The Company
BQE Water Inc. has a long history developing innovative water treatment solutions for mining clients internationally, protecting water as a valuable shared resource while extracting mineral value from waste, and meeting environmental regulations. We develop, design, build, and operate water treatment systems that solve complex water challenges and support sustainable operations. We are seeking a Field Operations Manager (Canada West) to drive water treatment plant performance, own and execute plant-based capital projects, and mentor our Plant Supervisors on day-to-day operational leadership. The role will initially focus on a water treatment plant in Squamish, BC, gradually expanding overtime to support additional regional plants, offering a unique opportunity to shape both infrastructure delivery and operational excellence.
The Role
Duties involve, but are not limited to:
- Own and deliver the planning, prioritization, and execution of plant-based capital projects (e.g., equipment upgrades, expansions, process improvements) at plants within the allocated region.
- Act as delegate for the Director, Field Operations, during absences, supporting national coordination, escalation management, and continuity of operational oversight across regions.
- Coordinate with site-based leaders, engineering, and external vendors to ensure effective project implementation monitoring project outcomes to ensure expected performance improvements are realized on budget.
- Oversee performance of multiple water treatment plants cohesively, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations consistently.
- Directly mentor, coach, and develop Plant Supervisors (and Plant Managers where applicable), including performance reviews and progression planning.
- Lead regional recruitment to ensure consistent capability and standards
- Coordinate optimal staffing, resources, and material allocation across multiple sites to optimize operational efficiency, overseeing site access, onboarding, and integration executed by Plant Supervisors.
- Monitor regional KPIs (production, water quality, uptime, safety) and intervene to resolve performance gaps.
- Ensure consistent implementation of SOPs, safety programs, and company operational standards across all regional sites.
- Support plant leadership, building client engagement capabilities while serving as regional escalation point for client concerns.
- Consolidate and report regional operational performance, workforce insights, and improvement opportunities to the Director of Field Operations.
- Drive regional initiatives for operational improvement, reliability, and process optimization, reinforcing a strong safety and compliance culture.
- Other duties as assigned by senior leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
- Technical, maintenance and plant operations background is essential, preferably with a mechanical or chemical engineering degree and professional standing in the Association of Professional Engineers of British Columbia.
- Minimum 3 years in a managerial-level role in an industry, operations setting.
- Track record demonstrating capital-projects ownership and execution.
- Demonstrated and evidenced commitment to safety, environment, customer service and quality performance.
- Knowledgeable and effective in the use of standard computer software programs and database systems
- Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills with diverse stakeholders e.g., juniors, peers, contractors, clients and vendors.
- Familiarity with water treatment/ mining environments is a significant asset.
- Strong technical writing skills
Physical Demands/Work Environment Considerations
By applying for this role, you are confirming that you have read, understood, and can take on the physical demands described here, which enable the representative to successfully perform essential functions of the job:
- Employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee is occasionally required to climb stairs/ladders (including vertical)
- Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision.
- Must be physically capable of spending long hours sitting in an office environment.
- Must be “fit for duty”, testing may be requested by clients
The Perks
This role offers flexibility, providing at least 50% of monthly working hours are spent on-site at the plant, the remaining hours can be completed from another work location. In addition to a competitive salary, BQE also offer:
- Three weeks of paid vacation, plus a bonus week of uninterrupted paid leave around the festive season
- Manulife health coverage upon hire, extendable to direct family
- A company-funded healthcare spending account upon 3 months of service
- 1-5% GRRSP matching upon three months of service
- Up to $1,000 annually in education matching funds
- Company funded EHS certifications as per role requirements
- Role-related professional dues coverage
- Travel and PPE coverage/ reimbursements
Compensation
$140,000.00 – $170,000.00 per year