BUSINESS ADVISOR, OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY - Vancouver

BDC • Vancouver, BC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Business Advisor, Operations Automation helps Canadian entrepreneurs improve productivity and operational performance through advisory services focused on industrial automation, robotics, and operational excellence. This role leads the delivery of both standard and customized advisory engagements, including automation assessments, automation investment planning, productivity improvement initiatives, and strategic operations mandates. The Business Advisor helps clients evaluate, prioritize, and implement automation and robotics-related investments by translating business objectives into practical, measurable outcomes. The position combines deep technical expertise, consulting experience, project leadership, business acumen, and strong client relationship skills. Responsibilities include project delivery, subject matter leadership, business development support, and the continuous evolution of advisory offerings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of consulting experience, including at least 6 years specializing in industrial automation, robotics, and digitally enabled equipment across multiple industries.
• Candidates should be able to translate business and operational requirements into practical AI-enabled solutions that deliver measurable improvements in productivity, quality, safety, or operational performance.
• Experience identifying, evaluating, implementing, and managing automation or AI initiatives within production, manufacturing, logistics, field service, or industrial operations is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in several of the following areas: Robotics (articulated, SCARA, collaborative robots, AMRs, AGVs), PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial control systems, Machine vision and sensor technologies, Automated material handling and warehouse automation, Industrial IoT and MES/OT-IT integration, applying AI, automation, robotics, or advanced digital technologies in industrial or operational environments.
• Solid understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, process optimization, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven experience developing automation strategies, investment business cases, cost analyses, ROI assessments, and implementation roadmaps.
• Strong consulting and business advisory skills, with the ability to support strategic planning, prioritization, and execution initiatives.
• Ability to design practical, results-oriented solutions tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrial technology infrastructure, integration approaches, and vendor ecosystems.
• Experience applying AI-driven solutions within industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated project management experience delivering both standard and customized consulting engagements.
• Excellent client relationship, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork capabilities.

Nice To Haves

• MBA, P.Eng., or other relevant professional designation is considered an asset.
• Experience working with Canadian industrial equipment vendors, automation OEMs, or system integrators is an asset.
• Bilingualism is an asset.
• Willingness to travel within Western Canada on an occasional basis.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality advisory engagements, including automation assessments, automation roadmaps, productivity improvement plans, equipment investment business cases, and third-party plan reviews.
• Lead projects from initiation to completion, ensuring scope, budget, timelines, quality standards, and client expectations are met.
• Provide technical expertise and thought leadership in industrial automation, robotics, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies.
• Support the development of advisory methodologies, tools, and solutions by staying current on industry trends and best practices.
• Collaborate with Client Partners and internal stakeholders to identify opportunities, scope engagements, and develop client proposals.
• Engage directly with clients to understand business challenges and recommend practical automation and operational improvement solutions.

Benefits

• Flexible and competitive benefits
• Employee Savings and Investment Plan where BDC matches part of your voluntary contributions
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• $750 wellness and health care spending account
• Paid vacation each year
• Five personal days
• Sick days as necessary
• Offices are closed from December 25 to January 1
• Hybrid work model

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior