Details

Business: Indigenous Wise Services Inc. (IWS)
Email: andrew.mercer@xaxlip.ca
Phone: 250-256-0227 ext 1304

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Description

About Indigenous Wise Services Inc. (IWS)
Indigenous Wise Services Inc (IWS) is an indigenous owned engineering company based in British Columbia, Canada to provide design, engineering, consulting, project management, construction management, and commissioning service on energy related projects including power, and renewable energy (wind, solar, and hydrogen) projects. Our vision is to be the top tier 1 indigenous engineering consulting firm in North America to provide good quality, cost effective and on-time service to our clients.
Overview
We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial General Manager to join our fast-growing engineering startup. In this pivotal role, you will drive operational excellence, exceptional safety performance, scale business functions, and support revenue growth as we expand. You'll work closely with the founding team and lead day-to-day operations across engineering, finance, HR, administration, business development, and project delivery.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone with startup experience who thrives in dynamic environments and wants to be instrumental in building a sustainable, high-performing organization.
Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Management

• Establish operational systems, processes, and procedures across all business functions

• Model a strong safety culture, ensuring safety remains the organization’s highest priority.

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve efficiency and scalability

• Monitor KPIs and metrics to ensure the company meets growth and profitability targets

• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement solutions

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to a high-performing team to deliver cost effective, good quality and on-time service to IWS clients

Financial Management

• Oversee accounting, payroll, and financial reporting with external accountants

• Prepare and manage annual budgets and quarterly forecasts

• Monitor cash flow and ensure prudent financial management

• Prepare financial reports for leadership and stakeholders

• Ensure compliance with tax and regulatory requirements

• Provide leadership for achieving financial targets through effective planning, strong leadership, operational oversight, financial discipline, and proactive risk management.

Human Resources & Talent Management

• Provide leadership to recruit and develop a highly skilled and talented internal engineering and support team to deliver best service to IWS clients in line with IWS’s strategic goals and vision.

• Develop HR policies, employee handbooks, and workplace procedures

• Manage onboarding, training, and professional development programs

• Foster positive company culture aligned with startup values

• Handle employee relations, performance management, and compensation planning

Business Administration

• Manage office operations, facilities, and vendor relationships

• Oversee IT infrastructure, software licenses, and technology needs

• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and insurance requirements

• Maintain records and documentation systems

Project & Account Management Support

• Coordinate with project managers for timely and profitable project delivery

• Support client relationship management and contract administration

• Track project profitability and resource allocation

• Identify opportunities to improve project margins

Sales & Business Development Support

• Support proposal development and client onboarding

• Analyze market opportunities and competitive landscape

• Support strategic planning and business development initiatives

• Lead business development and market expansion, identifying opportunities in new and existing markets, overseeing proposal development, and driving IWS’s growth.

Strategic Planning & Growth

• Contribute to long-term strategic planning and business goals

• Implement systems to support company scaling

• Evaluate new market and service expansion opportunities

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, partners, and key stakeholders to enhance reputation and support long-term growth.

• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies, integrating innovative practices that strengthen competitiveness and enhance value

• Report on business performance to leadership

Required Qualifications

• 5–10 years of operational management, business management, or related roles

• 2+ years in a startup or early-stage company environment

• Strong background in finance, accounting, or business administration

• Proven ability to manage multiple functions simultaneously in a lean environment

• Experience with financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow management

• Knowledge of HR best practices and employment law

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with limited guidance

• Proficiency with business software, accounting systems, and Microsoft Office

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in engineering, construction, or professional services

• Experience scaling a startup from early stage to growth phase

• Familiarity with project-based business models

• Experience with project management and accounting software (like QuickBooks, Asana)

• Knowledge of contracting, safety regulations, or compliance requirements

• Experience managing remote or distributed teams

Key Competencies
Operational Excellence – Process improvement, systems thinking, attention to detail
Financial Acumen – Budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, cost control
Leadership – Team building, delegation, conflict resolution, decision-making
Communication – Clear written and verbal communication; ability to explain technical and financial concepts
Problem-Solving – Creative thinking, resourcefulness, analytical approach
Adaptability – Comfort with ambiguity and rapid change in startup environments
Integrity – Strong ethical standards and accountability
What We Offer

• Competitive salary ($115,000 - $130,000)

• Opportunity to shape the future of an innovative engineering firm

• Collaborative work environment with founders and technical teams

• Professional development and growth opportunities

• Flexible work arrangements

• Health insurance and standard benefits

• Involvement in strategic decision-making

How to apply?
If you meet above qualifications, have related experiences and skills, and are interested to join in an indigenous owned engineering company, please send your resume and cover letter to andrew.mercer@xaxlip.ca