Director, Operations - Southwestern Ontario
London, Ontario, Canada, N6M 1B3
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 Director, Operations – Southwestern Ontario. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity reporting to the Regional VP, TBS Logistics. In this role, you will lead the strategic direction and operational performance for our London and Stoney Creek Distribution Centres and cross-dock facilities across Southwestern Ontario. You’ll oversee the planning and execution of key logistics initiatives that drive service excellence, efficiency, and cost optimization. As a key leader, you’ll champion continuous improvement through our DPO program, leveraging Lean Six Sigma principles, warehouse technology, and data analytics to modernize operations and create long-term value. You’ll also provide strong leadership in a highly unionized environment, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational integrity, and a positive workplace culture aligned to our values.
Location
On-site at the either the London or Stoney Creek 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), ensuring alignment with corporate strategic, operational, and financial objectives
- Oversee operational performance across multiple distribution centres and cross-docks, ensuring cost control, service level achievement, and regulatory compliance
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team focused on accountability, engagement, and operational excellence in a unionized environment
- Champion the Distribution Process Optimization (DPO) program by applying Lean Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement, innovation, and cost reduction
- Ensure compliance with collective agreements and lead labour relations, including grievance management and workforce planning
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and proactive risk management through health and safety audits, training, and incident investigations
- Collaborate with internal teams, customers, government agencies, and industry partners to deliver service excellence and resolve escalated concerns
- Oversee customer service standards, leveraging KPIs and feedback to continuously improve wholesale and retail partner satisfaction
- Develop and manage departmental budgets and forecasts, and monitor operational KPIs for financial and operational effectiveness
- Maintain high-level communication with executive and cross-functional teams to align logistics operations with broader business initiatives
- Identify and develop high-potential employees and support succession planning within the logistics leadership team
- Leverage technology, warehouse automation, and advanced analytics to modernize operations, reduce waste, and enhance network performance
- Perform other related duties and projects as assigned
Who You Are - Your Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Education
- University degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or related discipline
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification desirable
- Valid drivers license with access to a vehicle required
Experience
- 10+ years of progressive experience in logistics, warehousing, and distribution operations
- 5+ years in a senior leadership/management role
- Proven experience in a unionized environment, including management of collective agreements, grievances, and labour negotiations
- 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
- Strong background in continuous improvement tools and performance metrics
- Advanced experience with warehouse systems, plant operations and emerging logistics technologies
- Excellent leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities
- Excellent analytical skills with strong mathematical aptitude to help digest data
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
- Advanced computer skills, including SAP, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Strong relationship-building skills with internal teams, suppliers, customers, brewers, vendors, 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.
