Operations Manager

The Sutherland Group of Companies; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading forestry services provider in British Columbia seeks a Site Supervisor to manage wood chipping and log yard operations across multiple sites. This role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to coordinate crews, equipment, and tools effectively. Approximately 50% of the time will be spent in the field, ensuring safety and operational efficiency while mentoring team members. Candidates must be experienced in supervising forestry operations and possess a valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence. Competitive benefits and a commitment to safety are offered.

Benefits

Extended health benefits

Confidential Employee Family Assistance Program

Health & Safety Policy & Programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience supervising crews in forestry or wood operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage operations across multiple sites.
• Proven safety record and commitment to safe work practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee wood chipping and log yard operations across multiple sites.
• Lead daily and weekly planning with a multi-site perspective.
• Ensure safety practices are followed by all personnel.

Skills

Supervising crews

Operational planning

Mechanical understanding

Scheduling

Strong leadership

Education

3 years’ experience in relevant field

Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

CMMS systems

Job description

The Site Supervisor is responsible for overseeing wood chipping, grinding, and log yard operations across multiple active sites in British Columbia and Alberta. This role requires strong field leadership, operational foresight, and the ability to plan, schedule, and deploy crews, equipment, and tools across several locations simultaneously.

Approximately 50% of this role is field based, requiring hands‑on leadership, direct supervision, and real‑time problem solving on site. The remaining time is focused on planning, scheduling, coordination, and communication. The Site Supervisor must maintain a multi‑site operational mindset, ensuring the right operators, equipment, and tools are at the right site, for the right duration, to meet safety, production, and client expectations.

This role also includes mentoring Site Supervisors and developing their ability to plan, schedule, and lead effectively across complex, multi‑site operations.

SUTHERLAND GROUP BENEFITS

• Extended health benefits program through a cost shared benefits plan.
• Confidential Employee Family Assistance Program
• Health & Safety Policy & Programs

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead by example while upholding Sutherland Group core values: Curious and Adaptable, Trustworthy, Humbly Confident, Better Together, and Make It Happen
• Supervise and coordinate crews engaged in debarking, sawing, cleaning, grinding, and wood chipping operations
• Streamline operations across multiple sites to ensure the right number of people, tools, and equipment are deployed at each location
• Maintain a high‑level operational view across all assigned sites to proactively identify gaps, overlaps, and inefficiencies
• Plan and manage multi‑site crew scheduling, including operator assignments, rotations, durations, and coverage
• Lead daily and weekly planning with a multi‑site perspective, balancing production targets, equipment availability, travel time, and safety requirements
• Spend approximately 50% of working time in the field, providing hands‑on leadership, oversight, and operational support
• Lead by example in the field by demonstrating safe work practices, professionalism, accountability, and strong work ethic
• Oversee daily equipment inspections are completed, and basic mechanical issues are identified and addressed
• Oversee maintenance activities and issues are properly documented and tracked using CMMS systems
• Use strong computer skills, including Excel and Word, to manage schedules, reporting, and operational data
• Apply continuous improvement and LEAN principles to reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and strengthen planning processes
• Mentor and coach Site Supervisors, supporting their development in leadership, planning, scheduling, and decision‑making
• Maintain calm, thoughtful, and level‑headed leadership in high‑pressure or rapidly changing environments
• Foster a positive, safety‑focused team culture while holding accountability for performance and results
• Communicate clearly and professionally with crew members, management, and client representatives
• Travel regularly to various job sites across British Columbia and Alberta, including remote locations

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience supervising crews in forestry, wood chipping, grinding, or heavy equipment operations
• Industry knowledge with wood chipping and log yard operations
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage operations across multiple sites simultaneously
• Strong mechanical understanding of equipment, with the ability to support daily maintenance and troubleshooting
• Experience operating heavy equipment is considered an asset
• Proven safety record and commitment to safe work practices
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and CMMS systems
• Excellent scheduling, planning, and organizational skills
• Knowledge of continuous improvement and LEAN practices
• Calm, thoughtful, and steady management style
• Willing and able to travel regularly and work in remote field locations
• Position may be remote based, with frequent field presence required
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence
• Physically fit and capable of working on uneven ground, chip piles, and log yard environments
• Team‑oriented, hands‑on leader who leads by example

TRAINING / CERTIFICATIONS:

• Forestry, equipment operations, or supervisory training considered an asset
• Occupational Health & Safety training (or willingness to obtain)
• First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Irregular and flexible work schedules
• Outdoor environments year‑round, including adverse weather
• Uneven terrain, log yards, and industrial worksites
• Remote work locations requiring frequent travel
• High‑pressure operational environments requiring sound judgment and adaptability

HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Always lead and demonstrate safety by example
• Ensure all personnel understand and follow safe work procedures
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment and work areas
• Report, investigate, and correct hazards, incidents, and near misses immediately
• Ensure appropriate PPE is available, worn, and maintained
• Participate in safety meetings, training, and continuous improvement initiatives

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift materials up to 50 lbs as required
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, climbing, and equipment operation

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.

ABOUT BC ECO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES

BC Eco Industrial Services is a broad‑based forestry services provider that prioritizes environmental and sustainable work practices. For over 15 years, BC Eco has offered mobile large‑scale chipping and grinding, forestry consulting, screening, road building, maintenance and equipment rental throughout Alberta and British Columbia.

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.

The Sutherland Group of Companies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed in hiring a diverse workforce and ensuring equity, diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We encourage applications from any protected basis such as persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America and any other basis under applicable law. If you require any accommodations at any point during the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources team at 778‑754‑4021.