Labsurface is a proud Mercador award winner and three-time Mercuriades laureate, recognized for SME of the Year, International Market Development, and Manufacturing Excellence a testament to our exceptional growth and international success. We have an historical average annual growth rate of 36% and are planning to triple (3X) our sales over the next five years organically and through a strategic acquisition and preparing to deploy our Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) platform internationally as we expand.
WHY LABSURFACE: A Culture Built for High Performers
At Labsurface, culture is not a slogan. It is how decisions are made, how teams operate, and how growth happens.
Under the leadership of Jonathan Gagnon, Labsurface is building a culture centered around:
Ownership & Accountability We value people who take responsibility, move fast, solve problems, and drive results without waiting for direction. Strong execution and attention to detail are not optional, they are the baseline.
Performance & Operational Excellence We believe high growth requires high standards. Precision, rigor, and results orientation are expected at every level of the organization. We measure what matters and hold ourselves accountable to it.
Entrepreneurial Mindset We encourage leaders who think like builders, people who challenge the status quo, identify opportunities, and create scalable solutions. We reward initiative, not inertia.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement Innovation is not limited to products. We continuously improve systems, processes, operations, and the way we work together because standing still is falling behind.
Direct & Transparent Communication We value clarity, honesty, and constructive conversations. Alignment and trust are built through open communication, fast decision-making, and the courage to say what needs to be said.
Team Alignment We move as one. Individual performance matters, but sustainable growth is built on teams that share a common direction, communicate openly, and execute together with discipline and cohesion.
Impact & Visibility At Labsurface, strong performers are seen. Your work directly influences strategic decisions, operational performance, and the future direction of the company.
This is an environment for people who want to contribute meaningfully, think strategically, and help build something bigger.
We operate in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment where priorities evolve quickly and where accountability matters.
If you are motivated by growth, ownership, meaningful contribution, and the opportunity to help build something ambitious, Labsurface can be an exceptional place to grow and create impact.
This may not suit everybody, but it suits us and has led to numerous achievement awards.
The Role
We are looking for a US Operations Director to lead our Connecticut-based manufacturing facility and oversee all US operational activities. This is a hands-on leadership role — you will lead a team of direct reports, drive a post-acquisition integration, and spearhead the development of a new, larger manufacturing facility.
You will report to the VP Operations in Canada and lead through two direct reports: a Plant Manager (daily production execution) and a Director of Strategic Projects (facility build-out and transformation). You are the single point of accountability for everything that happens operationally in the US.
What You Will Do
Post-Acquisition Integration
- Lead the on-site integration of the acquired US operation into Labsurface’s systems and standards, including a physical inventory count, equipment assessment, and staff onboarding.
- Conduct structured walkthroughs and staff interviews to document current manufacturing procedures, identify bottlenecks, and understand what drives the facility’s competitive lead times.
- Coordinate the transition of raw material purchasing to our Montreal team within the first 60 days.
- Support the migration of all US operations onto NetSuite ERP — target go-live within 90 days of start.
- Serve as the primary Labsurface representative on-site, ensuring employees feel informed and supported throughout the transition.
Operational Performance
- Report weekly and monthly on production output, fill rate, and order-to-ship lead time to VP Operations Canada.
- Ensure the facility maintains goal of order fill rate within 2 days while transitioning to Labsurface.
- Monitor and follow KPI dashboards and governance for production, quality, safety, and inventory; run structured weekly performance reviews with your leadership team.
- Identify and close performance gaps through data-driven corrective action.
Team Leadership
- Lead, coach, and evaluate two direct reports: a Plant Manager and a Director of Strategic Projects.
- Define clear roles, decision-making authority, and communication cadence across the US team.
- Identify staffing gaps as the operation scales — including QC, additional production staff, and logistics support — and lead hiring in coordination with HR.
- Build very intentionally a performance culture grounded in accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
New Facility Development
- Own the overall accountability for the development of a new, larger US manufacturing facility — budget, timeline, and outcome.
- Be active on the definition of the facility requirements: square footage, electrical capacity, and location based on logistics, labor market, and proximity to key customers.
- Validate key decisions on site selection, layout, capacity planning, and equipment investment in coordination with the VP Operations, CFO and CEO.
- Be the contact with a real estate broker and manage cross-functional coordination with legal, finance, and HR on the project.
- Order long-lead equipment early to avoid ramp-up delays.
ERP & Process Standardization
- Drive the full migration of US operations onto NetSuite, including raw materials, BOMs, and finished goods.
- Align US production workflows, QA procedures, and reporting standards with Labsurface’s existing processes.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing production cost per gallon and raw material waste.
- Coordinate with R&D and production planning in Montreal on raw material optimization and formula validation for US products.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Conduct a full HSE assessment of the facility within the first 60 days and develop a structured improvement plan.
- Designate and train an on-site safety representative; build and lead a Safety Committee.
- Ensure full OSHA compliance; maintain DOT Hazmat certifications for applicable shipments.
Cross-Functional Collaboration with Canada
- Serve as the primary bridge between the US facility and all Montreal-based functions: HR, purchasing, logistics, R&D, and IT.
- Participate in weekly integration check-ins and provide clear status updates on all US workstreams.
What We Are Looking For
Experience
- 10+ years in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Director of Operations, or equivalent).
- Direct experience in the chemical, coatings, or resinous flooring industry strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing a post-acquisition integration or a major operational transformation.
- Hands-on ERP experience.
- Experience building or significantly expanding a manufacturing facility.
- Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement background.
- OSHA 30 certification; DOT Hazmat familiarity an asset.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Operations Management, or a related field.
Who You Are
- An operator first. Comfortable on the plant floor, not just in the boardroom. You can spot a production problem before it becomes a crisis.
- A builder. This role is about creating structure, processes, and culture from the ground up in a growing operation.
- Highly accountable. You run the US operation with autonomy and communicate proactively — no one needs to chase you for updates.
- A strong cross-cultural communicator. You bridge a US plant team with a Canadian head office and executive team.
- Comfortable with ambiguity. The early months will require rapid assessment and confident decision-making with incomplete information.
What We Offer
- A leadership role with real ownership.
- Direct access to the executive team (President & CEO, VP Operations, CFO) based in Canada.
- Competitive compensation package including base salary, performance bonus, and benefits.
- The opportunity to build and grow a US operation from an early stage, with the support of an established Canadian parent company.
- A collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where decisions are made quickly and good ideas are heard.
Pay: $180,000.00 - $205,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
Work Location: In person
