Director of Operations

Job Description

ABOUT BESTLIFE HOMES BestLife Homes is an energetic, people-centred construction company with a pipeline of projects throughout Muskoka and Parry Sound. As the company enters its next chapter of growth, BestLife Homes is seeking a seasoned Director of Operations to help build the systems, culture, and capacity required to scale with excellence. This is a rare opportunity to step into a foundational leadership role at a point of deliberate, well-managed growth. The Director of Operations will work closely with the principles to shape the company into a more resilient, process-driven, and high-performing organization — without losing the agility and personal touch that define the company today. The right candidate brings operational depth, construction industry experience, and the leadership maturity to build teams and systems from the ground up. You are someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, makes sound decisions under pressure, and leads by example in the field as much as at the table. THE OPPORTUNITY This is a rare opportunity to step into a foundational leadership role at a point of deliberate, well-managed growth. The Director of Operations will work closely with the Principal to shape BestLife Homes into a more resilient, process-driven, and high-performing organization — without losing the agility and personal touch that define the company today. The right candidate brings operational depth, construction industry experience, and the leadership maturity to build teams and systems from the ground up. You are someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, makes sound decisions under pressure, and leads by example in the field as much as at the table. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Operational Leadership • Oversee day-to-day operations across all active projects, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and to the highest standards or quality, durability and sustainability. • Establish and refine operational workflows, project management systems, and reporting structures. • Identify operational bottlenecks and implement sustainable solutions that support growth • Manage resource allocation across projects, trades, and suppliers. Team Development & Culture • Recruit, onboard, and develop supervisors, project coordinators, and administrative staff • Foster a high-accountability, safety-first, quality-driven culture at every level of the organization • Conduct performance reviews and implement/maintain professional development programs • Serve as a key people leader — coaching, mentoring, and holding the team to high standards with empathy and clarity Project Oversight & Quality Assurance • Maintain visibility across all active project sites, ensuring compliance with plans, building codes, and permit requirements • Collaborate with project teams, including colleagues, consultants, subcontractors, authorities and clients. • Implement quality control processes that reduce deficiencies, callbacks, and rework • Oversee project documentation, scheduling, and change management protocols Financial & Business Performance • Manage project budgets, track variances, and report to the principals on financial performance • Support the development of estimates, proposals, and scope-of-work documentation • Identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising quality or safety • Oversee procurement, subcontractor relationships, and vendor agreements • Implement a routine of management summary reporting and concise stakeholder briefings Compliance, Safety & Risk Management • Ensure full compliance with Ontario Building Code, occupational health and safety regulations (OHSA), and the Employment Standards Act. • Maintain and continually advance BestLife’s health and safety program • Manage risk proactively — flagging issues early and developing mitigation strategies • Liaise with consultants, inspectors, and regulatory bodies Strategic Growth Support • Partner with the principals to identify and evaluate new business opportunities and service expansions • Develop scalable infrastructure — people, systems, and processes — to support sustainable growth • Contribute to strategic planning, annual goal-setting, and organizational development QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Required • 8+ years of progressive experience in residential and commercial construction management • Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional teams in a construction or trades environment • Strong working knowledge of Ontario Building Code, OHSA, ESA, and municipal planning and permit approval processes • Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities • Financial literacy — ability to read, interpret, and manage project budgets, P&L reports, General Ledgers and Financial Statements. • Exceptional communication skills — written, verbal, and interpersonal • Valid Ontario driver’s licence and willingness to travel to project sites across the Muskoka / Parry Sound region Preferred • MBA, P.Eng., CET, PMP, or Gold Seal Certification (or equivalent designation) • Experience with multi-residential and commercial construction, adaptive reuse, or infill development • Established relationships within the Muskoka / Huntsville construction and trades community • Proficiency with project management and estimating software (Procore, Buildertrend or equivalent). Advanced knowledge of construction scheduling processes, look-ahead planning, milestone preparation and achievements. • Experience working directly with carpentry staff, suppliers and subcontractors, consultants, municipal building authorities and clients. WHAT BESTLIFE HOMES OFFERS • A pivotal leadership role with real autonomy and genuine influence over the company’s direction • A collaborative, trust-based relationship with experienced, hands-on principals • Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience. Opportunities for performance bonuses, profit sharing, equity stakes or synthetic equity arrangements. • Opportunity to build and shape a team, culture, and systems from a strong foundation • A company with a strong local reputation, loyal client base, and clear growth trajectory • Work grounded in a community you can be proud of — Muskoka’s people and landscape HOW TO APPLY Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining their relevant experience and leadership philosophy to: ben@bestlifehomes.ca Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early submission. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. BestLife Homes is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.