Operations Supervisor

About the role

Lead the overall manufacturing responsibilities for a team of approximately 8–12 operators on a 12-hour rotating shift, ensuring production activities are completed safely, efficiently, and within budget and output targets. This role has full ownership for leading a safe, quality-focused, and operationally driven shift that delivers against company Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), customer requirements, and site objectives.

Build an enthusiastic, motivated, and flexible team while championing HSE, Quality, Productivity, and Continuous Improvement expectations across the operation.

Why join Drax?

At Drax, we’re not just generating power; we’re transforming it. We’re a diverse and committed team, working together to create a brighter, more sustainable future.

• A Clear Purpose: Be part of a company at the forefront of sustainable energy, making a real difference for the planet and our communities.
• Growth Opportunities: We believe in developing our people.
• Comprehensive Benefits: From day one, you’ll receive competitive wages, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and an RRSP matching plan to support your financial goals. You’ll also participate in a company bonus plan that rewards overall Drax performance and safety.
• A Supportive Team: Work in an environment where continuous learning is encouraged, and your contributions are valued. We’re a ‘can-do’ kind of place, empowering you to make informed decisions and do the right thing.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of 8–12 operations employees on a 12-hour rotating shift, ensuring the shift is safe, organized, accountable, and focused on achieving production and quality expectations.
• Champion the Drax Safety Program by encouraging and demonstrating safe work practices, proactively addressing near misses, and partnering with HSE to drive health, safety, and environmental improvements.
• Instill a quality-based culture throughout the manufacturing process while promoting high standards, accountability, teamwork, and operational discipline.
• Lead employee development, training, and cross-shift collaboration so team members are equipped to meet HSE, Quality, Productivity, and Continuous Improvement expectations.

Performance Management & Supervision

• Implement and manage shift KPIs, using production data, cost information, and operational reporting to identify priorities, resolve issues, and improve performance.
• Coach, provide feedback, troubleshoot challenges, and build strong working relationships with employees while fostering a motivated, flexible, and accountable team environment.
• Manage adequate staffing levels, organize work schedules, review vacation requests, and ensure appropriate coverage for operational tasks across the shift.
• Partner with site leadership and HR to support recruitment, training, development, performance standards, and disciplinary processes at a practical level to drive improved team performance.

Operations

• Lead by example and consistently promote high standards for safety, quality, output, housekeeping, and operational discipline throughout the shift.
• Direct day-to-day production activities to ensure the shift meets company objectives, customer requirements, budget expectations, and output targets.
• Review production and operating reports, enter applicable work notifications, and partner with Maintenance to support predictive, preventative, autonomous, short-term, and long-term maintenance priorities.
• Use applicable systems to track costs, enter parts consumption, and support budget awareness and cost control in collaboration with site leadership.
• Identify deficiencies, support Lean manufacturing principles, and drive process improvements in training, working practices, OEE, quality, productivity, and operational performance across shifts.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Engineering, Operations, Technical, Maintenance, HSE, HR, and site leadership, to ensure optimal plant performance.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED certification, or equivalent, along with 10+ years of operations leadership experience; an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of operations leadership experience in a wood, pulp, paper, or manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite, work order systems, cost tracking tools, employee management systems, and operational reporting to support shift performance.
• Strong business acumen, adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across Operations and Maintenance to achieve results.
• Willing to work flexible hours, including extended hours, some weekends, some holidays, and a 12-hour rotating shift schedule.
• Able to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks for extended periods, including lifting, walking, working at heights, climbing, pushing, twisting, and stooping.

Benefits

• Competitive wages
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• RRSP matching plan
• Company bonus plan that rewards overall Drax performance and safety

Schedule

• 12-hour rotating shift
• Flexible hours, including extended hours, some weekends, and some holidays

Culture

Our culture is built on a few core beliefs that guide everything we do:

• We care about what matters: We support each other to achieve important goals.
• We’re a can-do kind of place: We’re empowered to make informed decisions and do what’s right.
• We see things differently: We share insights, search for new ideas, and innovate.
• We listen carefully: We ensure everyone feels heard and valued.
• We do what we say we’ll do: We are proactive, committed, and reliable.