Manager, Operations - Shipmaster

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About Us

Shipmaster Containers Ltd is a full service manufacturer of Corrugates paper products and supplier of related packaging to the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario. We are currently looking for an Operations Manager for our Markham location.

The Atlantic Packaging Group (APG) is a North American leader in sustainable packaging solutions, offering corrugated, decorative, recycling and paper bag products. Headquartered in Canada with U.S. operations, APG focuses on collaboration, innovation and strong customer partnerships. With 3,600+ employees, 80+ years in business and operates 20+ facilities across North America. Its Canadian operations include Atlantic Packaging Products (Ontario) and Mitchel Lincoln (Quebec), while its U.S. operations include York Container, Skybox Packaging, Standfast Group, BlackHawk Corrugated and Champion Container.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Operations Manager is the senior leader accountable for the day-to-day performance and continuous improvement of Shipmaster’s corrugated Sheet Plant. The role provides plant-wide leadership across production supervision, maintenance, shipping, quality and continuous improvement, and production coordination. The successful candidate will independently drive safe, reliable, customer-focused, and cost-effective operations while developing the capabilities of the plant team.

What You’ll Do

• Operational execution: Lead and coordinate manufacturing, maintenance, scheduling and shipping across shifts; improve throughput, capacity utilization, changeovers and workflow in a high-mix, short-run environment
• Customer service & quality: Own operational delivery performance (OTIF and lead time); meet customer specifications, resolve recurring defects and complaints, and strengthen GMP and quality-system discipline
• People leadership: Set clear expectations, build trust, delegate effectively, coach and develop direct reports, address performance issues and encourage open communication
• Maintenance & reliability: Drive preventive maintenance, root-cause resolution of breakdowns, critical-spares planning and equipment performance, support justified equipment upgrades and capital proposals
• Continuous improvement: Challenge existing practices and personally lead measurable improvement projects covering setup time, downtime, waste, productivity, standard work, and sustainable cost reductions
• Safety & compliance: Lead safe-work practices, hazard prevention, investigations and corrective actions, ensuring compliance with applicable company policies, workplace requirements
• Cost & resource management: Control labour efficiency, overtime, waste, maintenance spend and other controllable costs; support budgets, staffing plans, inventory management and capital business cases
• Performance & teamwork: Use KPIs and daily/weekly reviews to identify gaps, assign actions and follow through; collaborate closely with Sales, Customer Service, Finance, HR and the General Manager

What You Bring

• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience, including at least 3 years successfully leading supervisors or multidisciplinary teams; stronger plant-level leadership experience preferred
• Solid corrugated packaging or converting experience strongly preferred, ideally in a sheet plant; practical understanding of equipment, scheduling, short runs and frequent changeovers
• Demonstrated results in production performance, safety, quality, maintenance reliability, cost control and structured continuous improvement
• Strong analytical and computer skills, including Excel and manufacturing ERP / reporting systems; sound operational and financial judgment
• Post-secondary education in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or Project Management is an asset; equivalent relevant industry experience considered

Essential Leadership Competencies

Exceptional communicator and relationship builder; approachable, credible and respectful at every level. Proactive and willing to challenge the status quo. Personally accountable for execution and results. Skilled at delegation, coaching, conflict resolution, decision-making and leading change. Calm under pressure, collaborative and comfortable making sound decisions with limited supervision.

Measure of Success

Sustained performance in safety, employee engagement, OTIF, lead time, quality, productivity, downtime, waste and controllable costs; stronger supervisors and team accountability; measurable, and lasting improvement initiatives.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage (dependents included)
• Teamwork-focused culture with sustainability initiatives and social events
• A culture of appreciation through a point-based recognition
• Opportunities for advancement and internal movement
• Safety equipment and PPE support program

Inclusion and Accessibility

Atlantic Packaging Group of companies is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible and respectful environment for all candidates. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team - we’re here to support you.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in joining Shipmaster, a member of the Atlantic Packaging Group. While we appreciate the time and effort invested, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please Note:

Candidates who are 18 years or older are required to complete a criminal and background check. Details will be provided through the application process.

Hiring Range : $106,000 - $116,700 per year. A candidate’s experience and knowledge may be factored into the pay a candidate receives for this position. This posting is for an existing vacancy.