Victoria Newitt Recruitment Inc has been retained by Promac Manufacturing to search for a Vice President of Operations.

Location: Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC
Company: Promac Sawmill Equipment
Reports to: President

About Promac:
Promac is a trusted manufacturer of high-quality sawmill equipment, proudly serving customers across North America. With a reputation for innovation, reliability, and customer service, we design and manufacture custom equipment solutions that keep the forestry industry moving.

Position Summary:
The Vice President of Operations will lead Promac’s operational strategy and execution, overseeing manufacturing, production, supply chain, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role is pivotal in enabling the organization to scale efficiently and effectively to meet increasing customer demand, while preparing the company for long-term growth. The VP Ops will sustain and elevate KPIs across operations, implement Lean Six Sigma practices, and establish sustainable processes that optimize customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Key Accountabilities & Performance Metrics:
Manufacturing & Production Leadership

• Direct and optimize manufacturing and production processes to ensure efficiency, safety, and product quality.
• Leverage experience in machinery and industrial equipment manufacturing to improve productivity and cost control.
• Drive accurate cost estimating practices to support pricing, planning, and profitability.
• Performance Metric: Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) improvement, measured by Effective Labor Rate (revenue/direct hour).

Supply Chain & Scalability

• Lead supply chain strategy, procurement, and vendor management to ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness.
• Redesign and integrate supply chain processes to support future acquisitions and business growth.
• Manage production and demand planning to balance inventory, cost, and delivery performance.
• Performance Metrics: Cost performance on purchased items, material on-time delivery, reduction of supply disruptions.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodology to streamline workflows and reduce waste.
• Implement new operational processes, ERP, and technology systems to improve efficiency.
• Sustain and elevate KPIs already in place, ensuring measurable improvements across departments.
• Performance Metrics: Manufacturing Variable Cost / Direct Labour, Indirect Cost / Total Direct Hours.

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

• Lead cross-functional S&OP processes to align sales forecasts with production capacity.
• Develop and execute forward-looking production and operations plans that meet customer demand and minimize costs.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and finance to ensure integrated decision-making.
• Performance Metrics: Sales order delivery past due, estimate turnaround time, cost variance from target.

Leadership, Change Management & Growth

• Lead and engage teams across multiple sites, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Provide strong leadership through change management and transformation initiatives.
• Integrate and align future acquisitions into operations seamlessly.
• Performance Metrics: P&L accountability, team engagement, operational growth readiness.

Qualifications:

• 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, ideally in manufacturing, machinery, forestry, or industrial sectors.
• Strong background in production management, supply chain strategy, and demand planning.
• Demonstrated experience with Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and operational transformation.
• Proven ability to influence, engage, and lead cross-functional and multi-site teams.
• Track record of scaling operations to meet customer demand and supporting company growth.
• Engineering background or technical degree strongly desirable; MBA an asset.
• Experience in cost estimating, financial accountability, and KPI-driven performance management.
• Change management and new systems implementation experience.
• Must be willing to relocate to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.

Why Join Promac?

• Opportunity to lead operations at a respected Canadian manufacturer with growth ambitions.
• Play a critical role in scaling and transforming the organization.
• Live and work in the Cowichan Valley, known for its natural beauty and quality of life.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Compensation:
The range offered for this position is: $170,000 – $185,000 annually, plus 20% bonus.

Compensation offered within this range is based on factors unique to each candidate, including skills, qualifications, experience and credentials.

If this position suits your skills and experience, we want to talk to you!

Please apply by submitting your resume and a covering letter outlining why you are a suitable candidate for this exciting role.