Operations Recruiters | Operations Executive Search

Canadian operations industry insights

LNG Canada produced its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export in Kitimat in June 2025, marking a major operational milestone (source).
Canadian industries operated at 80.1 percent capacity in the first quarter of 2025, the highest level in two years (source).
Canada’s manufacturing PMI rose to 46.1 in May 2025 but remained in contraction amid tariff delays (source).
The enhanced SR&ED refundable tax credit, effective June 2025, boosts the eligible spending ceiling to CAD 4.5 million (source).
Manufacturing sales declined by 1.3 percent in May 2025, signalling near-term operational caution (source).

Your operations recruitment agency

The lifeblood of every business

A career in Operations relates to the flow of goods, information, and money throughout an organization; it encompasses finance, marketing, and accounting. Candidates and employers are best served by working with a qualified Recruiting Consultant.

Business strategy, acquisition and allocation of resources, production planning, product quality, and distribution are the pillars of Operations. In the past five years, the field has changed dramatically. Effective Supply Chain Management and better Customer User Experience now dominate the business goals of Operations executives.

As recruiters who have devoted almost 20 years to the Operations field, we have observed the impact of digital disruption to Operations. The use of Artificial Intelligence, ICT strategies, algorithms, robotics, and data science are becoming integral to successful firms.

Over the years we have placed dozens of candidates in established firms as well as start-ups. Lock Search Group is perhaps the best-networked search firm in the Operations field today.

We fill a variety of operations roles

Continuous Improvement Manager
Director of Manufacturing
Director of Plant Operations
Lean Manufacturing Leader

Maintenance Manager
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Manager
Manufacturing Supervisor

Materials Manager
Plant Manager
Production Manager
Quality Control/Quality Assurance

Why choose Lock Search Group

Track record of success

Since day one, our formula for success has been simple: care deeply, and deliver. We know that your next hire could be the one who changes everything for your team, and we pride ourselves on helping you close the deal with the talent who can take you to the next level.

Our founder’s entrepreneurial grit reaches from coast to coast, and you can expect the same delivery-driven, passionately-proven partnership in any one of the Lock team’s 12 offices. With consultants who boast average tenures of a decade or more, we’re not messing around –– we’re here to make the match that measures up.

Leaders and listeners

What is your story, and what’s the story behind it? Our client-centric focus puts you and your specific goals firmly at the heart of our search process. We’re here to listen.

You’ll receive an individual action plan when you work with Lock, and we’ll be right on the same page every step of the way: what we will do, how you’ll see it happen, and when to expect results will all be clearly defined from the very beginning.

Industry-savvy insiders

We’ve been building incredible teams at Lock since 1983. In that time, we’ve crafted a strong network of business leaders, decision makers, and influencers.

But that’s only half of the story. Our recruiters make genuine connections because they’ve lived their industries, and they understand the field’s unique nuances, needs, and subtleties from the inside out. No matter your business, the cutting edge is where you’ll find us.

Lock offers a range of services to meet your business needs

Lock Search Group’s distinctive “contained” executive search model combines the thoroughness of traditional retained search with performance-based accountability to deliver exceptional C-suite and senior leadership talent. Our proven three-phase methodology, led by experienced Senior Consultants and backed by dedicated industry-specific recruitment teams, ensures comprehensive coverage of the executive talent market. We leverage our national network and extensive research capabilities to track industry movements, mergers, acquisitions, and leadership changes, providing clients with real-time market intelligence. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles ensures we source the absolute best available talent without bias, maintaining a fair and equitable search process. Our track record speaks for itself, with successful placements including Board Members, CEOs, CFOs, Presidents, and numerous Vice Presidents across multiple functions and industries.

Our Retained Search service establishes an exclusive partnership with organizations seeking to fill critical senior and mid-level positions through a comprehensive, priority-based approach. By dedicating our full resources and attention to your search, we conduct extensive market mapping and develop robust talent pipelines that ensure access to the highest caliber candidates. Our team provides regular progress updates and detailed market intelligence reports, keeping you informed throughout the entire search process. We manage everything from initial candidate assessment through final offer negotiation, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for both clients and candidates. This service includes post-placement integration support to ensure successful onboarding and long-term success of placed candidates.

Our Contingency Search service offers a flexible, success-based recruiting solution designed to efficiently fill professional and technical positions with qualified talent. Organizations benefit from immediate access to our extensive candidate database and network, with payment required only upon successful placement. Our streamlined recruitment process focuses on quick response times and efficient candidate presentation, making it ideal for time-sensitive placements and organizations with variable hiring needs. We handle all aspects of the recruitment process, from initial screening through offer negotiation, while maintaining the flexibility to work alongside other agencies if desired. This results-driven approach ensures we remain highly motivated to identify and secure the right talent for your organization while minimizing your upfront investment.