Interim General Manager

Overview

A Canadian manufacturing organization experiencing rapid growth is seeking a seasoned operational leader to serve as Interim General Manager. This executive-level assignment calls for a hands-on strategist with deep expertise in operations, team leadership, and cross-functional alignment. The successful candidate will be tasked with stabilizing operations, enhancing performance, and fostering collaboration across production, supply chain, finance, and administrative functions.

This role demands a decisive, collaborative leader who thrives in dynamic environments. Experience in lean manufacturing, safety compliance, and stakeholder engagement is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape, including market dynamics, competitive positioning, and strategic priorities.

Monitor performance against key objectives and implement timely corrective actions.

Ensure manufacturing operations align with production schedules, inventory targets, and customer expectations through clear communication and accountability.

Build and lead a high-performing, agile team aligned with business goals.

Introduce best practices that promote employee engagement, retention, and development.

Collaborate with senior leadership to exceed sales targets, maintain key accounts, and expand the customer base.

Provide direct coaching to reports to foster a customer-centric, innovative, and responsive culture.

Champion a performance-driven environment rooted in professionalism, respect, teamwork, and creativity.

Assess equipment capabilities and implement preventive maintenance programs.

Establish and track performance metrics to highlight progress, challenges, and opportunities.

Continuously optimize production processes, layouts, and workflows to eliminate bottlenecks and maximize efficiency.

Strengthen customer relationships through proactive engagement, timely issue resolution, and enhanced value delivery.

Address immediate operational needs while driving long-term improvements in sales, customer service, quality, and business development.

Partner with business development to expand market share and pursue strategic growth initiatives.

Prepare and present operational updates to the CEO and/or Board of Directors.

Support workforce planning, recruitment, and retention strategies in collaboration with HR.

Lead change management initiatives, including process redesign and technology adoption.

Monitor production metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimize throughput and reduce waste.

Ensure full compliance with regulatory, environmental, and safety standards.

Qualifications and Competencies

University degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or industrial operations.

Proven track record of managing plant operations, production teams, and cross-functional departments.

Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, JIT, Kaizen and continuous improvement methodologies.

Process-driven and innovative, with a focus on best practices and business growth.

Demonstrated ability to lead through change and build high-performing teams.

Financial literacy and experience managing budgets and operational KPIs.

Hands-on leadership style with intellectual curiosity and initiative.

Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and employees.

Exceptional communicator with the confidence to articulate and defend strategic decisions.

Data-driven decision-maker with strong analytical and financial insight.

Committed to performance management and resource optimization.

Strategic thinker and change agent with a hands-on approach to execution and problem-solving.

Skilled in presenting to senior leaders and external partners.

How to apply

PLEASE SEND YOUR CV (AS A WORD DOC) TO: (Subject: Job Title)

LHH Knightsbridge Interim Management is a service to help our clients address a wide range of scenarios including leadership support due to sudden departures, driving key change initiatives or leading transformation projects. Our interim executives step in with minimal downtime to meet specific objectives and deliver results. All have held senior positions in the past and have now chosen to offer their unique depth and breadth of experience to organizations on a limited engagement basis.

Follow the LHH Knightsbridge LinkedIn page and set up a job alert to learn about new Executive Interim opportunities.

Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge Corp. is committed to providing equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure a barrier-free recruitment process. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and our AODA policy, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the hiring process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please provide your accommodation needs in advance to the Recruitment Lead for this opportunity.

We thank all interested candidates in advance; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

August 2025

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr