Director of Operations

The Sutherland Group of Companies; Castlegar; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the Heavy Equipment industry is seeking a Director of Operations to oversee strategic projects and manage operations across multiple divisions. The ideal candidate will have extensive industry experience and strong leadership skills, ensuring operational excellence and team development. This role emphasizes safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement, making it a key position within the organization.

Benefits

Pension Program with matching contributions

Extended health benefits

Confidential Employee Family Assistance Program

Qualifications

• At least 8 years in Heavy Equipment industry, including 5 years supervisory.
• Experience managing projects in regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage strategic projects across operational divisions.
• Monitor safety performance and drive operational efficiency.
• Provide mentorship and strategic direction to managers.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Leadership

Education

PMP Designation

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

AutoCAD

Job description

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

We are currently seeking a Director of Operations to join our growing Sutherland Group team, based in either our Salmo or Nelson locations. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual with extensive, hands-on experience in the Heavy Equipment industry — a requirement that is absolutely essential for success in this role.

As Director of Operations, you will be responsible for leading and managing a pipeline of strategic projects developed by our ownership and sales teams. Your role will be to bring these initiatives to life by coordinating execution across four operational divisions, ensuring each team is aligned and delivering with excellence.

You will oversee the integrated operations of Sutherland Group companies, collaborating with internal teams and strategic external partners to support project delivery across civil, marine, road-building, and drilling/blasting sectors. This role demands a leader who can plan, execute, and inspire, while driving continuous improvement across operations.

Heavy Equipment industry and management experience is not just preferred—it’s imperative. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities, challenges, and culture of this industry and can apply that insight to lead our people and projects forward.

The Sutherland Group values more than simply providing industry-renowned services to our clients. We put the happiness, success, and growth of our team members and community first. Join us in our commitment to elevate and innovate in the Forestry, Heavy Duty Repair, Transportation, Drilling & Blasting, and Marine Services industries.

Position Benefits

• Opportunity to Lead operations while mentoring and developing your team by identifying training needs, facilitating growth opportunities and fostering a supportive environment that motivates individuals to excel and strengthens the Sutherland Group's industry leadership.
• A professional and respectful environment.
• As a member of the Sutherland Group, we are proud to be able to serve not only our loyal clients but our partner companies as well, guaranteeing work for our industry-leading teams.
  
  

Sutherland Group Benefits

It is our great pleasure to extend the following benefits to all Sutherland Group team members:

• Pension Program with Sutherland Group matching contributions up to 100%, starting at 3%, increasing in graduated increments, and topping out at 5% after 8 years.
• Extended health benefits program through a cost-shared benefits plan
• Confidential Employee Family Assistance Program
• Health & Safety Policy & Programs
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring all actions incorporate “Sutherland Group Enterprise’s Core Values” of Curious and Adaptable, Trustworthy, Humbly Confident, Better Together, and Make it Happen.
• Monitor and champion the safety performance within their portfolio and actively contribute to a “Safety First” culture.
• Plan, develop, and execute organizational goals and strategies, ensuring alignment with the Sutherland Group’s long-term vision.
• Provide strategic direction, leadership, and mentorship to managers and the internal team, fostering a collaborative, supportive learning environment through training, feedback, and recognition to enhance skills and drive career development.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, identifying opportunities for improvement, driving operational efficiency, and implementing financial and administrative controls.
• Identify the training and development needs of leaders within the portfolio.
• Ensure that departmental decisions and project plans such as those for staffing, development, organization, material efficiency, hardware acquisitions, and facilities are in line with the organization's business plan and vision.
• Responsible for full-cycle RFP management.
• Responsible for service expectations on projects under their supervision, which will include customer meetings and hitting identified targets.
• Monitor revenues, budgets and equipment efficiency and provide weekly scorecard data for projects.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to drive business development.
• Drive Accountability and Performance: Establish clear metrics, track goals, and empower the team to take ownership of projects, fostering a transparent and accountable culture.
• Implementing policies and procedures as required.
• Always Be Recruiting, to meet operational needs, and expand and increase the skill set of the division.
  
  

Required Qualifications & Skills

As a member of the Sutherland Group team, we expect you to bring the following to the table:

• At least 8 years of Heavy Equipment industry-related experience including 5 years in a supervisory capacity.
• Project management experience, coordinating multiple crews or contractors.
• Proven contract administration and excellent attention to detail.
• Experience managing projects in highly regulated industries (Fortis/Hydro)
• Prior P&L responsibility
• Knowledge of provincial employment and occupational safety legislation.
• Considerable tact and discretion are required in dealing with employees, managers, and external enforcement authorities.
• Experience working within a CRM to manage project pipeline
• Must possess good verbal and written communication skills.
• Process driven, with proven experience in technical writing, process, and procedure development
• Strong organizational, planning, and management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, most importantly Word and Excel
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or similar
• PMP designation is preferred
  
  

JOIN THE TEAM

If you think there's a fit, we look forward to meeting you and thank you in advance for your application

Visit our website to learn more about The Sutherland Group

a Sutherland Group Company

The Sutherland Group of Companies is a specialized integrated network of heavy industry experts, with an offering that extends from equipment and logistics through to people and safety, in service of high-performing customers in the civil, forestry, transportation, and marine industries in search of complex supply chain solutions.

For nearly 30 years, we have worked to position The Sutherland Group as a heavy industry leader, not only with our partners, but from within. We are proud to prioritize the success of our team members by offering a diversified workplace, competitive compensation plans, benefits, training, and ongoing growth opportunities.

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