About the role

Are you a transformational leader who challenges the status quo and drives operational excellence Are you energized by building high-performing teams simplifying complexity and delivering measurable results on the shop floor

At CAE we are undergoing a significant evolution of our manufacturing operations. We are looking for leaders who will not only managebut fundamentally transformhow we operate. This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution to modernize processes develop people and elevate performance to world-class standards within a complex high-mix manufacturing environment.

The role we are offering you

As Senior Manager Manufacturing Operations you will lead production teams through a period of operational transformation. Reporting to the Director of Operations you will be accountable for performance process excellence and team capability building across your area.

You will lead a team of approximately 150 employees including 8 direct reports (1st level managers) across 7 different operations processes.

You will act as a change agentchallenging existing practices implementing Lean principles and building scalable efficient systems that eliminate waste and improve flow.

Key responsibilities

• Support and maintain operational transformation initiatives aligned with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Challenge the status quo and identify opportunities to simplify standardize and optimize processes in safety quality delivery cost and employee engagement (SQDCE).

• Lead with hands on leadership; understand processes identify issues and coach teams to do the same.

• Balance tactical execution with strategic elevation of operations.

• Build coach and develop a high-performing leadership team (1st level production managers and team leads) on Lean tools structured problem-solving and performance management.
• Instill a culture of accountability continuous improvement and problem-solving at all levels.
• Actively manage labor relations in a unionized environment including collaboration with union representatives application of the collective agreement and involvement in grievance resolution.

• Drive disciplined daily management routines (tier meetings escalation processes action tracking).
• Use data-driven decision-making to prioritize and sustain improvements.

• Ensure effective use and integration of manufacturing systems (ERP MES planning tools).
• Partner proactively with internal stakeholders to align operational execution with business objectives (planning engineering quality supply chain EH&S industrial engineering).

What we are looking for

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering or related field.
• 8 years of leadership experience in manufacturing or operations in a transformation or continuous improvement context.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing continuous improvement assembly and operational excellence methodologies.
• Familiarity with manufacturing systems (ERP/MRP MES) and data-driven operations (daily management KPIs visual controls).

• Proven ability to lead change and influence across all levels of an organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on pragmatic leader who is comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Strong coaching and talent development skills.
• Ability to challenge constructively and drive accountability.

• Ability to operate in a fast-paced evolving environment with competing priorities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience working in a unionized environment and navigating labor relations challenges.

Why join CAE

• Be a key leader in a major operational transformation.
• Work in an environment where innovation and continuous improvement are expected and supported.
• Opportunity to have a tangible impact on performance culture and ways of working.
• Collaborative multidisciplinary teams and challenging projects.

Benefits

• Group Insurance.
• Telemedicine Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Group RRSP.
• CAE Pension Plan/Defined Benefit Plan.
• Sabbatical Leave.
• Flex Time.
• Enhanced Parental Leave.

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About CAE

At CAE our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years weve driven innovation in simulation training and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies we empower our customers to operate smarter faster and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged collaboration drives progress and your growth fuels our shared success.

Position Type

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

CAE is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants regardless of race nationality color religion sex gender identity or expression sexual orientation disability neurodiversity veteran status age or other characteristics protected by law. We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply. Reasonable accommodations are availablecontact your recruiter or email if needed.

Data Privacy

Privacy Statement CAE

As part of our process we may use AIsupported tools to help review applications with human decisionmaking at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.