Vice President of Operations

Vegetation Management | Field Services

Position Overview

West Country Energy Services is seeking an experienced, results-driven Vice President of Operations to lead and oversee the operational performance of our growing vegetation management company.

This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving operational excellence, developing strong management teams, improving efficiencies, maintaining high safety standards, and ensuring consistent, profitable business growth.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and hands-on leader who understands the complexities of field-based service operations and can translate business objectives into measurable results. They will bring strong leadership, financial discipline, operational expertise, and the ability to build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

- Provide overall leadership and direction for daily operations across all vegetation management divisions.
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals and growth objectives.
- Establish performance standards, operating procedures, and accountability measures.
- Improve productivity, resource utilization, scheduling, and operational efficiencies.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to customer expectations.

People & Leadership Development

- Lead, mentor, and develop project managers, supervisors, and field leadership teams.
- Build a strong culture of accountability, communication, teamwork, and performance.
- Support workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and succession planning.

Safety & Risk Management

- Champion a proactive safety culture across all operations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable workplace safety regulations, industry standards,



and environmental requirements.
- Ensure field operations are conducted safely and responsibly.

Financial & Business Performance

- Maintain accountability for operational budgets, job costing, margins, and profitability.
- Identify opportunities to improve gross margins and reduce operating costs.
- Monitor key performance indicators and implement strategies to improve results.
- Collaborate with executive leadership on annual budgets, forecasting, and strategic planning.

Equipment & Resources

- Oversee fleet, equipment, maintenance, and asset utilization.
- Ensure equipment availability, reliability, and cost-effective management.
- Optimize labour, equipment, and materials to maximize operational performance.

Customer & Business Development

- Maintain strong relationships with key customers and strategic partners.
- Support business development through operational planning, estimating, and service delivery strategies.
- Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and consistent service quality.
- Identify opportunities to expand service capabilities and support company growth.

Qualifications & Experience

- Must possess a valid Alberta Pesticide Applicator Certificate or an equivalent recognized certification, or be eligible and willing to obtain the required Alberta certification.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, preferably within vegetation management, forestry, utilities,



or related field-service industries.
- Demonstrated experience leading large, geographically dispersed field operations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple departments, managers, supervisors, and field crews.
- Solid understanding of operational financials, budgeting, job costing, and profitability.
- Experience managing fleet, equipment, labour, and resource allocation.
- Strong knowledge of occupational health and safety practices.
- Excellent leadership, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to drive operational improvements and sustainable business growth.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a leader who:

- Thinks strategically but understands the realities of day-to-day field operations.
- Leads from the front and earns the respect of employees at every level.
- Makes decisions based on performance, data, and sound business judgment.
- Builds strong teams and develops future leaders.
- Understands that safety, quality, productivity, and profitability must work together.
- Is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, growing organization.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a growing vegetation management organization in a key executive leadership role. The successful candidate will have a significant impact on the company's operational direction, team development, customer relationships, and long-term success.

Compensation: Competitive compensation package based on experience, including performance incentives and additional benefits.

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Pay: $115,000.00-$125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 VP of Operations (Red Deer)
🏢 West Country Energy Service
📍 Red Deer