Head of Operations Research & Advanced Mathematical Modelling

About Kinaxis

Are you looking to join an innovative, market-leading company where you can truly elevate your career? At Kinaxis we are serious about culture, we are serious about technology, we are serious about customers, and we are serious about not taking ourselves too seriously. If you are looking to be part of an incredible growth story, then we might just be the place for you!

In 1984, we started out as a team of three engineers. Today, we have grown to become a global organization with over 2000 employees around the world, 6 global office and a best-in-class HQ in Ottawa, Canada. As winners of several Top Employer awards globally, we are proud to work with our customers and employees towards solving some of the biggest challenges facing supply chains today.

Kinaxis is a global leader in modern supply chain orchestration, powering complex global supply chains, and supporting the people who manage them. Our powerful, AI infused platform provides full transparency and visibility across end-to-end supply chains, enabling our customers to make faster, better decisions. We are trusted by renowned global brands to provide the agility and predictability needed to navigate today’s volatility and disruption. With more than 40,000 users in over 100 countries, we are expanding our team as we continue to innovate and revolutionize how we support our customers.

Location

Ottawa and Toronto, Canada - Hybrid

Other Canadian and USA locations - Remote

About the role

Kinaxis is seeking a Head of Operations Research & Advanced Mathematical Modelling to lead a team of Architects, Algorithm Developers, and Operations Research specialists focused on solving complex supply chain challenges through optimization, machine learning, advanced analytics, and mathematical modelling.

This role combines people leadership, technical leadership, and strategic influence. You will develop and grow a high-performing team, drive innovation across the organization, and help shape the future of Kinaxis solutions through the application of advanced decision science, optimization, and AI/ML techniques.

Vacancy Status

This is an existing job vacancy

What you will do

• Provide technical leadership in optimization, machine learning, mathematical modelling, simulation, and algorithm development.
• Guide the design and application of advanced analytical techniques to solve complex customer and product challenges.
• Influence technical strategy and architectural direction for planning, optimization, and decision intelligence capabilities across the platform.
• Partner with Product Management, Engineering, and customer-facing teams to identify innovative approaches to solving real-world supply chain problems.
• Lead research, experimentation, and prototyping efforts that explore emerging technologies and inform future product capabilities.
• Act as a recognized subject matter expert and trusted advisor for optimization, AI/ML, and advanced modelling across the organization.
• Champion scalable, maintainable, and production-ready approaches that balance innovation with business impact.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of Architects, Algorithm Developers, and Operations Research specialists.
• Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing.
• Drive talent acquisition, workforce planning, performance management, and career development.
• Establish the vision, priorities, and operating model for the Advanced Mathematical Modelling function.

What we are looking for

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing technical teams.
• Deep expertise in Operations Research, optimization, machine learning, mathematical modelling, decision science, algorithm development, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated success applying advanced analytical techniques to solve complex business and customer challenges.
• Experience defining technical vision, influencing strategic direction, and driving adoption of innovative solutions across an organization.
• Strong ability to lead through influence and collaborate across Product Management, Engineering, and customer-facing teams.
• Track record of coaching and developing senior technical talent, including architects and technical specialists.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organizational leadership skills.
• Advanced degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Industrial Engineering, or a related field is an asset.

#Director; #LI-EM1

Work With Impact: Our platform directly helps companies power the world’s supply chains. We see the results of what we do out in the world every day, when we see store shelves stocked, when medications are available for our loved ones, and so much more.

Work with Fortune 500 Brands: Companies across industries trust us to help them take control of their integrated business planning and digital supply chain. Some of our customers include Lockheed Martin, Unilever, P&G, ExxonMobil, Cisco and more.

Social Responsibility at Kinaxis: Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee weighs in on hiring practices, talent assessment training materials, and mandatory training on unconscious bias and inclusion fundamentals. Sustainability is key to what we do and we’re committed to a long-term net-zero operations strategy. We are involved in our communities and support causes where we can make the most impact.

People matter at Kinaxis and here are some of the perks and benefits we offer, which may vary by location and employee:

• Flexible vacation and Kinaxis Days (company-wide days off)
• Flexible work options
• Physical and mental well-being programs
• Regularly scheduled virtual fitness classes
• Mentorship programs, training, and career development
• Recognition programs and referral rewards
• Hackathons

For more information, visit the Kinaxis website at www.kinaxis.com or the company’s blog at http://blog.kinaxis.com.

Kinaxis welcomes candidates to apply to our inclusive community. We provide accommodations upon request to ensure fairness and accessibility throughout our recruitment process for all candidates, including those with specific needs or disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please reach out to us at [email protected]. This contact information is for accessibility requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Kinaxis is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process. We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the initial step of the recruitment process to compare submitted resumes against the job description to identify candidates whose education, experience, and skills most closely match the requirements of the role. After the initial screening, all subsequent decisions regarding your application, including final selection, are made by our human recruitment team. AI does not make any final hiring decisions.