General Manager

Wanted: General Manager, KSS Manufacturing
Do you love making systems work and optimizing process? Are you excited by smashing production goals and building healthy workplaces? Does the idea of making a positive impact on the planet while being part of a high-performance team excite you? If so, we’re looking for you!

You:

• Are really interested in circular economies
• Appreciate a good debate even with your boss
• Figure out how to fix it instead of who is to blame
• Are not afraid to jump into the deep end
• Are excited about building empowered teams
• Have pulled recyclables out of the trash

We:

• Believe we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children
• Work to protect and restore the environment
• Aren't afraid to make mistakes as long as we learn
• Care more about your values and intelligence than your experience
• Are committed to creating team dynamics that create empowerment vs. entitlement

Our Core Values:

• Commit to a culture that builds a strong COMMUNITY
• Embrace COURAGE by taking action despite uncertainty
• Live with Awareness and CONSCIOUSNESS of our choices

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary General Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our Kelowna Sustainability Studio (KSS). At KSS, we specialize in the injection molding of compostable cell phone cases, print products on demand, and manage warehouse and fulfillment operations for direct-to-customer shipments. The General Manager will be responsible for optimizing and streamlining the facility’s production, ensuring high-quality output, managing a multi-functional team, and driving continuous improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness across all departments.

This role requires a strong background in manufacturing management, expertise in injection molding processes, and experience in logistics and fulfillment operations. This individual must possess excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills to drive the facility’s success.

Responsibilities:

Operations Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and implement the overall operational strategy for the manufacturing facility to support both short-term goals and the expansion into new products & channels.
• Lead and manage all aspects of the facility's operation, including staffing, injection molding, printing, and fulfillment operations.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to managers while promoting a positive work culture, emphasizing collaboration, efficiency, and accountability.
• Establish and enforce best practices for each operational function, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure cross-functional collaboration to maintain a seamless flow of materials, production, and finished goods.
• Collaborate with Product, Marketing, and CX teams to plan launches, coordinate efforts, and ensure alignment across functions for successful delivery and exceptional customer outcomes.

Production and Manufacturing Management:

• Oversee the injection molding process, ensuring optimal machine performance, throughput, and product quality.
• Oversee and optimize the printing operations, ensuring high quality and high quantity.
• Manage production scheduling to meet customer demands and ensure the facility operates at maximum efficiency without compromising product quality.
• Monitor production capacity and identify opportunities to expand or streamline operations as needed.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing principles to increase productivity and reduce waste.

Quality Control & Continuous Improvement:

• Ensure that all products meet quality standards, implementing quality control processes to detect and resolve defects early in the production process.
• Collaborate with the production teams to establish and maintain industry standards for product excellence.
• Lead initiatives to improve production processes, reduce waste, and implement lean manufacturing practices.
• Oversee compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory guidelines for manufacturing and fulfillment operations.

Fulfillment & Supply Chain Management:

• Direct and optimize the fulfillment process to ensure timely and accurate order processing, packing, and shipping.
• Oversee inventory management, ensuring a continuous supply of raw materials for production and the efficient movement of finished goods.
• Work closely with the logistics team to establish relationships with third-party shipping partners, optimizing shipping times, costs, and delivery performance.
• Develop and refine inventory control systems to minimize stockouts and excess inventory.
• Ensure that customer orders are fulfilled with the highest degree of accuracy and that any shipping issues are promptly resolved.
• Develop and manage the KSS operational budget, monitoring expenses, resource allocation, and cost-control measures.
• Analyze key performance metrics (KPIs) and production reports to identify areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Implement cost-reduction strategies without compromising product quality or customer service.
• Work closely with the finance department to forecast production costs and ensure operational targets are met.

Team Development & Performance:

• Lead, motivate, and mentor managers and front-line staff.
• Guide individual and team performance, conducting regular performance evaluations and career development discussions.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence throughout the organization.
• Identify training needs and implement educational programs to enhance skills and improve operational efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in operations management, with a proven track record in leading manufacturing facilities, preferably in injection molding or similar industries.
• Experience in managing printing processes, supply chain operations, and fulfillment within a direct-to-consumer model.
• Strong expertise in production planning, logistics, inventory management, and quality control.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and fulfillment management platforms.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and optimize resource allocation.
• Expertise in data-driven decision-making, process improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead complex projects and initiatives to successful completion.
• A team player who wants to participate in green manufacturing and promote a sustainable future.

Commitment to Diversity:

Pela is committed to cultivating and preserving a company culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We know that we will grow and learn better with a diverse team. When recruiting new members of our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, and sexual orientation.