--- title: 'Operations Manager - Switchgear at Industrial Electric Manufacturing' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/operations-manager-switchgear-industrial-electric-manufacturing-surrey-3ageaq9xf1fy' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-18' --- # Operations Manager - Switchgear at Industrial Electric Manufacturing - **Company:** Industrial Electric Manufacturing - **Location:** Surrey, Canada - **Posted:** 2026-07-17 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-18 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/industrialelectricmanufacturing/jobs/4322650009 ## Job description At IEM, we’re not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we’re shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world’s most dynamic markets. IEM is currently seeking Operations Managers for our switchgear team in Surrey, B.C. location and will report into the Director of Operations. The Operations Manager is responsible for end-to-end ownership of the production value stream, driving operational performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and customer expectations. This role is accountable for meeting key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency while fostering a data-driven, bottom-up problem-solving culture. They will lead a cross-functional production team, ensuring that workflow optimization, resource utilization, and Lean manufacturing principles are effectively applied to drive operational excellence. This position collaborates closely with Planning, Materials, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to optimize processes, resolve bottlenecks, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that support long-term business growth. Please note: This position requires 100% in-office presence in our Surrey, B.C. offices and does not offer remote work.  This is a day shift position. Essential Functions: - KPI Ownership & Performance Management: Own, monitor, and drive improvement in key performance indicators (KPIs) including on-time delivery (OTD), first-pass yield (FPY), defects per unit (DPU), safety incidents, and cost efficiency within the value stream. - Lead Daily Operations: Oversee daily production activities, ensuring work is executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with production schedules, quality standards, and operational goals. - Team Leadership & Accountability: Manage and develop a cross-functional team including production, quality, materials, and maintenance. Set expectations, provide coaching, and ensure accountability at all levels. - Production Scheduling & Efficiency: Partner with Production Planning and Materials teams to align demand with capacity, ensuring a balanced workflow, efficient material usage, and optimized labor deployment. - Data-Driven Problem Solving: Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for operational issues, using tools such as Pareto analysis, A3 problem-solving, and process mapping to drive improvements. - Continuous Improvement & Lean Implementation: Champion Lean manufacturing principles, eliminating waste and driving efficiency through 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) initiatives. - Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams to identify and resolve design, process, or equipment issues affecting production. - Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to safety policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. Champion a culture of zero injuries and high-quality production. - The candidate will be expected to perform additional duties as assigned to support the team and organization. Qualifications: Education & Experience: - Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Industrial Technology, or a related field. - 10+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations environments - 5+ years in a supervisory or managerial role (Operations Manager, Production Manager, Production Supervisor Manufacturing Manager, Value Stream Leadership roles. - Proven track record of improving KPIs (e.g., cycle time reduction, FPY improvements, DPU reductions, or cost-saving initiatives). - Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher) preferred. - Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus. - APICS, CPIM, or other supply chain-related certification is a plus for materials-heavy value streams. - Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to develop, coach, and manage cross-functional teams, ensuring accountability and engagement. - Data-Driven Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with experience in using KPIs, root cause analysis, and Lean tools to drive decision-making. - Process Optimization: Hands-on experience in Lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, waste elimination, and production workflow optimization. - Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to communicate effectively with shop floor teams, peers, and senior leadership, ensuring alignment across the organization. - Time Management & Prioritization: Strong ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and drive results in a fast-paced environment. - Technical Proficiency: Experience with ERP/MRP systems (INFOR/Syteline a plus), Tableau, and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) for reporting and data analysis. - Demonstrated career ambition with a track record of growth and increasing responsibility; highly promotable with the potential to take on broader leadership roles within a fast-paced, high-growth organization. Compensation actually offered for this role will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. [Compensation Range: CAD 123,000 - 152,000] ## Why Join IEM At IEM, you’ll join a team that powers some of the world’s most ambitious projects. We’re engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey. Learn more about IEM at https://www.iemfg.com We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers Recruiting Scams Beware of recruiting scams. IEM never charges candidates fees, and all recruiter emails come from an @iemfg.com address. If you suspect fraudulent activity, do not share personal information and report it to us at [iemfg.com/contact](https://www.iemfg.com/contact/) Non-Discrimination Statement IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law. Privacy Information collected and processed as part of your IEM Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to IEM's [Workforce Member Privacy Policy.](https://www.iemfg.com/ccpa/) Use of AI At IEM, we are committed to a fair and transparent hiring process. Use the link below to view how we use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in reviewing job applications and your rights as an applicant. [AI Use in IEM's Hiring Process](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iemfg.com%2Fsystem%2Fuploads%2Ffae%2Ffile%2Fasset%2F230%2FAI_Use_In_IEMs_Hiring_Process_-_Applicant_Notice.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cthomas.young%40iemfg.com%7Cb3cd884a34174f95ace708df0db5bf43%7C8a049edbe19b4651aeb61e238422b6c6%7C0%7C0%7C639244746581651387%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OuABt1%2FXzO2WvIE1uasFLCXc9hd2cW%2F5Lvfktq0pD1w%3D&reserved=0) ## About Industrial Electric Manufacturing ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: IEM designs and manufactures custom low- and medium-voltage electrical power distribution equipment, switchgear, and integrated power infrastructure at scale for critical industries. - **Entity Type**: Private (Privately held corporation) - **Headquarters**: Fremont, California, United States - **Founded**: 1950 - **Founders**: Not publicly available (founded on a family ranch in Fremont, CA) ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Industrial electrical manufacturing, power distribution equipment, switchgear, and critical power infrastructure. - **Target customers**: B2B, serving large-scale enterprises and institutions across Technology & Data Centers, Commercial & Real Estate, Energy & Utilities, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Industrial & Manufacturing, and Infrastructure & Public Services. - **Mission or purpose statement**: "We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all." IEM partners with customers to plan, engineer, and deliver the future of power, offering the flexibility to meet complex technical requirements and the scale to support ambitious projects. [iemfg.com](https://www.iemfg.com/) ## Products & Services - **Low Voltage Switchboards (UL 891)**: Customizable electrical distribution boards for commercial and industrial applications. - **Low Voltage Switchgear (UL 1558)**: Robust, fully-rated switchgear for critical power distribution. - **Low Voltage Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) (UL 1008)**: Reliable power switching for backup generator systems. - **Low Voltage Fully Integrated Switchboards**: Combined switchboard and distribution solutions. - **Panelboards (UL 67)**: Standard and custom panelboard solutions. - **Medium Voltage Metal-Clad Switchgear**: High-reliability switchgear for medium voltage applications. - **Medium Voltage Metal-Enclosed Switchgear**: Durable, enclosed switchgear for demanding environments. - **Medium Voltage Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)**: Medium voltage power switching solutions. - **Medium Voltage 38 kV Switchgear**: High-voltage switchgear for utility and large-scale applications. - **Unit Substations**: Integrated substation solutions for power distribution. - **VESTA Arc-Resistant Switchgear**: Arc-resistant medium voltage switchgear for enhanced safety. - **Integrated Products (PDU, RPP, Walk-In Enclosures, Custom Assemblies)**: Power distribution units, remote power panels, and custom enclosures for data centers and critical facilities. - **Field Services**: On-site startup, commissioning, and emergency repair services for power systems, supported by a dedicated team of 100+ field service technicians. [iemfg.com](https://www.iemfg.com/system/uploads/fae/file/asset/134/IEM_Corporate_Brochure_Long_2025-09-02-compressed.pdf) ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (privately held) - **Key Metric**: Over $1 billion in annual sales (as of 2025/2026). [iemfg.com](https://www.iemfg.com/system/uploads/fae/file/asset/134/IEM_Corporate_Brochure_Long_2025-09-02-compressed.pdf) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Privately held; key customers include Hewlett-Packard, Amazon, Apple, and NASA. [iemfg.com](https://www.iemfg.com/careers/) - **Growth Signals**: - Approximately 4,800 employees in North America, a 340% increase since 2022. - Quadrupled North American manufacturing footprint since 2022, investing over $100 million in advanced manufacturing equipment. - 21 major locations in the U.S., Canada, and Belgium. - No. 50 on the 2026 Inc. Regionals list (Pacific). - No. 1: First Coast’s Largest Manufacturing Companies (Jacksonville Business Journal). - Top 30: Largest Manufacturers in the Greater Bay Area (San Francisco Business Times and Silicon Valley Business Journal). [iemfg.com](https://www.iemfg.com/system/uploads/fae/file/asset/202/IEM_Company_Brief_2026.pdf) ## Competitive Advantages - **Custom at Scale**: Combines the flexibility to meet unique technical requirements with the capacity and experience to support demanding project schedules at scale, a rare combination in the industry. - **75+ Year Track Record**: A proven history of reliability and innovation, including pioneering work in CAD/CAM systems and commercial switchgear, and powering the rise of Silicon Valley. - **Deep Industry Partnerships**: Strong, long-term relationships with commercial and industrial tech leaders like Hewlett-Packard, Amazon, Apple, and NASA. [iemfg.com](https://www.iemfg.com/careers/) - **Superior Quality & Testing**: Products are rigorously tested beyond industry standards (UL, ANSI, IEEE, NEMA, seismic) to guarantee long-term reliability. - **Massive Scale & Capacity**: 1.5M+ square feet of production capacity, 21 major locations, and over $1 billion in annual sales, enabling them to handle the largest and most complex projects. ## Strategic Focus - **Rapid Expansion**: Aggressively scaling manufacturing capacity and headcount (340% increase since 2022) to meet surging demand from data centers, energy, and infrastructure sectors. - **Field Service Network Growth**: Expanding a network of field service offices across North America to provide faster, local support for customers. - **Innovation in Power Infrastructure**: Continuing to develop advanced products like arc-resistant switchgear and integrated power solutions for next-generation data centers and critical facilities. - **Talent Acquisition**: Actively hiring across engineering, field service, and manufacturing roles to support growth, with a focus on building a skilled workforce through "IEM University" for continuous learning. [iemfg.com](https://www.iemfg.com/careers/) ## Why Work Here - **Impactful Work**: Employees contribute to powering the world’s most critical infrastructure, including data centers for tech giants like Amazon and Apple, and projects for NASA. - **Strong Benefits**: 100% coverage of employee-level medical, dental, and vision benefits; 401(k) with employer match (no vesting schedule); HSA contributions; tuition reimbursement; and opportunity for quarterly bonuses. [iemfg.com](https://www.iemfg.com/careers/) - **Growth & Development**: "IEM University" provides continuous learning resources, personalized development plans, and role-specific programs. The company promotes from within and offers clear career paths. - **Culture**: Described as a collaborative community where "listening works" and success comes through teamwork. Emphasizes curiosity, diverse perspectives, and an inclusive, forward-thinking workplace. - **Work Policy**: Roles range from on-site (manufacturing, engineering labs) to remote (e.g., Power Solution Architect, Lead Electrical Design Engineer). Flexible shifts are available in some locations. [iemfg.com](https://www.iemfg.com/careers/) - **Notable Perks**: 100% coverage of employee-level medical, dental, and vision; quarterly bonus opportunity; tuition reimbursement; on-the-job training. [iemfg.com](https://www.iemfg.com/careers/) ## Sources 1. [IEM Corporate Website](https://www.iemfg.com/) 2. [IEM Careers Page](https://www.iemfg.com/careers/) 3. [IEM Company Brief (PDF)](https://www.iemfg.com/system/uploads/fae/file/asset/202/IEM_Company_Brief_2026.pdf) 4. [IEM Corporate Brochure (PDF)](https://www.iemfg.com/system/uploads/fae/file/asset/134/IEM_Corporate_Brochure_Long_2025-09-02-compressed.pdf) 5. [IEM Job Board (Greenhouse)](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/industrialelectricmanufacturing) ## Other roles at Industrial Electric Manufacturing - [Director, FP&A](https://feeny.ai/job/director-fp-a-industrial-electric-manufacturing-united-states-3v10k7ms2v8b) — United States - [Metal Fabrication Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/metal-fabrication-lead-industrial-electric-manufacturing-surrey-ph0vkqghy40r) — Surrey, Canada - [Operations Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/operations-administrator-industrial-electric-manufacturing-surrey-8qp0qqxdf8fm) — Surrey, Canada - [MRB Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/mrb-coordinator-industrial-electric-manufacturing-jacksonville-1r360b9yf87c) — Jacksonville, FL - [Operations Supervisor](https://feeny.ai/job/operations-supervisor-industrial-electric-manufacturing-surrey-hzfzpmhcx3dn) — Surrey, Canada - [Data Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/data-analyst-industrial-electric-manufacturing-united-states-56081cfy2jtg) — United States - [Laboratory Test Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/laboratory-test-technician-industrial-electric-manufacturing-tualatin-kx1p7xk4x22q) — Tualatin, OR - [Mechanical Assembler](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-assembler-industrial-electric-manufacturing-san-antonio-977zq8gc0vfv) — San Antonio, TX - [Director of Operations](https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-operations-industrial-electric-manufacturing-surrey-tcfy6nsv0qm2) — Surrey, Canada - [Buyer](https://feeny.ai/job/buyer-industrial-electric-manufacturing-surrey-fedeq7q80jwp) — Surrey, Canada