Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location: Dieppe, New Brunswick
Lead Operational Excellence. Build the Future.
Bedford Industrial Automation Inc. is a growing industrial electrical contracting and automation company delivering high-quality electrical, controls, instrumentation, and automation solutions throughout Atlantic Canada. We partner with clients across manufacturing, utilities, food processing, mining, municipal infrastructure, and industrial facilities to solve complex operational challenges safely and efficiently.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic leadership across our operations, drive organizational performance, and help position the company for its next stage of growth.
This is a key executive leadership role reporting directly to the President and working closely with the senior leadership team.
Position Summary
The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for leading the company's day-to-day operations while translating strategic objectives into measurable business results. The COO will oversee operational execution across field services, project management, estimating, procurement, service, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
The successful candidate will foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership
· Lead and manage all operational functions of the business.
· Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
· Build and mentor a high-performing leadership team.
· Establish performance expectations and accountability across all departments.
· Promote a culture centered on safety, integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Operational Excellence
· Optimize operational processes to improve productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
· Develop standardized systems and procedures across all business units.
· Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where required.
· Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
· Improve resource utilization across labour, equipment, and materials.
Project Delivery
· Oversee project execution from estimating through close-out.
· Ensure projects meet financial, schedule, quality, and client expectations.
· Monitor project margins and operational risks.
· Support project managers in resolving complex operational challenges.
· Strengthen project management processes and controls.
Financial Performance
· Work closely with Finance to manage budgets, forecasts, and profitability.
· Drive operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional service quality.
· Monitor departmental performance against financial objectives.
· Identify opportunities to improve margins and reduce operating costs.
Business Growth
· Support business development initiatives and strategic growth opportunities.
· Evaluate potential acquisitions, partnerships, and expansion opportunities.
· Ensure operational readiness to support business growth.
· Assist in long-term strategic planning.
People Leadership
· Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional leaders.
· Foster employee engagement and succession planning.
· Promote professional development throughout the organization.
· Champion a positive and collaborative workplace culture.
Safety & Compliance
· Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, industry standards, and client requirements.
· Promote a proactive safety culture that prioritizes employee well-being.
· Support quality assurance and risk management initiatives.
Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a related discipline. Equivalent industry experience will be considered.
· Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), MBA, PMP, or related designation is considered an asset.
· Minimum 10 years of progressive executive or senior operational leadership experience.
· Experience within industrial electrical contracting, automation, controls, construction, manufacturing, or industrial services is essential.
· Proven experience managing multiple large projects and operational teams.
· Strong understanding of project management, financial management, and operational planning.
· Experience leading organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
Preferred Experience
· Industrial electrical construction
· Automation and control systems
· Instrumentation
· Industrial maintenance services
· Manufacturing environments
· EPC or design-build projects
· Multi-site operations
· Service operations management
Leadership Competencies
· Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
· Decisive and accountable leader
· Exceptional communicator
· High emotional intelligence
· Collaborative leadership style
· Financially literate
· Results-oriented
· Customer focused
· Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
· Strong coaching and mentoring abilities
What We Offer
· Executive compensation package
· Performance-based incentive program
· Comprehensive health and dental benefits
· Retirement savings program
· Professional development opportunities
· Collaborative executive leadership environment
· Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing company
Join Our Team
If you are an experienced operational leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, improving business performance, and driving strategic growth, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your resume and cover letter in confidence.
Bedford Industrial Automation Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $90,000.00-$140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
