Shop Supervisor / Foreman

This is an an excellent career opportunity for a strong operations leader working at a new rail services shop that is opening in Squamish this month.   This is an exciting chance to work on high-impact rail and rolling stock projects across North America.  Offering a very competitive wage, excellent benefits, and lots of room to grow and learn.   The successful candidate is a hands-on leader, comfortable making real-time decisions on the shop floor, managing priorities, and driving execution, without compromising safety, quality, or compliance.

About the Role, Benefits & Perks:

• Full-time, year round.  Based in  Squamish, BC
• Wage:  $90,000 – $120,000. Negotiable based on experience.
• Group insurance and health benefits plan plus additional perks.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Opportunity to work on high-impact rail and rolling stock projects across North America

The Perfect Candidate : 

• Trade certification in Welding, Heavy-Duty Mechanics, Electrical, or a related skilled trade, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7–12 years of experience in a shop, manufacturing, maintenance, or fabrication environment.
• Prior experience in a foreman, lead hand, or supervisory role is strongly preferred.
• Experience in heavy fabrication, transportation, rail or industrial environments is a strong asset.
• Solid understanding of shop operations, safety practices, and quality requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, work instructions, and schedules.
• Comfortable operating in a schedule-driven, fast-paced production environment.
• Supervisory or foreman training is an asset.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to direct teams on the shop floor.
• Clear, direct communicator with tradespeople and management.
• Practical problem-solver, comfortable making decisions in real time.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and follow-through.
• Calm and effective under pressure and changing priorities.
• Safety-first mindset with zero tolerance for unsafe behavior.

Responsibilities Include: 

The Shop Supervisor (Foreman) is responsible for overseeing day-to-day shop floor operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of fabrication, maintenance, and refurbishment activities. This role provides direct supervision to trades personnel (mechanics, electricians, welders, technicians) and acts as the link between production teams, engineering, project management, and operations leadership.   This role operates in a fast-paced, delivery-driven rail and industrial environment where timelines are tight, coordination is complex, and safety is non-negotiable.

Shop Operations & Leadership

• Supervise daily shop activities, assigning work and coordinating tasks across trades to meet production and project schedules.
• Ensure work is executed in accordance with drawings, procedures, and project requirements.
• Monitor progress, identify constraints, and take corrective actions to maintain schedule and productivity.
• Provide hands-on guidance and technical support to shop personnel as required.
• Lead, motivate, and support shop personnel, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Support onboarding and training of new hires and apprentices.
• Provide input on performance, skills development, and disciplinary matters as required.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Enforce all safety rules, procedures, and PPE requirements on the shop floor.
• Conduct toolbox talks, safety briefings, and ensure compliance with CNESST and internal safety standards.
• Support audits, inspections, and corrective actions related to safety and quality.

Coordination & Workflow Management

• Coordinate closely with engineering and project management teams to clarify scope, drawings, priorities, and sequencing.
• Communicate shop constraints, risks, and progress to operations leadership.
• Support implementation of design changes and manage their impact on shop execution.
• Manage manpower allocation, work sequencing, and daily priorities.
• Identify bottlenecks and support continuous improvement of shop workflows and layout.
• Track daily production activities and report progress, issues, and risks.
• Ensure shop documentation (work orders, inspection records, timesheets) is completed accurately and on time.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of standard work practices.

Applying is Easy!

1. Create a Profile and upload your resume here (you only have to do this once):  https://www.squamish-jobs.com/application
2. OR If you have already created a profile with us, simply email talent@squamish-jobs.com to let us know that you’d like to chat about this role.
3. Please do not reach out to the company directly as Squamish Personnel is doing the first round of interviews for this position.  All applications must come through us to be considered.

Our career matching and consulting services are confidential and FREE to job seekers – with no strings or commitments required.

We will review all applications and contact candidates who have been selected for further consideration or an interview.  If you would like an update on your application, please email us at talent@squamish-jobs.com or call us at 604 398 4977 ext 2.

We are your partners through the next step in your career.

Come Live, Work and Play in Squamish with us!

Tip for Out-of-Town Applicants:  IIf you are currently living outside the area, you must be willing to relocate – be sure to tell us if you’ve already secured or researched local accommodation and your planned arrival date.   Only candidates with a valid Canadian work permit will be considered.   Click here for some resources.