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Chief Operating Officer (COO) or VP of Corporate Operations
Reporting to the President and CEO of Innovate BC (IBC), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) or VP of Corporate Operations assumes responsibility for leading IBC’s operational teams and implementing processes essential for achieving organizational objectives outlined in IBC’s strategic plan, mandate letter, Service Plan and in alignment with the Innovate BC Act. The COO serves as a strategic problem solver, tasked with developing actionable operational and strategic plans to address complex organizational and economic challenges.
As a senior leader in operations, this role provides oversight and leadership for day-to-day operations, ensuring the implementation of efficient systems, policies, and processes. The COO directs corporate operations, HR, IT, office management, and administrative functions, ensuring resource allocation and compliance to achieve IBC’s strategic objectives and uphold its mission to foster innovation and technology growth in British Columbia.
Compensation: $181,000 to $201,000 per annum
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Employment Type: Full-time permanent or contract position
Responsibilities + Accountabilities
Business Execution
Operational Leadership:
- Oversee the daily operations of IBC, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across all processes
- Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance productivity and ensure compliance with organizational goals
- Align operational strategies with corporate objectives and ensure timely delivery of quality services
- Streamline processes to foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Monitor and track organizational performance to drive strategic decision-making
Corporate Operations:
- Manage corporate functions, including finance, human resources, legal, and administrative services
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of corporate operations
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards
- Deliver annual service plans and impact reports accurately and on schedule with input from relevant teams
- Manage corporate and government-related deadlines and deliverables
- Provide operational support for long-term data and intelligence monitoring and reporting of program impacts
Corporate Secretary Duties:
- Coordinate and prepare for Board of Director meetings, collaborating with senior executives on presentations and reports
- Manage Board committee activities, ensuring compliance with corporate governance and regulatory requirements
- Act as Corporate Secretary, advising on governance practices to board members and senior management
- Prepare meeting agendas, minutes and documentation
- Maintain corporate records and oversee the timely filing of legal and regulatory documents
IT, Systems and Records Management:
- Oversee IT systems development and implementation to ensure security, reliability and efficiency
- Drive digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational capabilities
- Develop and implement records management policies, ensuring compliance with regulations
- Manage organizational records storage, retrieval, and disposal processes
Legal (Procurement and Contracts):
- Oversee legal functions including procurement, contract management, and compliance
- Develop and implement procurement policies to ensure transparency and efficiency
- Lead contract negotiations and ensure adherence to contractual obligations
Finance:
- Work closely with Innovate BC’s Audit & Finance Committee and the Chief Financial Officer to ensure Innovate BC has operational supports to ensure financial controls and reporting is in place
- Work closely with the CFO to ensure financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and spending plans are in place
Technical/Position Delivery
Human Resources:
- Direct HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations
- Establish HR policies fostering a positive and productive workplace, ensuring compliance with labour laws
- Lead the development of programs for employee growth and succession planning
Office Management:
- Manage office operations encompassing facilities procurement and administration
- Ensure a secure and efficient workplace environment through effective policies
Strategic Planning and Implementation:
- Work closely with the President and CEO to shape strategic decisions and ensure robust decision-making
- Contribute to and implement initiatives driving operational excellence aligned with IBC’s mission
- Monitor and report on strategic progress, operational goals, and KPIs
Government Partnership and Business Development
- Lead team to operationalize strategies to enhance the awareness of Innovate BC’s value proposition to external government stakeholders across the province
- Support the development of funding proposals and partnerships to expand Innovate BC’s programming to support innovation across B.C.
- Develop and implement processes to operationalize new and existing programs with increased efficiency
- Build relations and partnerships with like minded innovation industry leaders, where our partnerships will achieve operational efficiencies or successes
Special Projects:
- Oversee major procurement projects in collaboration with relevant business units
- Lead special projects as directed by the President and CEO, ensuring successful outcomes
Team/People Engagement
Team Leadership and Development:
- Mentor and develop an effective operations team, fostering innovation and accountability
- Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting continuous improvement
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with key stakeholders including partners, clients, and government agencies
- Represent IBC at industry events, meetings, and conferences, communicating operational strategies effectively
- Support decision-making aligned with the Province’s priorities and policy objectives, driving operational adaptations
The list of duties and responsibilities described above is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded/modified from time to time as required by the organization’s needs.
Qualifications + Experience
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role within a government organization, or equivalent experience working with provincial governments, the private sector, or non-profit organizations. Proven track record of securing, leading, and delivering major operational projects
- Demonstrated experience in driving economic development initiatives for major government programs, with a deep understanding of public policy and economic strategies, and an ability to operationalize the initiatives
- Experience in digital transformation, in selecting and implementing digital tools or platforms into an organization, to increase operational efficiency
- Understanding of British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem, with an established network within relevant provincial and federal government ministries and departments
- A graduate degree in business administration, finance, strategy, or a related field
- Proven track record of overseeing daily operations, enhancing productivity, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations
- Expertise in overseeing financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Strong capability in maintaining fiscal responsibility and supporting organizational growth
- Proficient in managing legal functions, including procurement, contract management, and compliance with contractual obligations
- Experienced in leading HR functions, fostering positive work environments, and implementing employee development programs
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills + Abilities
- Capable of developing and executing operational strategies that align with organizational goals
- Demonstrates the ability to enhance productivity and ensure adherence to industry standards
- Proficient in designing and monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to optimize operational effectiveness
- Understanding of corporate governance and risk strategies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders, effectively communicates organizational strategies, and fosters collaborative partnerships
Working Conditions
- IBC is a hybrid organization and requires employees to work in-office at least 2 days per week. IBC is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., with a satellite office in Victoria, B.C.
- Limited travel may be required
What We Offer
- Competitive extended health benefits and pension plan
- Paid professional development
- Onsite fitness centre
This job description may change at the discretion of Innovate BC.
Salary and title (COO / VP Corporate Operations) will be commensurate with experience.
About Innovate BC
A Crown Agency of British Columbia, Innovate BC works to foster innovation across the province and bolster the growth of the local economy through delivering a wide range of programs that help companies start and scale, access talent and encourage technology development, commercialization, and adoption. Innovate BC also drives crucial data collection and research, and works to forge strategic industry and community partnerships that create more opportunities for B.C. innovators.
Apply
E-mail your resume and cover letter in one PDF (file name = FName LName) to hr@innovatebc.ca with the subject line “Chief Operating Officer”.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Deadline: Applications accepted until position has been filled.
Apply now →
Innovate BC is committed to creating a diverse workplace to reflect the population we serve and to better meet the needs of the province. Consider joining our executive team and being part of an innovative, inclusive, and rewarding organization.
Your application may contain personal information, which Innovate BC is collecting for the purpose of recruiting a successful candidate for this position and is authorized to do so under the Freedom of Information Act 26(c). If you have any questions about the collection of your personal information, please contact ataghavi@innovatebc.ca.