Director of Operations - Eastern Canada

About the Role

COBS Bread is seeking a Director of Operations for Eastern Canada, based in Toronto, Ontario. Reporting to the Senior Director, Operations for Prairies and Eastern Canada, this key leadership role involves overseeing the regional operational teams. The main objectives include coaching Area Managers, driving bakery sales growth, ensuring adherence to COBS brand standards, boosting profitability, executing the strategic plan, and supporting the expansion of the franchise network.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentor Area Managers on effective franchise relationship management to nurture trust, align goals, and encourage positive change.
• Promote a team culture that reflects COBS’ strategic vision.
• Serve as a resource for Area Managers addressing daily operational issues in the region.
• Organize regular meetings and events to enhance team cohesion and collaboration.
• Achieve targeted sales growth across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with Area Managers to create and accomplish monthly plans aimed at improving customer experience and bakery development.
• Ensure campaign goals are met by Area Managers for their bakeries.
• Provide accurate sales forecasting and regional expense budgeting on an annual basis.
• Review monthly MFS reports alongside Area Managers and implement necessary action plans.
• Execute COBS brand standards and assist Area Managers in consistent bakery-level implementation.
• Coordinate with various team members to assess and mitigate business risks through targeted actions.
• Lead change management efforts while carrying out the company’s strategic plan.
• Undertake additional assigned projects and tasks.

Candidate Requirements

• Energetic and positive individual with a talent for quickly establishing trust and meaningful relationships.
• At least 5 years in a senior management position, with a minimum of 5 years in a similar role; experience in franchising preferred.
• Degree or diploma in business administration or related field.
• Understanding of retail sales and small business operations.
• Ability to manage work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership skills with experience in team building and managing.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-driven and capable of working autonomously without supervision.
• Competent in financial analysis and translating strategy into actionable objectives.
• Ability to drive both sales growth and profitability.
• Experience developing and implementing long-term plans aligning with franchisee and corporate objectives.
• Successful in introducing new initiatives and promoting their adoption across the network.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Influential leader capable of effecting ongoing improvements.
• Comfortable managing multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict mediation skills.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary and vacation entitlement.
• Both individual and company-wide bonus programs.
• Comprehensive Extended Health & Dental benefits, Group RRSP Matching, and Flexible Spending Account.
• Paid sick and personal leave.
• One paid day dedicated to community service or volunteer activities.
• Supportive environment emphasizing continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement.
• Engage with a passionate, driven, close-knit, and enjoyable team.
• High levels of autonomy and responsibility.

About COBS Bread

With more than 180 locations, COBS Bread distributes fresh, high-quality baked goods to Canadian communities. Unsold items are regularly donated to local charities and food banks. The brand is known for outstanding products, nurturing its employees, and delivering friendly customer experiences.

COBS Bread operates under Bakers Delight, established in 1980 in Australia and New Zealand, expanding since 2003 into Canada and the USA with over 700 bakeries and a workforce exceeding 15,000 people serving over 2.1 million customers weekly.

Core Values

• Bring Passion and Purpose: Connect deeply to the mission, contributing meaningfully to teams, customers, and the community.
• Be Open and Honest: Communicate with clarity, respect, and transparency, fostering a safe space for dialogue and ideas.
• Make it Better: Strive for continual improvement in work, customer experience, and personal growth by adopting a learning mindset.
• Take Ownership: Accept accountability for outcomes, own responsibilities beyond tasks, and follow through on commitments.

Accessibility

Accommodations are available upon request for applicants and employees with disabilities to ensure equitable hiring and workplace processes. Confidentiality of accommodation information is ensured.

Note: Only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.