Senior Manager, Manufacturing Operations

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 manage—but fundamentally transform—how 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 agent—challenging 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

• Bachelor’s 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.

#LI-ND1

At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we’ve 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.

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 available—contact your recruiter or email [email protected] if needed.

Privacy Statement | CAE

As part of our process, we may use AI‑supported tools to help review applications, with human decision‑making 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.