Client Organization: Confidential Client

Position Title: Vice President, Operations (Head of Function)

Reports to: President and CEO

Location: Drayton Valley, Alberta

Other Location Options : Edmonton or Grande Prairie, Alberta

THE COMPANY

Our client is a premier manufacturer and services provider of specialized equipment for the natural gas industry, providing a comprehensive range of equipment and services across North America. Headquartered in Alberta, our client operates design, engineering, and manufacturing facilities in Drayton Valley, Alberta.

Currently, our client seeks an experienced and dynamic Vice President of Operations to support its rapid growth and drive its strategic vision. This pivotal role will be essential in scaling operations and delivering continued excellence across our client’s expanding footprint.

THE OPPORTUNTIY

LHH Knightsbridge has been engaged to recruit an accomplished executive with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in overseeing field operations and ideally, equipment manufacturing, for a rapidly growing organization aiming to expand its market presence across North America. The successful candidate will bring energy, a passion for growth, and a commitment to integrity.

The ideal candidate will have a solid background in operations and manufacturing, with experience in the natural gas or oil and gas sectors. The Vice President of Operations will manage the production and deployment of specialized industry equipment and oversee key operational areas, including repair and maintenance services.

This role calls for a hands-on, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can drive operational strategies from the ground up. Core skills in operations, team leadership, technical knowledge, commercial strategy, and P&L management are essential for success.

Reporting directly to the President and CEO, this position is for a visionary leader with the drive to elevate the organization to new heights.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The ideal candidate will bring a blend of business insight and technical knowledge, with proven experience in spearheading growth-driven initiatives. In this capacity, the VP of Operations will have the following responsibilities:

Crafting operational strategies aligned with the company’s growth plans, identifying areas for improvement, exploring expansion opportunities, and utilizing market and competitor data to inform decision-making.

Serving as the main operational contact for customer accounts, ensuring precise field ticketing and providing exceptional customer support across all locations.

Establishing and implementing manufacturing strategies that support the company’s overarching goals. Cultivating key relationships with vendors and contractors to ensure efficient equipment production and timely project delivery.

Managing diverse teams in fabrication, instrumentation, and electrical manufacturing across Canada and the U.S., while promoting a collaborative and high-performance work environment that emphasizes innovation and product quality.

Overseeing key performance indicators, including manufacturing goals, financial forecasting, revenue targets for service-based operations, and maximizing asset utilization.

Partnering with the leadership team to define and execute strategic growth initiatives that strengthen product positioning and capture new business opportunities.

Oversee the Company’s safety program for each business unit, including implementation of policies and procedures that further the achievement of meeting the Company’s safety goals and standards.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The Vice President of Operations will be a hands-on, technically skilled executive with a strong track record in value creation within a customer-focused manufacturing and service environment. Ideal qualifications include:

Proven leadership experience in operational roles and ideally manufacturing, in industries such as energy, industrial equipment, or related sectors.

Solid technical understanding of relevant industry equipment and processes.

A growth-oriented mindset with a focus on identifying operational efficiencies to improve profitability.

Demonstrated ability to drive change, establishing processes and procedures that promote efficiency and high performance within teams.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to assess organizational needs and talent, prioritize key initiatives, and provide timely follow-up on action items.

KEY DRIVERS OF SUCCESS

The ideal candidate will embody the following essential qualities and skills:

The candidate should bring confidence and a team-oriented approach, recognizing that outcomes matter as much as the process. This leader should work proactively and collaboratively with various departments, focusing on achieving goals rather than seeking individual recognition.

The organization values humility and a collaborative mindset over ego or siloed thinking. This individual should be comfortable engaging with both field teams and senior executives, bringing a customer-focused perspective and service-oriented mindset that builds connections across all levels.

A strong background in operations and leadership is essential, particularly in managing both manufacturing and field operations. The candidate should be a decisive leader with strategic insights, able to make well-informed decisions that drive results within a cooperative framework.

The role requires a sense of urgency and the understanding that every customer, regardless of size, is valued. As part of a close-knit leadership team, the candidate should be prepared to wear multiple hats, actively contributing wherever needed to deliver outstanding service and responsiveness to clients.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting leadership opportunity, please contact a member of our team:

Bruce Diemert, Partner bruce.diemert@lhhknightsbridge.com 604 282 6075

Melanie Barbieri, Senior Consultant melanie.barbieri@lhhknightsbridge.com 416 640 4305