Reports to : Vice-President, Operations - International
About WALTER Surface Technologies
Since 1952, WALTER Surface Technologies has built a global reputation for innovation, quality, and performance in surface treatment technologies for the metalworking industry. Our mission is to empower customers to work smarter and achieve excellence through superior products, safety, and productivity.
We are seeking a high-performing, growth-oriented leader ready to take ownership of our Montreal distribution operations and accelerate their career within a global organization.
Role Overview
The Warehouse & Production Manager is the operational leader of our Montreal (Pointe-Claire) site and a key contributor to our North American supply chain performance. This role is part of our Emerging Leader / High Potential development pathway, designed for ambitious professionals who demonstrate strong business acumen, leadership capability, and the drive to grow into broader operational leadership roles. You will have full responsibility for warehouse and production performance while gaining exposure to strategic planning, financial management, and executive-level decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Montreal Site Leadership
- Own end-to-end warehouse and production operations including receiving, storage, inventory control, order fulfillment, shipping, and production coordination.
- Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient site operations aligned with corporate standards.
- Lead workforce planning, scheduling, productivity management, and service-level performance.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, throughput, cost control, and quality.
- Optimize warehouse layout, space utilization, and workflow design.
- Ensure high levels of inventory accuracy through disciplined cycle counts, audits, and root-cause analysis.
- Partner cross-functionally with R&D, production, customer service, finance, and commercial teams.
Operational & Strategic Development
- Translate business objectives into measurable site-level KPIs and execution plans.
- Analyze operational performance data and present insights to senior leadership.
- Contribute to budgeting, cost management, working capital optimization, and transportation performance.
- Lead strategic improvement projects that enhance scalability, systems integration, and service performance.
- Strengthen and optimize use of WMS/TMS and ERP systems.
Leadership & Talent Development
- Build and lead a high-performing warehouse and production team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Provide coaching and development to team leaders and frontline employees.
- Maintain a strong on-floor leadership presence while elevating strategic oversight capability.
- Prepare for expanded operational leadership scope through mentorship and executive exposure.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Supply Chain/Engineering, or a related field is preferred; however, a college diploma or high school diploma combined with strong, relevant industry and leadership experience will be equally considered.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in warehouse, production, distribution, manufacturing, or operations.
- Minimum 5 years of people leadership or supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated success improving operational performance through data-driven decisions.
- Experience in process improvement, Lean initiatives, or operational transformation is an asset.
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of warehouse and distribution environments.
- Financial acumen and ability to connect operations to business outcomes.
- Advanced analytical capability and comfort with KPIs and dashboards.
- Proficiency with WMS/TMS/ERP systems.
- Familiarity with RF scanning and warehouse technologies.
- Knowledge of WHMIS and safety management systems.
- Fluent in English and French (written and spoken).
What Makes This Role Different
- Full site ownership with executive visibility
- Clear succession pathway toward broader operational leadership
- Exposure to strategic decision-making and business planning
- Opportunity to shape and modernize warehouse operations
- Designed for high-potential talent ready to accelerate their career
Candidate Profile – High Potential Leader
We are looking for a professional who combines operational competence with strong growth ambition and leadership maturity.
