Position Summary
The Director, Operations for Ontario & Western Canada provides strategic and operational leadership for the Dulux store network across Ontario and Western Canada. This role is accountable for translating the store operations strategy into clear regional priorities, building a disciplined execution rhythm, and leading Regional Operations Managers to deliver consistent operating standards, strong customer experience, profitable store performance and effective people leadership.
Reporting to the VP Sales & Operations – Dulux Stores Canada, the Director will partner closely with the Director, Sales – Ontario and the Senior Director, Sales – Western Canada to align commercial priorities with store execution, sales strategy, service levels and market growth. The role will also collaborate with the Senior Director, Dulux Operations, Real Estate, Store Development, Logistics, Health & Safety, Store Audit and Customer Service partners to strengthen execution across the network.
Key Responsibilities
Store Operations & Customer Experience
- Lead the Ontario and Western Canada store operations plan in line with Dulux business priorities and national operating standards. Turn the strategy into clear regional and store-level priorities, each with defined owners and measures.
- Drive consistent, customer-focused execution across the store network, including service standards, store readiness, order fulfilment, merchandising, promotions and key business initiatives.
- Improve productivity and operating discipline through effective labour planning, inventory management, process adherence and expense control. Make sure store audits, health and safety and compliance requirements are met.
Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, coach and develop Regional Operations Managers, and build strong Store Manager capability across the network. Set clear expectations for leadership, customer experience and business performance across a geographically dispersed team.
- Build leadership capability and succession depth through field engagement, talent reviews and development plans. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer focus, safety and continuous improvement.
Business Performance & Partnerships
- Own P&L performance across Ontario and Western Canada, including store profitability, labour, controllable expenses, productivity and inventory. Take action to protect margin and close performance gaps.
- Lead regular business reviews and field visits with Regional Operations Managers, using performance data and field insights to put recovery or acceleration plans in place. Give senior leadership clear updates on results, risks and opportunities.
- Partner with the Director, Sales – Ontario and the Senior Director, Sales – Western Canada to align sales and operations priorities, so stores are ready to support customer acquisition, retention and growth.
- Work with the Senior Director, Dulux Operations and enabling functions to put standard operating procedures, controls and continuous-improvement initiatives in place. Make sure operational risks and recurring store issues are resolved with clear ownership.
Network Growth & Change
- Lead operational readiness for new-store openings, relocations, closures and renovations. Partner with Marketing, Real Estate, Store Development, Logistics and Sales on ownership, timelines, staffing and execution.
- Support organizational changes and regional realignments while keeping things stable for employees and customers.
Qualifications & Competencies
Key Competencies
- Strategic & Operational Leadership: Turns business strategy into clear regional and store-level plans. Uses labour, expense, inventory and customer data to make sound decisions that support strong service and profitable growth.
- People & Change Leadership: Builds strong teams and develops future leaders. Guides geographically dispersed teams through change with clear direction and accountability.
- Collaboration & Influence: Works well across Sales, Operations and support functions. Communicates clearly and credibly with field teams, partners and senior leaders.
Preferred Experience
- Progressive multi-unit operations leadership experience across several regions or markets, including leading other leaders and developing field-based store teams.
- A proven record of improving execution, customer experience, productivity and profitability across a multi-site network, backed by strong P&L, labour and inventory management.
- Experience leading new-store openings, relocations or organizational change is an asset, as is experience in retail, trade, distribution, building products or coatings.
- Post-secondary education in Business, Operations or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Working Requirements
- Regular travel throughout Ontario and Western Canada to support stores, field leaders and cross-functional initiatives.
- Ability to work across a geographically dispersed organization and balance strategic leadership with visible field presence.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive benefits, including paid time off and group benefits, available from your first day.
- $550 annual Health Spending Account for eligible health and dental expenses
- 24/7 telemedicine services for employees and eligible dependents
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) providing confidential, 24/7 support for employees and their families
- Paid wellness days for eligible employees
- Flexible Hybrid model
Compensation
Compensation for this role is determined based on factors such as location, market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate's experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, full-time permanent employees are eligible for our broader total rewards package, which includes comprehensive benefits, including paid vacation and wellness days, as well as other incentives for eligible employees.
The estimated salary for this role will be within the following range: $125000-150000 CAD annually. Candidates whose compensation expectations fall outside of the posted range are still encouraged to apply. We recognize that each candidate brings unique skills and experience, and compensation will be discussed throughout the recruitment process.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
At Canadian Industries Limited (CIL), we are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities free from discrimination.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. Accommodation requests will be handled confidentially and respectfully.
We don’t use AI in our recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team.
