
- Strong background in continuous improvement tools and performance metrics
- Advanced experience with warehouse automation systems, plant operations and emerging logistics technologies
- Leadership and team building skills including coaching, delegating, developing, and motivating
- Strong analytical sense to interpret reporting, identify root causes, and recommend a path forward
- Strong communication and writing skills, ability to multi-task and communicate with a variety of stakeholders
- Advanced computer skills, including SAP, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Strong relationship-building skills with internal teams, suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies
What We Offer
Our success as an organization is a result of our commitment to our greatest strength…our people! We believe that any opportunity we can provide to help further your career growth and development is an investment in not only your individual success, but our overall success as a business. We work to recognize you in meaningful ways including a competitive compensation, incentive pay, a flex health benefits program, employee & family assistance program, defined pension plan with company matching, recognition programs, tuition reimbursement program, hybrid work arrangement, generous paid time off and summer hours program, employee special offers, and a casual dress and work environment.
*Benefits and perks are dependent upon role and status and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the company.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to providing a respectful and empowering workplace that values our greatest resource, our people. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging are essential components of our culture that empower us to meet the needs of our employees, customers and communities. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds including racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and any other characteristic. We’re an equal opportunity employer and provide employment accommodation in accordance with provincial legislation. If contacted for an employment opportunity or testing, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.
We genuinely thank you for your interest in this opportunity with us. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
