Operations Manager

Join Swish as an Operations Manager

About Swish:
Swish is a proudly Canadian, family-owned company that has been operating since 1956. From coast to coast, we help communities feel confident that the spaces where they work and live are clean, safe, and hygienic. We are Canada’s source for high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment, offering professional-grade, environmentally responsible solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. Our product and service categories include: Hand Hygiene, Surface Disinfecting, Kitchen, Laundry & Warewash, Floor Care & Matting, Cleaning Tools & Powered Equipment, Safety, PPE, and more. At Swish, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role:
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all day-to-day branch operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity, safety, and profitability across all departments. This includes Warehouse Operations, Inventory Control, Shipping & Receiving, Fleet, Customer Service, Order Desk, Service, Drivers, and General Office functions.

This role requires strong warehouse leadership experience, hands-on operational knowledge, and the ability to drive continuous improvement. The Operations Manager leads by example, promotes a safety-first culture, and ensures high service standards while maintaining compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership

• Lead and oversee daily branch operations to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and exceptional customer service
• Coordinate warehouse, delivery, customer service, and accounts receivable functions to optimize overall performance
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement strategies to improve productivity, service levels, and profitability
• Identify and implement process improvements to drive operational efficiency and cost control
• Uphold and enforce quality standards and customer service expectations across all departments

Warehouse & Fleet Oversight

• Ensure safe, efficient warehouse operations including shipping, receiving, and inventory control
• Oversee fleet operations, including vehicle maintenance, equipment upkeep, and repair coordination
• Maintain strict adherence to forklift/lift truck safety standards
• Verify all material handling equipment operators are properly trained and certified
• Conduct and document regular safety inspections and address corrective actions promptly

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, onboard, train, performance-manage, and mentor team members
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and support ongoing employee development
• Lead monthly staff meetings to review performance, safety, and operational updates
• Foster a positive, accountable, and results-driven workplace culture

Administrative & Financial Oversight

• Facilitate payroll reporting, monitor attendance, and manage time-off requests
• Ensure accurate cash balancing and investigate/approve discrepancies
• Review and approve branch-level expenses in alignment with budget expectations
• Communicate procedural updates, policy changes, and documentation requirements clearly and consistently

Compliance & Safety

• Champion a strong safety-first culture across the branch
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation and company policies
• Report safety concerns, incidents, and corrective actions as required
• Ensure all required employee training is current, including WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG), Health & Safety, DIRTFT, and equipment certifications
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment

Customer & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, and partners
• Support account development and retention efforts
• Professionally resolve escalated customer concerns in a timely and solutions-focused manner

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned
• Provide operational support as needed, including acting as back-up in warehouse, delivery, installations, or other functional areas to ensure business continuity

Working Conditions:

• Work performed primarily in an office and warehouse environment
• Exposure to seasonal temperature variations (heat in summer, cold in winter)
• Occasional outdoor work (loading/unloading, exterior maintenance)
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs; heavier loads with assistance)
• Moderate to high noise levels from warehouse equipment and vehicles
• Regular use of material handling equipment (forklifts, power walkies, pump trucks, order pickers)
• Must wear required PPE (safety footwear, high-visibility vest, gloves, etc.)
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods
• May require extended hours during peak periods

What You Bring:
Experience:

• 3–5+ years of warehouse operations leadership experience required
• Demonstrated experience operating forklifts/lift trucks (required)
• Valid forklift/lift truck certification preferred
• Strong knowledge of inventory control, shipping & receiving, and fleet coordination
• Proven leadership and team management experience
• Experience managing payroll, scheduling, and branch-level financial controls
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Technical Skills:

• Tech-savvy with strong computer skills
• Experience with ERP/WMS systems preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite
• Comfortable using digital reporting tools and performance dashboards

Core Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• High level of accountability and professionalism
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Strategic thinking with hands-on operational execution

Education:

• Minimum Grade 12 diploma
• Post-secondary education in Business, Operations Management, or related field considered an asset

Requirements:

• Valid Class G driver’s license
• Acceptable driver’s abstract

Job Details & What We Offer

A people-first company

• Membership in the Swish family — we treat our employees with integrity and have since 1956

The role

• Location: Barrie, Ontario (On-Site)
• Salary Range: $65,000 to $80,000 annually
• Variable compensation: Annual performance bonus eligibility
• Vacation: Starting at 3 weeks

Benefits from Day 1

• Company-paid Extended Health & Dental Care
• Company contributions to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Extras that matter

• Rewards & Recognition program that celebrates great work and meaningful contributions
• Access to hundreds of employee discounts across home, wellness, travel, fashion, and more
• Unlimited training and development with an industry-leading brand to help you grow your career

Role Information:
Existing vacancy

Equal Opportunity
Swish is an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive compensation and benefits package, along with excellent opportunities for professional development and advancement within a growing Canadian organization.

Accessibility & Accommodation
Swish is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment and workplace experience in accordance with applicable human rights and accessibility legislation across Canada. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process. Applicants requiring accommodation may contact Human Resources at any stage.

Pre-Employment Screening
Swish is committed to maintaining a safe and secure work environment. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to complete background screening, including criminal record checks where permitted by law and where relevant to the position, or where required by client sites. For roles involving the operation of a company motor vehicle, a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driver’s abstract will also be required.

AI Disclosure
Swish uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in the initial screening and assessment of applications. AI is used only as a support tool; no hiring decisions are made solely by automated systems. All final hiring decisions are made by a human. We are committed to a hiring process that maintains the highest integrity and prioritizes a fair, positive experience for every candidate.