Senior Operational Leader

Description:

Clutch, Canada’s largest online buyer and seller of cars, is looking for a National Director Inspection Center Execution & Operational Performance to lead the company’s nationwide vehicle production infrastructure. This senior leadership role is responsible for strategic execution, operational performance, standardization, and consistency across all Inspection and Reconditioning Centers (IRCs).

The role oversees throughput efficiency, quality assurance at scale, inventory flow management, and WIP (Work-in-Progress) control, while also managing a national Blitz Team for site launches, peak accelerations, and rapid interventions. The position requires a proven operations leader with expertise in multi-site management, lean principles, Six Sigma, production control systems, and enterprise-level coordination.

This is a high-impact role for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment and can inspire excellence across geographically distributed teams.

Key Responsibilities

National IRC Operations Oversight

• Lead and ensure the operational integrity of all Inspection & Reconditioning Centers (IRCs) across Canada.

• Standardize execution frameworks to prevent inefficiencies and performance drift.

• Develop site-level execution strategies aligned with national priorities.

• Maintain health metrics visibility through structured reporting and escalation systems.

Production Network Execution & Inventory Control

• Own vehicle throughput optimization and WIP inventory management nationwide.

• Ensure timely processing aligned with SLAs and readiness timelines.

• Implement systems for real-time inventory tracking and issue resolution.

KPI Ownership & Operational Performance

• Define, track, and enforce KPIs such as cost-per-unit, cycle times, takt times, readiness timelines, and WIP.

• Drive a culture of accountability, fiscal discipline, and continuous improvement.

Leadership of Regional & Site Management

• Lead Regional Production Managers (RPMs) and Site Production Managers (SPMs).

• Provide talent development, succession planning, and leadership coaching.

• Conduct performance reviews and enforce corrective measures as needed.

Operational Standardization & Process Integrity

• Enforce Clutch’s SOPs and quality control measures across all IRCs.

• Perform root cause analysis to address process deviations.

• Integrate lean, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies.

Blitz Team Leadership

• Manage a specialized Blitz Team for IRC launches, production surges, and rapid interventions.

• Define staffing models, activation criteria, and engagement protocols.

Daily & Weekly Operational Cadence

• Govern structured forums such as morning standups, daily throughput reviews, weekly KPI calls, and escalation reviews.

• Ensure timely, standardized, and actionable reporting.

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Partner with logistics, central inventory, customer experience, engineering, and analytics teams.

• Ensure SLA alignment, dependency management, and seamless integration.

Workforce Stability, Safety & Compliance

• Collaborate with HR and site leadership to maintain staffing stability and shift coverage.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and labor regulations.

• Foster a culture of inclusion, safety, and operational discipline.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).

• 10+ years in senior leadership roles across production, logistics, or operations.

• Strong track record in multi-site management, production control, and operational optimization.

• Expertise in process standardization, quality systems, KPI management, and lean principles.

• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to lead distributed teams and maintain cultural alignment.

• Strong interpersonal influence with ability to engage executives and frontline staff alike.

Why Join Clutch

• Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of car buying and selling in Canada.

• Career Growth: Join a rapidly expanding company with opportunities for advancement.

• Team: Work with passionate, talented, and collaborative colleagues.

• Compensation: Strong package including salary, equity, and benefits.