Job Description

Position: Director of Advertising Operations & Innovation
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Toronto, ON (Remote)
The Company:
Postmedia is a Canadian news media company representing more than 130 brands across multiple print, online and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it.
This exceptional content, reach and scope offer advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. We are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team.
The Opportunity:
The Director of Advertising Operations & Innovation will be a pivotal leader responsible for transforming and optimizing the operational execution of advertising across print and digital platforms for our SMB division. The role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of media production workflows, a proven track record in leveraging technology, automation, and AI to drive efficiency, and a strategic mindset focused on enhancing both internal processes and client value. The ideal candidate will challenge existing paradigms, identify opportunities for innovation, and lead a multi-disciplinary team to achieve operational excellence in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
What you'll do:
Strategic Operational Leadership & Transformation: Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for advertising operations, with a strong emphasis on automation, process re-engineering, and the adoption of new technologies (including AI) to drive significant efficiencies and cost reductions across all workflows.
Automation & Innovation Champion: Identify, evaluate, and implement automation solutions and innovative technologies across print, digital, classified, and commercial print operations. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technological advancement within the team.
Process Optimization & Workflow Re-engineering: Conduct comprehensive reviews of current operational workflows, identify bottlenecks, and redesign processes for maximum efficiency, scalability, and quality. Example: Enhance CRM integration for streamlined order entry and improved data consistency.
Digital & Print Operations Oversight: Oversee the modernized daily operations of advertising production. Ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality execution, while actively seeking to automate routine tasks in layout, ad trafficking, classified, commercial print, special sections, magazines, and prepress.
Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a mature team of designers, ad coordinators, production staff, and digital operations personnel. Equip the team with the skills and tools necessary to embrace automation and future operational demands.
Vendor & Technology Management: Strategically manage department budget and vendor relationships, negotiating contracts with a focus on leveraging technology to reduce reliance on expensive outsourced services and drive cost-effectiveness.
Data-Driven Performance & Reporting: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational efficiency and ad performance. Utilize data analytics to inform strategic decisions and continuously optimize processes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with sales, product, editorial, and technology teams to ensure seamless integration of operational strategies with broader company goals, particularly in developing client-facing solutions.
Organizational Alignment Review: Proactively assess the current organizational structure of operations functions, recommending re-alignments where appropriate to optimize departmental synergies and overall business effectiveness.
Who you are:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Computer Science, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
7-10+ years of progressive experience in advertising production or operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role specifically focused on process improvement, automation, or technology implementation.
Proven experience driving significant operational efficiencies through automation, AI, or other technological solutions.
Strong understanding of media production workflows (print and digital) with a critical eye for disruption and modernization.
Familiarity with digital ad platforms (e.g., Google Ad Manager), CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), and an aptitude for learning and integrating new technologies.
Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills with a clear vision for the future of operations.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects, drive change, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with process mapping and re-engineering methodologies.
Knowledge of AI/ML applications in media operations.
Experience managing digital transformation projects.
Strong financial acumen and experience with budget optimization through technology.

Skills Required