Job Description
Join Swish as an Operations ManagerAbout 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
Experience
What You Bring:
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
A People-first Company
Job Details & What We Offer
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.