General Manager & Vice President of Manufacturing
Trenton, Nova Scotia
Hawthorne Recruitment is proud to partner with Eastcut Wood Building Solutions, a key member of the Macklan Group of Companies. The Macklan Group is dedicated to building stronger communities through innovation, integration, and operational excellence. Its diverse portfolio—including DORA Construction, Eastcut Wood Building Solutions, and Somerled Properties—reflects a shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement. Specializing in modular construction and the manufacturing of wood building components, Eastcut is poised to redefine modern building practices and deliver impactful solutions across Atlantic Canada and beyond.
On behalf of Eastcut Wood Building Solutions, we are seeking a Vice President, Manufacturing to join their leadership team. This pivotal role will shape Eastcut’s manufacturing operations, leading a team committed to safety, quality, productivity, and innovation. It requires a strategic builder who emphasizes the development of systems and structures to drive output and success. Reporting to senior leadership, this position requires a hands-on, strategic thinker who thrives in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will have the vision and expertise to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement while fostering collaboration across the organization. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the business and the communities it serves.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that aligns with Eastcut’s growth objectives and commitment to continuous improvement. Emphasize establishing foundational systems and structures that support long-term manufacturing success. Collaborate with executive leadership to define KPIs, allocate budgets, and drive operational excellence.
Operational Excellence
Implement Lean manufacturing principles to streamline production processes, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance quality. Develop data-driven dashboards to guide decision-making and support long-term improvements. Standardize processes and document best practices to ensure sustainable operations.
Team Leadership
Take a hands-on approach by being present on the shop floor, fully understanding operations and building genuine relationships with supervisors, line leads, and operators. This approach is crucial for building effective systems that drive team engagement and operational output. Lead with empathy, inspiring trust, collaboration, and accountability while identifying and developing high-potential talent. Cultivate a culture of innovation, trust, and shared purpose, remaining visible and thoughtful to bridge strategy with practical action. Ensure every team member feels valued and connected to the mission of building stronger communities.
Collaboration
Partner with procurement to optimize inventory management and material flow. Work closely with engineering and design teams to ensure seamless transitions from concept to production. Coordinate with sales, finance, and other Macklan Group entities to align on planning, budgeting, and capacity management.
Quality & Compliance
Oversee quality control programs to ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations. Champion a culture of continuous improvement and accountability by establishing performance boards and tracking progress.
Qualifications
● Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field
● Minimum of 10 years of experience in experience, ideally in volumetric and modular designs, structural system components and mass timber
● Proven expertise in implementing Lean methodologies and driving operational transformations
● Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and align teams
● Hands-on approach with a proven ability to thrive in dynamic environments
● Familiarity with production metrics, ERP/MRP systems, and process optimization
If you are an entrepreneurial results-oriented professional with a passion for manufacturing innovation and building stronger communities, we invite you to apply. Please submit your application to Hawthorne Recruitment, where we are committed to making matches made meaningful.