Chief Operating Officer

The Industry Training Authority (ITA) leads and coordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system, working with employers, apprentices, industry, labour, training providers, and government to issue credentials, support apprenticeships, fund programs, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades. We are committed to an understanding that knowledge and the joy of learning have always been at the core of apprenticeship, the ITA have become synonymous with credibility, quality, and satisfaction.

 The ITA works with its partners to deliver a superior and inclusive training system, offering apprentices an important entry into a long-lasting, well-paying career. ITA has been recognized as one of BC’s Top 100 Employers for 2017, 2018 and 2019.

With a new strategic plan showcasing a path forward that highlights diversity, inclusivity, performance management and a sharp focus on enabling the learner within the trades system, ITA is at an exciting point in its continued evolution.  In driving toward excellence, ITA is seeking a new Chief Operating Officer that will bring a best-practices lens along with the ability to be nimble and collaborative. At the core, the COO is responsible for planning and directing all aspects of the organization’s operations. As an important member of the executive team, the COO develops and maintains a thorough understanding of ITA’s business strategies, internal/external operating environment and lines of business to focus on the ongoing, day-to-day management of the organization’s internal processes. Reporting directly to the CEO, this individual will provide leadership by working with Directors and Managers, ensuring the integration of strategic plans with ITA operations, including the development and monitoring of KPI’s to increase the visibility and impact of ITA programs and initiatives to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will bring a mix of experience gained in a senior operational role in industry, professional services or the public sector. The COO will be a highly successful executive who is well known for their strategic skills in leading diverse teams, including proven abilities in operations, strategic planning, communication and interpersonal skills; bringing a leadership style that fosters teamwork and achieves outstanding results. The incumbent will have a proven track record of enabling significant change, utilizing exceptional critical reasoning skills and the ability to make difficult decisions by employing a metrics-based approach. A strong level of collaboration with industry, government, post-secondary institutions and other provincial and community partners will be imperative to the candidate’s success. A red seal certification or trades industry background would be an asset.