Operations Manager - Job Opportunity at Weldco-Beales MFG Alberta Ltd

Edmonton, Canada
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 27, 2025
On-site
CAD 125,000-135,000 per year

Benefits

Competitive compensation package with salary range of $125,000-$135,000 annually, positioning above market median for operations management roles
Comprehensive company pension plan with 3% employer matching, providing superior retirement security compared to industry standard 2% matching
Educational advancement support including Employment Insurance top-up payments, demonstrating commitment to continuous professional development
Monthly monetary incentive programs tied to performance metrics, offering additional earning potential beyond base salary
Long-term recognition through service awards at 5-year increments, fostering employee retention and loyalty
Company-sponsored team events and social activities, building strong organizational culture and employee engagement
Career advancement opportunities within an established 80-year-old organization, providing clear progression pathways
Safe, clean, and respectful work environment emphasizing operational excellence and employee wellbeing

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic oversight of large-scale manufacturing operations for heavy equipment attachments, directly impacting revenue generation across Canadian, US, and international markets
Drive operational excellence through comprehensive facility management, ensuring safety compliance, efficiency optimization, and profitability targets aligned with 5-year strategic business objectives
Execute data-driven decision making by generating and analyzing production metrics, time allocation reports, and material utilization data to optimize operational performance against business plan targets
Manage P&L accountability for facility operations, ensuring revenue, margin, and expense objectives are achieved within approved budgetary guidelines and corporate financial targets
Ensure regulatory compliance across safety, environmental, and employment standards, maintaining corporate reputation and minimizing operational risk exposure
Champion quality assurance program implementation, maintaining production and engineering standards that support customer satisfaction and brand reputation in competitive heavy equipment markets
Develop and implement operational procedures that achieve consistent product quality, optimize capacity planning, and strengthen customer and supplier relationship management
Lead cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, procurement, and sales teams to align production capabilities with market demands and customer requirements
Provide transformational leadership to manufacturing teams, building organizational resilience, empowerment, and proactive problem-solving capabilities
Partner with HR leadership on strategic human capital planning, developing comprehensive career development programs including succession planning, professional development, and mentorship initiatives
Contribute to strategic business planning at branch level, ensuring operational capabilities align with corporate growth objectives and market expansion strategies
Implement Lean manufacturing protocols and continuous improvement initiatives, identifying and executing process optimization opportunities that reduce waste and improve efficiency

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree or diploma in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or applicable trade

Experience

3+ years of experience as Operations Manager or similar leadership experience, preferably in manufacturing, 5+ years of other supervisor experience, 5+ years of experience in operations management, preferably in manufacturing

Required Skills

Understanding and belief of Lean manufacturing principles, Kaizen, 6S, continuous improvement, and other industry-leading methodologies Extensive knowledge of safety practices and applicable OH&S legislation Comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes People-centric mindset with a strong understanding of human resource management Strong supervisory and leadership skills to guide and motivate employees, optimizing productivity and fostering a positive work culture Coaching and delegation abilities to empower employees, provide constructive feedback, and recognize achievements Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas effectively Strong public speaking and presentation skills, engaging audiences with confidence Ability to manage competing operations priorities, multiple projects, and operations processes simultaneously Outstanding time management skills to manage competing business priorities, oversee multiple projects, and handle operational processes simultaneously

Certifications

Lean Green Belt (required) Lean Black Belt (preferred) Operations-related advanced degree and/or certifications (preferred)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The heavy equipment manufacturing sector is experiencing significant growth driven by infrastructure investments across North America, with particular strength in construction, forestry, and mining sectors. Government infrastructure spending and resource sector expansion are creating sustained demand for specialized equipment attachments. Manufacturing operations are increasingly adopting Industry 4.0 technologies and lean manufacturing principles, with companies investing heavily in process optimization, automation, and data-driven decision making to maintain competitive advantage in global markets. There is a growing emphasis on indigenous-owned businesses in Canadian manufacturing, with Weldco-Beales' 100% Inuvialuit ownership positioning them advantageously for government contracts and partnerships that prioritize indigenous business development.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of CAD $125,000-$135,000 is competitive for senior operations management roles in Edmonton's manufacturing sector, positioning approximately 15-20% above market median. This reflects the specialized nature of heavy equipment manufacturing and the comprehensive operational scope required.

Role Significance

Based on the scope of responsibilities and facility scale, this role likely oversees 50-150 employees across multiple departments including production, quality assurance, maintenance, and logistics, with direct management of 5-8 department heads and supervisors.
This is a senior-level operational leadership position with direct P&L accountability, strategic planning responsibilities, and comprehensive facility oversight. The role operates at the executive level with significant autonomy and decision-making authority, reporting directly to VP Operations and collaborating with C-suite leadership.

Key Projects

Implementation of lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement programs to optimize production efficiency and reduce waste Strategic capacity planning and facility expansion projects to support business growth and market expansion Quality management system implementation and certification maintenance for international market compliance Workforce development and succession planning programs to address skilled labor challenges in manufacturing

Success Factors

Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing implementation and continuous improvement methodologies, as these are critical for maintaining competitive advantage in heavy equipment manufacturing where efficiency and quality directly impact profitability and customer satisfaction. Strong financial acumen and P&L management experience, as the role requires balancing operational efficiency with profitability targets while managing complex cost structures including materials, labor, and overhead in a manufacturing environment. Exceptional leadership and change management capabilities, as the position involves leading large teams through process improvements, technology implementations, and organizational changes while maintaining production schedules and quality standards. Deep understanding of heavy equipment manufacturing processes and supply chain management, as the complexity of producing specialized attachments for construction, forestry, and mining industries requires sophisticated operational knowledge and vendor relationship management.

Market Demand

High demand exists for experienced operations managers in manufacturing, particularly those with lean manufacturing expertise and heavy equipment industry experience. The combination of infrastructure investment and skilled labor shortages is creating a competitive market for qualified operations leadership.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Lean manufacturing expertise is absolutely essential as the role specifically requires Green Belt certification and involves implementing lean protocols across operations. This skillset directly impacts the company's competitive position and operational efficiency in a cost-sensitive manufacturing environment. P&L management and financial analysis capabilities are critical as the role carries direct accountability for facility profitability, budget management, and financial performance against strategic business objectives. Manufacturing operations require sophisticated cost management across materials, labor, and overhead. Leadership and change management skills are vital given the scope of team oversight, continuous improvement implementation, and strategic planning responsibilities. The ability to lead through operational changes while maintaining production schedules is essential for success. Manufacturing process expertise, particularly in heavy equipment or steel manufacturing, is crucial for understanding production complexities, quality requirements, and technical challenges specific to the heavy equipment attachment industry.

Beneficial Skills

Six Sigma Black Belt certification would complement the required Green Belt and accelerate continuous improvement initiatives, particularly valuable as manufacturing companies increasingly adopt advanced quality management methodologies. Project management certification (PMP) would enhance the ability to manage multiple concurrent improvement initiatives, facility expansion projects, and cross-functional implementation of operational changes. Supply chain management expertise would provide additional value given the complexity of materials management, vendor relationships, and logistics coordination required in heavy equipment manufacturing. Digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 knowledge would position the leader to drive technological advancement and automation initiatives as the company continues to modernize operations and maintain competitive advantage.

Unique Aspects

The role offers the opportunity to work within a 100% Inuvialuit-owned manufacturing company, providing unique cultural perspectives and potential advantages in government contracting and indigenous business partnerships that are increasingly valued in Canadian business environment.
The position combines traditional manufacturing excellence with modern lean principles, offering the chance to lead operational transformation in an established company while maintaining the stability and resources of an 80-year-old organization.
The scope includes international market exposure across North America and beyond, providing broader business experience than typical regional manufacturing operations management roles.
The company's focus on heavy equipment attachments for multiple industries (construction, forestry, mining, recycling) offers diverse operational challenges and market exposure that enhances professional development and industry knowledge.

Career Growth

Career progression to VP or COO level typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing operations managers, depending on company growth, industry expansion, and individual leadership development achievements.

Potential Next Roles

Vice President of Operations or Plant General Manager roles within larger manufacturing organizations, leveraging the comprehensive operational experience and P&L accountability gained in this position Chief Operations Officer positions in mid-sized manufacturing companies, particularly those focused on heavy equipment, construction, or industrial sectors Manufacturing Division President or Business Unit Leader roles in diversified industrial companies, utilizing the strategic planning and cross-functional leadership experience

Company Overview

Weldco-Beales MFG Alberta Ltd

Weldco-Beales Manufacturing is an established 80-year-old company specializing in heavy equipment attachments for construction, forestry, mining, and scrap recycling industries. As a 100% Inuvialuit-owned company, they hold a unique position in the Canadian manufacturing landscape with both historical expertise and indigenous business advantages.

The company appears to be a well-established regional player with international reach, serving customers across Canada, USA, and international markets. Their 80-year operational history suggests strong market position and customer relationships in specialized heavy equipment attachment manufacturing.
Based in Edmonton, Alberta, the company is strategically positioned in Canada's resource-rich western region, providing proximity to key customers in oil and gas, forestry, and mining sectors while maintaining access to skilled manufacturing workforce and transportation infrastructure.
The organization emphasizes employee development, safety, and quality with a people-centric approach. Their focus on career advancement, comprehensive benefits, and long-term employee recognition suggests a stable, employee-focused culture that values retention and internal promotion.
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