Business Development Bank of Canada

BUSINESS ADVISOR, OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY - Vancouver

Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field; MBA or P.Eng. preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of consulting experience with at least 6 years in industrial automation and robotics.
  • Ability to convert business and operational requirements into actionable AI solutions.
  • Experience managing automation or AI initiatives in production and manufacturing environments.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and process optimization methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver high-quality advisory engagements on automation assessments and productivity improvements.
  • Lead projects from start to finish, managing scope, budget, timelines, and client expectations.
  • Provide technical guidance and thought leadership in automation and emerging technologies.
  • Develop advisory methodologies and tools by staying updated on industry trends.
  • Work with internal teams to identify client needs and develop tailored proposals.
  • Engage clients to assess challenges and recommend practical operational improvements.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with a diverse range of Canadian entrepreneurs and industries.
  • Collaboration with a team of experts in automation and robotics.
  • Continuous professional development and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
  • Ability to impact client operations and drive significant productivity improvements.
  • Flexible work arrangements with potential for travel in Western Canada.
Full Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW

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.

CHALLENGES TO BE MET
  • 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.


WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering, or a related field. MBA, P.Eng., or other relevant professional designation is considered an asset.
  • 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.
  • 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.


Locations: Vancouver or Fraser Valley, British Columbia

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About Business Development Bank of Canada

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a federal Crown corporation that provides financing, advisory services, and capital to Canadian businesses. The bank was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. BDC offers a range of financial services, including loans, venture capital, and consulting services. The bank focuses on small and medium-sized businesses, and has a particular emphasis on supporting entrepreneurs and startups. BDC has offices across Canada and works with businesses in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, technology, and services.
Learn more about Business Development Bank of Canada
Size
2,000 employees
Industry

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