Director of Operations

Director of OperationsPosition Overview:

Crazy Ape Extreme Equipment is not your average manufacturing company. We’re a thriving domestic manufacturer of high-performance trampolines, ninja courses, and climbing pads — trusted by elite athletes, celebrities, and performers worldwide. Our products are torture-tested (we’ve literally dropped cars on our trampolines to prove their strength), and we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of design and performance.

We’re looking for a Director of Operations who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. This isn’t a desk job — you’ll spend more than half your time on the shop floor, coaching your team, solving problems on the spot, and making sure workflows run smoothly. The rest of your time will be spent on planning, analysis, and continuous improvement projects that help scale the business.

This is a fun, unique opportunity — ideal for a technically minded leader or engineer who doesn’t want to be stuck behind a desk or on the tools full-time, but enjoys a mix of mentoring, problem solving, and operational leadership. Both owners of the company still work side-by-side with the team on the shop floor and will continue to lead cutting-edge research and development projects. The successful candidate will work alongside the owners to:

• Promote safety in the industry,
• Develop new ASTM Standards and internationally recognized training programs (with opportunities for international conference travel), and
• Collaborate with the owners and Sales Manager on managing the financial side of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead from the floor: Spend significant time on the production floor coaching your team, solving problems, and ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee daily manufacturing and facility operations, balancing big-picture planning with hands-on execution.
• Collaboration with Sales & Finance: Work closely with the Sales Manager and owners to align production schedules, manage costs, and make sound financial decisions.
• Team Development: Build a culture of accountability, efficiency, and safety. Lead, mentor, and inspire staff to take pride in their work and develop their skills.
• Facility Management & Maintenance: Ensure machinery, tools, and building systems are well-maintained and safe. Troubleshoot and coordinate preventive maintenance.
• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for operational improvement and implement solutions directly at the source.
• Inventory & Supply Chain: Manage raw materials and supplier relationships, ensuring uninterrupted production and cost-effective decision-making.
• Safety & Compliance: Uphold a safety-first environment, ensuring adherence to standards and regulations.
• Industry Involvement: Represent Crazy Ape in industry initiatives, supporting the creation of new ASTM Standards and training programs, with occasional international travel.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of operations or production management, preferably in metal fabrication, machinery, or other hands-on industries
• Proven ability to manage and develop teams of 12–20 in a manufacturing environment
• Strong technical aptitude with a practical understanding of equipment, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, and workflow optimization
• Track record of implementing process improvements (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred:

• Familiarity with CNC machine operations or related manufacturing technologies
• Experience with tools like Fusion 360 (CAD), Fulcrum (operations), and Shopify (e-commerce)
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field
• Passion for gymnastics, parkour, or extreme sports is an asset

Salary & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package tailored to the individual
• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a health spending account
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Why Join Crazy Ape?

At Crazy Ape, we don’t just manufacture equipment — we create extraordinary experiences. Our products are trusted by elite athletes, celebrities, and luxury home builders, and we’re proud to be building some of the most exciting recreational equipment in the world. From trampoline parks to high-end custom installs, no two days are ever the same.

We’re growing fast and positioned in a niche market with massive potential. Both company owners are still on the shop floor with the team, and this role is your chance to take the torch and shape the next chapter of Crazy Ape. You’ll also partner with ownership on industry-shaping work — promoting safety, developing standards, and helping build internationally recognized training programs. If you’re a hands-on leader who wants variety, excitement, and the chance to make a real impact, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Resumes can be sent to Luke@AAE.Group**.  Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada.**