Director of Operations

Venor is proud to partner with Laura Gatien & Associates in their search for a Director of Operations to join their team. This is an On-Site role, based in Saint John, NB.

Laura Gatien & Associates is a growing counselling practice dedicated to providing accessible, client-focused mental health support within the community. Guided by compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to social impact, LGA supports individuals and families through evidence-based care and a welcoming environment. Their work is shaped by five core values: Warmth, Dedication, Vulnerability, Equality, and Growth, which inform how they care for clients, collaborate as a team, and show up for their community.

As their operations expand across multiple locations, they are seeking a people-centric leader who can bring structure, clarity, and steady leadership while championing the values that make LGA unique.

This role is a strong fit for an experienced operations leader who enjoys working alongside a dynamic entrepreneur to bring ideas to life and turn vision into execution. The Director of Operations will serve as the CEO's essential complement, harmonizing the major functions of the business, fostering accountability, strengthening culture, and driving sustainable traction.

What You'll Be Doing

Operationalizing Vision & Driving Traction

• Translating the CEO's vision into clear priorities, actionable plans, and measurable outcomes to ensure ideas gain traction and move the organization forward.
• Acting as the organizational "glue" that aligns people, processes, and goals within the Visionary/Integrator model.

Leading With LGA's Core Values

• Warmth:
  Strengthening and elevating team culture by fostering trust, curiosity, authenticity, and a sense of belonging across all locations.
• Dedication:
  Promoting reliability and consistency by ensuring systems, documentation, workflows, and expectations are met with care and professionalism.
• Vulnerability:
  Encouraging openness, healthy dialogue, and honest reflection; modelling a culture where feedback and growth are normalized.
• Equality:
  Ensuring operations and policies reflect fairness, dignity, barrier-free access, and advocacy for inclusion and equity.
• Growth:
  Leading continuous improvement efforts that reduce friction, embrace innovation, and support a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Operational Leadership

• Overseeing day-to-day operations across locations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and excellence in client service.
• Promoting a professional, compassionate, and accountable workplace that supports staff well-being and engagement.
• Managing and developing administrative staff, building cohesion between the administrative and clinical teams.
• Leading systemization, workflow improvements, and process enhancements to support sustainable growth.
• Identifying root issues behind operational challenges and implementing durable, long-term solutions.
• Driving accountability through thoughtful metrics, clear expectations, and reliable follow-through — reinforcing Dedication without overpromising or burnout.

What We Are Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in operations management, ideally within a highly entrepreneurial or fast-growing environment.
• Proven experience as a COO, Operations Manager, or senior operational leader, preferably within a professional services, counselling, or health-focused organization.
• A natural integrator with strong execution, prioritization, and decision-making skills who brings structure and clarity to dynamic, people-centered work.
• A leadership style rooted in Warmth and Vulnerability. We are looking for someone who communicates openly, fosters trust, and builds psychologically safe teams.
• Commitment to Dedication through reliable follow-through, preparation, and strong operational discipline.
• A deep belief in Equality and comfort, embedding barrier-free, inclusive, and equitable practices throughout operations.
• A Growth-minded approach that embraces feedback, seeks continuous improvement, and balances excellence with grace.
• Comfortable making tough decisions and managing competing priorities while supporting a caring, mission-driven culture.
• Alignment with LGA's mission to make mental health care accessible, understood, and valued for all.

At Venor and Laura Gatien & Associates, we embrace a culture of belonging in the workplace. No matter who you are, where you're from, how you think, what you believe in, or who you love, we welcome your application. We all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, bringing unique perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), women, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities.