Director of Operations - Mary's Meals Canada

The role: 

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a senior leader on the Canadian leadership team, the Director of Operations is Mary’s Meals Canada’s operational expert and people leader. 

You will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic vision and leading the execution of the operational strategy, ensuring excellence in systems, compliance, finance, HR, IT, and administration. 

You will focus on increasing efficiencies, reducing costs, and ensuring the smooth functioning of all operational areas. 

In addition, you will also be responsible for leading and managing Mary’s Meals Canada’s operations, ensuring that all systems, policies, and processes support organizational growth and sustainability. 

This includes oversight of finance, administrative support, HR, CRM and data systems, IT, legal compliance, governance, risk management, and events, as well as driving operational efficiency, building the infrastructure required for future growth, and ensuring organizational effectiveness across all functions, including annual audit oversight. 

Key responsibilities and activities: 

Strategy & Reporting 

• Work as a strategic partner as part of the senior leadership team.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement the MMC organizational strategy and operations within the approved financial plan and budget.
• Monitor and report on progress against operational strategies and respond to a changing environment and opportunities that arise.
• Develop and implement appropriate business systems and processes in support of the strategic plan.
• Advise the Executive Director on team and functional performance as required.
• Troubleshoot and develop strategies to address organizational challenges.
• Oversee the development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures to ensure compliance, consistency, and alignment with MMC’s mission and values.
• Ensure risk management, compliance, and governance frameworks are in place and adhered to.
• Oversee the design and implementation of robust operational KPIs, dashboards, and performance measurement tools to track organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure business continuity planning and risk management frameworks are in place and regularly updated.
• Develop long-range infrastructure and resource planning to support strategic growth. 

People & Program Leadership

• Recruit and induct skilled and experienced staff aligned to the vision, mission, and values.
• Embed the annual PDR process and champion the Mary’s Meals 7S competency model to ensure people know what is expected of them.
• Develop and implement a Learning & Development plan for staff.
• Lead and develop a high-performance team across operations and administration.
• Ensure PDRs are in place for all direct reports.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, support, and guidance to team.
• Oversee the HR function, including staff contracts, payroll, onboarding, and workplace policies.
• Ensure compliance with employment law and occupational health and safety standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement across all operational teams.
• Implement frameworks for talent development and succession planning within operations.
• Ensure effective collaboration across departments to align operational support with fundraising, communications, and program delivery.
• Lead and execute organizational events in collaboration with Fundraising and Communications, ensuring operational excellence, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with MMC’s mission and strategy.
• Oversee vendor, contractor, and partner relationships for efficiency and value. 

Financial & Operational Leadership 

• Oversee Administrator, Operations to ensure all operations, processes, database and content management and financial software are managed and executed with excellence.
• Manage the relationship with MMC’s external bookkeeping partner, to ensure governance, compliance with due diligence for grants, and adherence to financial regulations.
• Oversee the Administrator, Operations, who supports finance tasks such as banking, 

Desirable skills & experience required for this role: 

• Experience of leading a people function in a growing organization.
• Experience of working in a charity/international development sector.
• Ability to work effectively with cultural sensitivity, and with a wide range of people in different countries, cultures, and settings.
• Experience with digital transformation and data system migration (e.g., Salesforce, donor platforms, financial software).
• Knowledge of non-profit governance frameworks and board reporting.
• Experience in contract negotiation and vendor management. 

Qualifications Required: 

• University/College degree (or equivalent) in Operations Management, Project Management, or Business Administration.
• 10+ years in leadership with a focus on operations, finance oversight, compliance, and administration.
• Project management certification (PMP or similar) is an asset.
• HR, governance, or risk management training/certifications are an asset.

About us: 

Our mission, vision, and values are at the very heart of everything we do here at Mary’s Meals and working for Mary’s Meals Canada is so much more than a career opportunity, we offer the opportunity to support our global movement in a dynamic, flexible and inclusive environment with a focus on personal and professional development. We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. 

Mary’s Meals Canada is a National Affiliate organisation within the Mary’s Meals Network that raises vital funds and awareness of our mission. Our ambassadors in their communities across Canada play a key role in supporting grassroots fundraising initiatives, helping us raise the essential funds needed to provide over 3 million children with a nutritious school meal every day. 

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement. 

Salary: 85,000 CAD, plus 8% contribution in lieu of pension, health benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate). 

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, email info.canada@marysmeals.org your CV and a cover letter telling us why you want to join Mary’s Meals and why you would make a great Director of Operations here at Mary’s Meals Canada.

Closing date is Tuesday 7th October 2025.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.