Director of Operations

Job summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations, including safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. They will manage budgets, lead production teams, and implement lean manufacturing strategies to optimize operational efficiency.

Job details

At IEM, we’re not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we’re shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world’s most dynamic markets. IEM is seeking a Director of Operations to lead Integrated Products manufacturing in Surrey, B.C. This role owns safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, capacity, and team development across the assigned product lines. The ideal candidate is a hands-on operations leader with experience scaling complex, high-mix manufacturing environments, building strong leaders, implementing Lean operating systems, and ensuring disciplined daily execution. Please note: This position requires 100% in-office presence in our Surrey, B.C. offices and does not offer remote work. Key Responsibilities Responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing daily operations to ensure the company fulfills its mission of delivering quality products on schedule while meeting efficiency and productivity objectives. Oversee revenue and budgets (Investments, CapEX, etc.) Provide direction to the production team and establish strong collaboration with other departments, including EHS, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Process Improvement, HR, and Finance, to facilitate production flow and achieve established goals. Plan, organize, and direct manufacturing and maintenance operations to maximize the return on assets. Continuously improve safety performance by addressing both physical safety concerns and fostering a strong safety culture among employees. Initiate plans and processes to minimize manufacturing costs through efficient utilization of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials, and capital. Ensure business objectives and production schedules are met while maintaining product standards that exceed customer expectations. Implement manufacturing strategies and action plans that align with IEM’s strategic initiatives. Establish accountability at both the group and individual levels within assigned departments for problem-solving and cost reduction, addressing both long-term and immediate needs. Encourage innovation by promoting the use of new techniques and fact-based, data-driven problem-solving. Minimize throughput time and work-in-process inventory to enhance operational efficiency. Optimize manpower utilization within existing departments and processes. Maintain scheduling stability to maximize efficiency and resource utilization. Reduce quality costs through periodic analysis of non-conformances and implementing both corrective and preventive actions. Foster team spirit and motivation through personal involvement and leadership. Continuously improve worker productivity through training programs and performance standards derived from work measurement studies. Stay up to date with the latest production and production management concepts to maintain expertise and drive innovation. Establish a culture of continuous improvement and promote lean manufacturing practices. Ensure productivity targets are met and sustained. Coordinate maintenance activities to keep production equipment and facilities in optimal condition. Respond to special requests from the SVP of Operations, the Executive Team, and other departments as needed. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field required; master’s degree, MBA, or equivalent advanced education preferred. 10+ years of progressive manufacturing or operations experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles. Manufacturing Engineering (including M&I flow, Standard Operations, plant layout, waste elimination, continuous improvement, engineering change control) with a thorough understanding of manufacturing and financial KPI. Experience working with ERP systems (Infor would be an asset) Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills Strong leadership, motivational, & interpersonal skills The position requires excellent communications and employee relations skills, and the ability to lead and motivate subordinates. Ability to effectively communicate ideas, concepts, and programs to all levels of the organization providing “leadership” to employees in a constantly changing environment. Hands-on mentality. Ability to create and maintain relationships with customers and suppliers at all levels of their respective organizations. Demonstrated Lean Manufacturing experience in both a High Volume-Low Mix environment (preferred) and/or High Mix-Low Volume environment. A proven leader in Quality management / delivering best in class Customer requirements. Strong problem-solving skills and analytical skills A proven Change Agent that has the maturity and confidence to lead and influence others. Compensation actually offered for this role will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. [CAD $165,000 - $210,000] Why Join IEM At IEM, you’ll join a team that powers some of the world’s most ambitious projects. We’re engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey. Learn more about IEM at https://www.iemfg.com We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers Recruiting Scams Beware of recruiting scams. IEM never charges candidates fees, and all recruiter emails come from an @iemfg.com address. If you suspect fraudulent activity, do not share personal information and report it to us at iemfg.com/contact Non-Discrimination Statement IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law. Privacy Information collected and processed as part of your IEM Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to IEM's Workforce Member Privacy Policy. Use of AI At IEM, we are committed to a fair and transparent hiring process. Use the link below to view how we use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in reviewing job applications and your rights as an applicant. AI Use in IEM's Hiring Process

What you’ll do

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations, including safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. They will manage budgets, lead production teams, and implement lean manufacturing strategies to optimize operational efficiency.

Requirements

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and over 10 years of progressive manufacturing or operations experience. Strong leadership skills, expertise in lean manufacturing, and proficiency with ERP systems are required for this role.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package

Listed skills

• Operations Management · Preferred
• Lean Manufacturing · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Budgeting · Preferred
• Continuous Improvement · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Change Management · Preferred
• ERP systems · Preferred
• Production Scheduling · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Operations management
• Manufacturing engineering
• Lean manufacturing
• Leadership
• Strategic planning
• Budgeting
• Continuous improvement
• Problem-solving
• Change management
• Quality management
• ERP systems
• Team development
• Safety management
• Production scheduling
• Analytical skills
• Communication
• Maintenance Coordination
• Work-In-Process Inventory
• Infor Software
• Influencing Skills
• Operational Efficiency
• Quality Process Improvement
• Employee Relations
• Accountability
• Business Objectives
• Operation Maintenance
• Planning
• Motivational Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Artificial Intelligence
• Corrective And Preventive Action (CAPA)
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Cost Reduction
• Creativity
• Operating Systems
• Electric Power Distribution
• Engineering Change Order
• Finance
• Equities
• Innovation
• Interpersonal Communications
• Problem Solving
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Lean Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Operations Management
• Operations
• Plant Layout Study
• Production Equipment
• Production Flow Analysis

Job areas

• Management & Leadership
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Energy
• Logistics
• Director of Operations
• Manufacturing Managers
• General and Operations Managers

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