Director of Operations

DROP Sprockets; Nelson; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected heavy industry group in Interior BC seeks a Director of Operations to enhance execution across its divisions, including drilling and roadbuilding. This hands-on role involves significant field interaction, driving accountability and cohesion among teams to ensure effective project delivery and alignment with strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in heavy industry roles.
• Experience in field-based roles leading to operational leadership.
• Proven ability to manage complexity across functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution across four divisions: drilling, roadbuilding, marine services, aggregates.
• Work closely with general managers and support project teams.
• Monitor performance on safety, schedule, and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Accountability

Operational Management

Team Coordination

Job description

Director of Operations – Heavy Industry Services
Full-Time | Interior BC | Search led by Next Step Recruitment

We’re partnering with a respected heavy industry group based in the Interior of British Columbia. With nearly three decades of experience and approximately 200 employees, this organization is active across multiple sectors—including drilling and blasting, marine services, aggregates, and roadbuilding. They’re known for their hands-on leadership, practical execution, and a deep commitment to their crews and clients.

They’re hiring a Director of Operations to lead cross-divisional alignment and delivery. This is a newly structured role, reporting directly to the founder, created to strengthen execution across the company’s fastest-growing business lines. You’ll serve as the key bridge between the strategic priorities coming from the owner and the operational reality on the ground—working alongside general managers, visiting regional sites, and ensuring that what’s planned actually gets delivered.

This isn’t a role for someone who stays behind the scenes. You’ll spend time in the field, in planning meetings, and in one-on-ones with managers—making sure teams are resourced, clear, and accountable. Success looks like smoother project delivery, stronger cohesion across divisions, and fewer gaps between high-level vision and day-to-day performance.

What you’ll do
Translate strategy into execution across four divisions: drilling & blasting, roadbuilding, marine services, and aggregates
Partner with general managers to prioritize and align initiatives
Support field supervisors and project teams; drive accountability and cohesion
Track performance across safety, schedule, and budget metrics
Join regular site visits (travel ~25%, with live-out and travel support in place)
Work closely with the founder and executive team to move the business forward

What you bring
8+ years of experience in heavy industry (e.g. civil, marine, drilling, forestry, aggregates)
Experience in field-based roles earlier in your career—operator, foreman, superintendent, etc.—and a path into operational leadership
Proven ability to lead across functions and manage complexity
Crisp, confident communicator who adjusts quickly to different audiences
Comfortable coaching leaders, rolling up your sleeves, and keeping things on track in dynamic environments

Who this is not for
You’ve never worked in or around the heavy equipment or industrial services space
You need highly structured processes and clean reporting lines from day one
You struggle to shift tone between executive leadership and frontline crews
You’re hesitant about site travel or direct operational exposure

The hiring process
Introductory Call – Screening conversation to confirm alignment and answer questions
Culture & Leadership Interview – Focused on communication style, collaboration, and values
Technical & Scenario-Based Interview – Conversation with senior leadership focused on real-world execution
Final Interview – Cross-functional conversation with team members to assess working style and long-term fit

If you’re looking for a role that blends leadership, impact, and field-based credibility—and where you can directly influence how work gets done—this is a rare opportunity. Apply ASAP, as we’re moving quickly with interviews.

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Personal Information

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Additional Questions

Do you currently live in the Nelson, BC area (this is an in-office role that requires travel to our sites)? *

Are you open to traveling up to 25% of the time, including overnight stays at regional project sites? *

Do you have at least 5 years of experience in the heavy equipment, civil construction, or industrial services industry? *

Have you spent at least 3 years working directly in the field (e.g., as an operator, foreman, superintendent, or site-based project manager)? *

How many direct reports have you managed at one time in your previous roles? *

Have you directly led multi-division operations or cross-functional teams across different service lines or business units? *

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