Chief Operating Officer

Who We Are:

Established in 1998 and family-owned, StructureCraft is a prominent engineering-led design-build firm at the forefront of sustainable construction and mass timber innovation. With over 175 professionals, we specialize in delivering exceptional mass timber and hybrid steel/timber projects across Canada, the US, and Asia. Our international reputation is built on our award-winning, innovative projects.

StructureCraft operates with a vertically integrated model, combining engineering and construction expertise to involve clients early and ensure rigorous quality control. Our corporate office and manufacturing facilities are headquartered in Abbotsford, BC supported by satellite offices in Seattle and Italy. Our impressive portfolio includes over 3 million square feet of mass timber buildings completed in the past four years.

We work with leading architects, developers, and contractors to create sophisticated structures, from mass timber office buildings to long-span bridges. Our 50,000-square-foot timber facility in Abbotsford supports our commitment to high-quality, efficient design and construction.

As pioneers in timber engineering and computational design, our team utilizes cutting-edge technology and an in-house testing lab to drive innovation and performance. With the mass timber market expanding, StructureCraft is positioned for strong, sustained growth.

We engineer and build efficient and beautiful timber and hybrid structures that people love to own and use.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the President & Chief Engineer, the COO will develop and implement strategic, operational, and performance targets while fostering a culture that attracts, develops, and retains top talent aligned with StructureCraft’s values. The COO will drive innovation, performance, and profitability across production, project management, fabrication, manufacturing, and site installation.

The role involves partnering with business development and engineering teams to ensure contracts are negotiated for optimal margins and engineered for constructability, aligning with our manufacturing capabilities. The COO will also handle negotiations with general contractors on change orders, delays, and scheduling challenges, focusing on risk mitigation and cost control throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Oversee all operational aspects to meet client needs, earning respect and trust from staff and consultants.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and teamwork, setting clear goals, assigning responsibilities, and managing performance to ensure quality and timely results.
• Foster a performance-driven culture and address issues proactively to minimize adverse impacts, emphasizing mutual respect and achieving the best outcomes for the organization.
• Make well-informed decisions that align with the business’s long-term interests and effectively communicate and implement these decisions to ensure broad acceptance.

Communications Management:

• Create and establish internal communication processes and procedures to enhance information flow, foster mutual understanding between corporate staff and clients, and streamline overall communications.

Client Management:

• Be attentive to client needs, engaging with a strong service orientation to build trust and confidence.
• Develop cost-effective solutions that satisfy clients and benefit both them and StructureCraft.

Change Management:

• Guide the transition to a more structured, accountable corporate culture with enhanced internal processes, communication, and resources.
• Oversee resource allocation and relationships to ensure effective implementation of change strategies.
• Foster a data-driven approach in project and plant management, developing and managing meaningful KPIs.
• Continue to refine and advance internal processes and standards within Operations.

Operational Responsibility:

• Oversee and monitor project management, manufacturing production, and field activities, ensuring their integration; this may require occasional travel.
• Manage internal workflow, quality control, and safety.
• Facilitate communication among staff and assess the financial impact of proposed actions.
• Stay informed about the activities of direct reports and provide support as needed.
• Serve as a role model by maintaining a comprehensive understanding of operations and current project issues.
• Manage risk at both project and corporate levels.

Project Management:

• Manage project activities for concurrent projects up to $50M+.
• Ensure smooth handover between Engineering and Operations.
• Oversee project scheduling and estimates to align with sales and enhance profitability and quality.
• Lead Buildability and Tech/Design reviews.
• Participate in key bid reviews and client meetings.
• Provide weekly schedule and cost reports, focusing on profitability, schedule adherence, and quality control.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards for improved visibility and monitoring.
• Lead contract negotiations and oversee agreements with suppliers/subcontractors.
• Supervise site erection strategies in coordination with Engineering.

Manufacturing and Fabrication:

• Manage operations of a 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, optimizing efficiency.
• Propose and implement new processes and ideas.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to enhance plant efficiency.
• Create and oversee a Capital Plan for new facilities and equipment.
• Oversee design, installation, and improvement of machinery.
• Ensure efficient coordination of shop drawings with Engineering.

Field Operations:

• Overall direction of field operations.
• Take a lead role in problem-solving and dealing with issues that arise with clients or suppliers/subcontractors.

Safety:

• Act as Safety Sponsor for Senior Management, both internally and externally.
• Foster a culture of safety through leadership and effective policy initiatives.
• Monitor and enhance safety KPIs.
• Ensure compliance with company safety programs and project-specific client requirements.
• Oversee and contribute to the development and management of the Quality Control program.

Financial Management:

Maintain regular and timely communication with the CFO and President on financial matters. Prepare and present operational reports for cost-control and management meetings.

Resource Management:

Ensure that Operations is equipped with the necessary human and material resources to effectively serve clients. Oversee recruitment to align with needs and strategic goals, and plan for optimal manpower allocation and training.

Business Development and Estimating:

Collaborate with the Business Development and Estimating teams to provide input for accurate estimates, particularly for complex projects. Support sales efforts and represent the company in client meetings.

Six Month Success Measurables:

• Integration as a trusted confidante and mentor in the family business and on the senior management team.
• Strong validation from clients and direct reports.
• Solid grasp of all aspects of the business.
• Strong leadership on KPI’s.
• Respected for constructability knowledge and advice.

Twelve Month Success Measurables:

• Project performance – budget and schedule.
• Plant performance – quality throughput and solving bottlenecks.
• Strong grasp of the company’s role as both structural engineer and subcontractor.

Professional Qualifications and Experience:

The ideal Chief Operating Officer will possess extensive hands-on experience in operations management, construction, and project management, with a proven track record of managing the P&L for a medium-sized construction firm. Strong managerial, communication, and presentation skills are essential. The candidate should be a seasoned construction professional with exceptional integrity, capable of thriving in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

Additional qualifications and experience:

• Strong familiarity with design-build contracting, recognizing this role will usually be representing large design-build subcontracts.
• Education and registration as a Professional Engineer would be a strong asset.
• Close familiarity with Engineering and Shop Drawings, ability to visualize in 3D.
• Strong experience devising and reviewing site erection schemes.
• Some knowledge of timber design and construction is not necessary but would be an asset.
• Ideally some experience with lean manufacturing.

Personal Qualities:

• A driven, seasoned leader with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Service-oriented and respected by both employees and clients.
• Capable of making informed decisions in collaboration with owners and reports.
• Committed to maintaining company culture and protecting its reputation.
• Quick-thinking and adaptable.
• Practical and solutions-focused, adept at finding the optimal balance.
• Proficient in structural engineering principles and financial analysis.
• Hands-on and detail-oriented, not just a delegator.
• Skilled at identifying and addressing critical issues.
• A tough negotiator who knows when to stand firm and when to compromise.
• Well-versed in contract nuances and their business impacts, and a strong team player.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $240,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Abbotsford, BC V2T 6B1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

• construction management: 5 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person