Vice President, Operations

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

E.G. Penner Building Centre
Steinbach, Manitoba

The Company

E.G. Penner Building Centre is one of Manitoba’s most established and recognized names in building materials. Proudly independent, family owned, and deeply rooted in the Steinbach community, the business has grown from a small local operation into Manitoba’s largest independently owned building supply company.

For more than 60 years, E.G. Penner has built its reputation by being the go-to destination for homeowners, contractors and building professionals across the region. Today, the business combines the stability and values of a long-standing local employer with the scale, resources and ambition of a company that continues to invest in its people, product offering, and customer experience.

More than a building materials retailer, E.G. Penner offers specialized departments, experienced sales and design teams, installation services and extensive project support. This breadth has allowed the business to become a trusted partner throughout the entire building and renovation process.

Despite its growth, E.G. Penner remains closely connected to the community it serves. It is a business built locally, employing local people and supporting the contractors, homeowners and communities that have contributed to its success.

For someone looking to build a long-term career, E.G. Penner offers a rare combination: the stability and reputation of an established business, significant scale and resources, and the opportunity to help shape the next stage of its growth.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Behind the reputation that E.G. Penner has built, is an operation that needs to deliver every day.

The right product needs to be available. Orders need to be accurate. Trucks need to leave on time. Customers need to receive what was promised. And the people responsible for making all of that happen need strong leadership, clear expectations, and the tools to do their jobs well.

E.G. Penner is looking for a Vice President of Operations to join its Executive Leadership Team and lead this critical part of the business.

Reporting directly to the President, this is a broad executive mandate with responsibility for the people, processes, infrastructure and systems that support the organization. The VP of Operations will help ensure E.G. Penner continues to deliver the quality, reliability and level of service that customers have come to expect over more than six decades.

With six direct reports comprised of department managers/supervisors, and approximately 60 indirect reports, this individual will lead an experienced operational team spanning; warehousing, purchasing & inventory, logistics and delivery, fleet, facilities, maintenance, and health and safety, while working closely with the broader retail and customer-facing business.

This role is not about changing what has made E.G. Penner successful. It is about building on it.

The opportunity is to bring strong operational leadership, new ideas and greater consistency to an established business, while protecting the values, relationships and commitment to service that have always been at its core.

THE MANDATE

The VP of Operations will take ownership of operational performance across the organization, creating an environment where people understand what is expected of them, where managers are mentored and empowered to lead, and customers consistently receive the experience E.G. Penner promises.

Key Areas Of Responsibility Will Include

• Develop and execute an organization-wide operational strategy aligned with E.G. Penner’s long-term growth, profitability and customer commitments.
• Lead and develop the operational management team, creating clear accountability while coaching managers and developing future leaders.
• Oversee warehousing, receiving and shipping, inventory, purchasing, delivery and logistics, fleet operations, facilities, maintenance and health and safety. Six Departmental Managers/Supervisors.
• Work across the broader retail operation, supporting departments including building materials, hardware, flooring, cabinets, paint and customer service.
• Protect and improve the quality and reliability of the customer experience, from product availability and order accuracy through to delivery.
• Establish meaningful operational KPIs and use them to improve productivity, service, cost and performance.
• Lead inventory strategy and controls, balancing product availability, accuracy, inventory investment and turns.
• Improve delivery, routing, fleet utilization and logistics performance, recognizing that dependable delivery is a critical part of the promise E.G. Penner makes to its customers.
• Develop and manage operational budgets and identify opportunities to improve profitability while protecting quality and service.