Back to jobs
New

Director of Operations

Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

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

Create a Job Alert

Interested in building your career at Industrial Electric Manufacturing? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

VAN IEM Policy: IEM permits the hiring of relatives of current employees, provided that all employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and business needs. This policy establishes guidelines to ensure fairness, avoid conflicts of interest, and maintain operational integrity.
Employees hired under this policy who have a familial relationship with a current employee will be hired into a specific department and role with the understanding that they are not eligible to transfer into the same department as their family member at any time during their employment.

Select...

By selecting “Yes,” I consent to receive SMS/text messages from IEM and its recruiting partners, including messages sent through Grayscale by Paylocity, regarding my application, interview scheduling, hiring process updates, and related recruiting communications. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. I understand that I can opt out at any time by replying STOP, and I can reply HELP for assistance. Consent to receive text messages is not required to apply for or be considered for employment with IEM.

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Select...

I acknowledge that:
• The information I have provided in this application, including my resume and any supporting materials, is true, complete, and accurate. 
• Any false or misleading information may disqualify me from consideration, or if hired, may result in termination.
• I authorize IEM (“the Company”) to verify the information provided, including employment history, education, and other relevant background information, in accordance with applicable laws.

Please let us know how you'd prefer to receive updates about your application and next steps:
Would you like to opt out of AI-powered Talent Matching? *

If you choose to opt out, your application will be reviewed by a recruiter or hiring manager without the use of AI-powered Talent Matching. If you do not opt out, AI-powered Talent Matching may assist in identifying how your qualifications align with the role. Every application is also reviewed by a recruiter or hiring manager.

U.S. Standard Demographic Questions

We invite applicants to share their demographic background. If you choose to complete this survey, your responses may be used to identify areas of improvement in our hiring process.
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Industrial Electric Manufacturing’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...