Vice President Operations

Vice President, Operations – Western Canada

Location: Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Work Arrangement: Onsite | Frequent Travel Across Western Canada

The Opportunity

Insight Recruitment is conducting a confidential executive search for an accomplished Vice President, Operations to lead and transform a multi-site warehousing, freight and logistics operation across Alberta and Western Canada.

This is a significant leadership opportunity for a commercially minded, forward-thinking operations executive who combines strategic vision with hands-on execution. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in strengthening operational performance, developing scalable processes, advancing technology and positioning the business for continued growth.

We are seeking a proven leader who knows how to build high-performing teams, drive accountability across multiple facilities and translate operational strategy into measurable results.

Beyond overseeing day-to-day operations, this individual will help shape the future of the organization through operational modernization, continuous improvement, AI-enabled efficiencies and strategic business growth initiatives.

This position can be based in Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta. The role is fully onsite and requires frequent travel across Western Canada.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Operational Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive warehousing, freight and logistics strategy aligned with organizational growth objectives.
• Provide executive oversight of multi-site operations, ensuring consistent performance, service delivery and operational excellence.
• Design and implement a standardized warehouse operating model across the network.
• Lead and develop warehouse management teams, establishing clear performance expectations, accountability and succession planning.
• Partner closely with the COO and senior leadership team on strategic initiatives, operational priorities and long-term business planning.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive operational efficiency, productivity and cost optimization across warehouse and freight operations.
• Establish and monitor KPIs relating to service levels, labour productivity, inventory accuracy, cost management and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, standardize procedures and strengthen operational controls.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and performance excellence.
• Ensure consistent adherence to operating procedures, customer requirements and organizational standards.

Technology, Automation & Operational Modernization

• Lead technology modernization initiatives designed to improve operational visibility, efficiency and scalability.
• Leverage Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), inventory management tools and data analytics to optimize warehouse performance.
• Identify and implement AI-enabled workflows and agents to automate reporting, scheduling and exception management.
• Support the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI platforms such as Claude, to improve decision-making and reduce manual processes.
• Drive system enhancements and operational improvements across the network.

Customer Experience & Business Growth

• Ensure operational capabilities are aligned with customer expectations and service commitments.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new business opportunities and customer acquisition initiatives.
• Oversee the successful onboarding and implementation of new client accounts, including operational design, workforce planning, WMS configuration and transition management.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and customers to support service excellence and sustainable growth.

Safety, Capacity & Infrastructure

• Champion workplace health and safety initiatives and ensure compliance across all facilities.
• Maintain operational audit readiness, including safety standards, inventory traceability and customer site inspections.
• Oversee warehouse capacity planning, space utilization, inventory slotting and peak-season readiness.
• Provide leadership over material handling equipment, preventive maintenance programs, facility infrastructure and capital investment planning.
• Ensure resources, equipment and facilities are positioned to support ongoing operational demands and future growth.

Financial Performance & People Leadership

• Provide oversight of operational budgets, labour costs, productivity measures and financial performance.
• Identify and implement initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings and improved profitability.
• Partner with HR on workforce planning, talent development, retention strategies and organizational effectiveness.
• Foster a high-performance culture built on accountability, coaching, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear operational reporting and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within warehousing, distribution or third-party logistics (3PL), including substantial senior-level operational leadership responsibility.
• Proven experience overseeing multiple warehouse and distribution facilities is required.
• Strong operational knowledge of warehousing, freight, logistics and supply chain management.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing multi-site operational strategies.
• Experience working in a unionized environment is strongly preferred.
• Proven success driving operational transformation, standardization, continuous improvement and measurable cost efficiencies.
• Strong financial acumen, including operational budgeting, cost control, KPI development and capital planning.
• Experience leading operational technology initiatives, including Warehouse Management Systems and process automation.
• Familiarity with AI tools, particularly Claude, and the ability to identify and deploy AI-enabled workflows that improve efficiency.
• Experience supporting customer acquisition, new client implementations and operational transitions.
• Strong executive presence, communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to build, mentor and develop high-performing leadership teams.
• Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

The Leadership Profile

We are looking for an accomplished executive who brings a combination of strategic leadership, operational expertise and a genuine passion for building better, more efficient organizations.

The successful candidate will be:

• Strategic yet hands-on: Able to develop long-term operational strategies while remaining actively engaged in execution.
• A proven people leader: Experienced in building strong management teams, developing talent and creating accountability across multiple locations.
• Commercially astute: Understands the relationship between operational performance, customer satisfaction, profitability and business growth.
• Transformation-focused: Brings a track record of leading change, improving processes and implementing scalable operating models.
• Technologically progressive: Embraces automation, AI and data-driven decision-making to advance operational capabilities.
• Customer-centric: Understands the importance of service excellence and long-term customer relationships.
• Results-driven: Demonstrates a history of delivering measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency and financial performance.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are an experienced logistics and warehousing executive with a proven track record of leading multi-site operations and driving meaningful organizational improvements, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Candidates based in Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Edmonton or Calgary are encouraged to apply.

This is a fully onsite executive leadership opportunity with frequent travel across Western Canada.