Operations Manager - Switchgear

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 currently seeking Operations Managers for our switch gear team in Surrey, B.C. The Operations Manager will report into the Director of Operations and is responsible for end‑to‑end ownership of the production value stream, driving operational performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and customer expectations.

This role is accountable for meeting key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency while fostering a data‑driven, bottom‑up problem‑solving culture. They will lead a cross‑functional production team, ensuring that workflow optimization, resource utilization, and Lean manufacturing principles are effectively applied to drive operational excellence.

• KPI Ownership & Performance Management:
  Own, monitor, and drive improvement in key performance indicators including on‑time delivery (OTD), first‑pass yield (FPY), defects per unit (DPU), safety incidents, and cost efficiency.
• Lead Daily Operations:
  Oversee daily production activities, ensuring work is executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with production schedules, quality standards, and operational goals.
• Team Leadership & Accountability:
  Manage and develop a cross‑functional team including production, quality, materials, and maintenance. Set expectations, provide coaching, and ensure accountability at all levels.
• Production Scheduling & Efficiency:
  Partner with Production Planning and Materials teams to align demand with capacity, ensuring a balanced workflow, efficient material usage, and optimized labor deployment.
• Data‑Driven Problem Solving:
  Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for operational issues, using tools such as Pareto analysis, A3 problem‑solving, and process mapping to drive improvements.
• Continuous Improvement & Lean Implementation:
  Champion Lean manufacturing principles, eliminating waste and driving efficiency through 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) initiatives.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams to identify and resolve design, process, or equipment issues affecting production.
• Compliance & Safety:
  Ensure adherence to safety policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. Champion a culture of zero injuries and high‑quality production.
• Additional duties as assigned to support the team and organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations environments.
• 5+ years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Proven track record of improving KPIs such as cycle‑time reduction, FPY improvements, DPU reductions, or cost‑saving initiatives.
• PMP certification is a plus.
• APICS, CPIM, or other supply‑chain related certification is a plus for materials‑heavy value streams.
• Leadership & Team Development:
  Proven ability to develop, coach, and manage cross‑functional teams.
• Data‑Driven Problem‑Solving:
  Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with experience using KPIs, root‑cause analysis, and Lean tools.
• Process Optimization:
  Hands‑on experience in Lean manufacturing, VSM, waste elimination, and production workflow optimization.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement:
  Ability to communicate effectively with shop‑floor teams, peers, and senior leadership.
• Time Management & Prioritization:
  Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and drive results in a fast‑paced environment.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Experience with ERP/MRP systems (INFOR/Syteline), Tableau, and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Demonstrated career ambition…