Operations Manager

About Element Event Solutions

Element Event Solutions is Canada's premier provider of tent and event services, orchestrating over 30,000 memorable events annually in partnership with top venues, caterers, planners, corporate partners, and private hosts. Established in 1911 as Chair-man Mills, our company has grown through a legacy of excellence with renowned brands including Event Rental Group, Contemporary Furniture Rentals, Regal Tent Productions, Advanced Tent Rental, A&B Partytime, Loungeworks, MacFarlands Events, and Higgins Event Rentals.

Driven by our mission to craft engaging spaces that foster remarkable experiences and connections, we provide the infrastructure essential for Canadians to unite through social, corporate, philanthropic, and community gatherings. Proudly Canadian-owned and operated, we are committed to family values and investing in our local communities.

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Vice President, the Operations Manager. This includes collaborating with leadership to contribute to and execute company-wide objectives, as well as managing daily operations. Your role is to ensure we fulfill our commitment to deliver the "best event rental experience" to our clients. As the Operations Manager, you will manage the facility's daily operations, including Warehouse, Tenting, Processing, Safety, Inventory Control, Transportation, and building maintenance. By providing leadership and guidance to department supervisors and staff, you will ensure that production and quality targets are met while fostering a team-oriented work environment. This role demands a solid understanding of workforce scheduling, leadership skills, and labor management. With a keen eye on budget and expenses, you will consistently aim to meet departmental financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Functions

• Creating an inspiring team environment with an open communication culture.
• Setting clear team goals and delegating tasks.
• Recognizing high performance and rewarding accomplishments.
• Manage and develop department supervisors for performance, accountability, and personal development.
• Oversee recruitment, supervision, performance management, and development of warehouse, fulfillment, and tenting staff.
• Provide leadership in developing, enhancing, and implementing policies and procedures that improve operations.
• Accountable for operational results of contracts, including contract KPI components.
• Support staff in overseeing and administering warehouse and field operations.
• Set and communicate company standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Motivate and maintain high morale among operations staff.
• Facilitate resolution of problems between business units or departments.
• Prepare and monitor financial performance to ensure each department meets or exceeds budgetary commitments.

Operations and Order Fulfillment

• Oversee all customer orders from acceptance to customer satisfaction.
• Review files for upcoming jobs for advance planning.
• Communicate, manage, and report product quality and performance issues.
• Reconcile inventory on all orders for invoicing and job costing.
• Coordinate logistics, including customs clearance & freight management.
• Oversee vehicle readiness and maintain vehicle paperwork credentials.
• Work and communicate directly with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure project timelines, equipment quantities, and quality is maintained.
• Ensure shortages, open items, and project management deadlines are being met.
• Be accountable for annual budget creation and adherence for labour, vehicle, repairs, service, and overall expenses budget.

Warehouse Functions

• Establish and supervise processes for efficient and cost-effective warehouse operations.
• Maintain receiving, warehousing, and distribution operations by initiating, coordinating, and enforcing programs, operational, and personnel policies and procedures.
• Provide support for dispatch function and work with Operations team for advance planning for upcoming operations requirements.
• Oversee warehouse supervisor for loading & unloading of trucks and picking of tents.
• Responsible for freight/logistics arrangements (including customs paperwork where needed).
• Ensure all drivers of fleet are following and complying with electronic log process.
• Ensure warehouse/logistics related equipment and tools are available and functioning properly.
• Assist with tent installation and dismantling on occasion as required.
• Schedule and assist with all building maintenance as required

Scheduling

• Work with Dispatch to ensure consistent monitoring of the delivery schedule and updates to the involved staff are communicated daily.
• Review upcoming work schedule to ensure that all parties can execute in an efficient and timely manner.
• Adjust and adapt work schedules as necessary to ensure the most productive utilization of labour.
• Be accountable for monitoring accuracy and management of employees hours in payroll program.

Purchasing & Inventory Management

• Oversee the administration of necessary inventory control programs (including cycle counts and annual inventory count).
• Oversee the process of inventory transfers, devise a comprehensive strategy for product maintenance, and uphold stringent standards for quality and cleanliness

Health & Safety

• Collaborate with H&S Manager to verify employee certifications and credentials required for the roles.
• Responsible for safety audits, training, compliance with all OSHA and DOT regulations. Identifying, communicating and correcting safety issues.
• Work directly with the employee health and safety reps to resolve issues and the proactive prevention of incidents.
• Maintain and communicate Safety Board, fire and evacuation procedures.

Other

• The above tasks are representative, but not all inclusive.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum five years Management experience in Operations or Warehouse
• Experience leading a team and supervising staff
• Experience in the rental industry an asset
• Understanding of warehouse inventory processes
• Thorough understanding of labour hours management
• Strong problem-solving skills and a keen aptitude for understanding how various components fit together to create a cohesive structure, such as scaffolding, construction