B2W Maintain
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Ambrose Ndhlovu
Operations Leader
Calgary,AB
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workDesired Job Title
Operations ManagerOperational Excellence ManagerBusiness Operations ManagerAsset & Work ManagementProject Manager – OperationsHeadline
Operations Leader | Mining | Oil Sands | Industrial Operations | Project Management | Operational Excellence | HSE | Business Leadership
Summary
Operations Leader with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience across mining, oil sands, industrial operations, maintenance planning, transportation, HSE, project management, and operational excellence. Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, improving operational performance, standardizing work processes, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and building strong safety cultures within complex, high-risk environments.
Recognized for combining strategic leadership with frontline operational expertise to improve productivity, maintenance and operational workflows, regulatory compliance, and workforce performance. Core strengths include operations management, operational excellence, project management, maintenance planning, contractor management, business operations, risk management, workforce development, continuous improvement, and change leadership.
Career Highlights
- Operations Leader with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience across mining, oil sands, industrial operations, maintenance, transportation, HSE, business operations, and operational excellence.
- Successfully progressed from frontline operations to leadership positions spanning Mine Operations, Site Management, Operations Management, Maintenance Coordination, HSE Leadership, and Business Management.
- Supported the successful mobilization and operational development of Bouchier Fuel & Lube Operations at Kearl Oil Sands through process development, workforce readiness, and operational planning.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive Fuel & Lube Reconciliation System, improving inventory accountability and contributing to a 2% reduction in fuel variance.
- Managed Fuel & Lube operations supporting 200 million litres of annual fuel distribution, a fleet of 15 fuel and lube trucks, 3 fuel bays, and a team of 25 employees at Kearl Oil Sands.
- Managed large-scale transportation operations supporting 3,000 passengers daily, 70 buses, 600 daily departures, and a $15 million operating budget, improving operational efficiency and service performance.
- Managed maintenance planning activities supporting a fleet of 60+ heavy mobile assets, improving preventive maintenance scheduling, documentation quality, and equipment reliability.
- Reduced workplace safety incidents by 25% through proactive HSE leadership, risk management, incident investigations, and workforce engagement initiatives.
- Achieved the lowest employee attrition rate, averaging 9% over six years, through transformational leadership, coaching, workforce development, and employee engagement.
- Developed and implemented a competitive Continuing Education Accreditation Fee Structure for the CLU Institute, increasing departmental gross revenue by approximately 3,000% while improving long-term financial sustainability.
- Served on the CLU Institute Business Leaders Strategic Planning Group (Vision 2020), contributing to long-term organizational strategy, business growth, and continuing education initiatives.
- Successfully completed the 42-week Ontario Self-Employment Benefit (OSEB) Entrepreneurship Program, developing a comprehensive business plan and establishing a multidisciplinary consulting firm focused on leadership, business development, compliance, and organizational performance improvement.
Leadership Philosophy
I believe operational excellence is achieved through strong leadership, disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and an unwavering commitment to safety. My leadership approach is built on empowering people, establishing clear expectations, fostering accountability, and creating an environment where individuals and teams can perform at their highest potential.
I lead by example, promoting collaboration, integrity, and respect while encouraging innovation and problem-solving at every level of the organization. I believe sustainable operational success is driven by engaged employees, standardized processes, effective communication, and data-informed decision-making.
Throughout my career in mining, oil sands, industrial operations, maintenance, transportation, and HSE leadership, I have focused on developing high-performing teams, improving operational systems, strengthening safety culture, and delivering measurable business results while maintaining the highest standards of safety, performance, and integrity.
Skills
- Operations Leadership
- Mining Operations
- Oil Sands Operations
- Industrial Operations
- Autonomous Mining
- Project Management
- Operational Excellence
- Continuous Improvement
- People & Performance Leadership
- Maintenance Planning
- HSE Leadership
- Safety Leadership
- Operational Planning
- Strategic Planning
- Business Leadership
- Process Improvement
- Performance Management
- Contractor Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management
- Critical Risk Management
- Asset Management
- Workforce Development
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Change Management
- Operational Discipline
- Business Process Improvement
- Asset & Work Management
- Lean Operations
- Operational Strategy
Accomplishments
- Recipient, Kearl Project Contractor Safety Recognition Award (2015) – Recognized by ExxonMobil for outstanding commitment to safety excellence, operational discipline, and proactive safety leadership.
- Designed and implemented standardized job duties, task responsibilities, and work processes for the Fuel & Lube team, improving role clarity, operational consistency, and workforce accountability at Kearl Oil Sands.
- Contributed to the planning and implementation of Fuel & Lube station operational upgrades, supporting improved efficiency, reliability, and service delivery at Kearl Oil Sands.
- Developed and implemented structured Action Log meeting processes, enhancing communication, accountability, issue tracking, and follow-up across operations and maintenance teams.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and improve maintenance processes, procedures, and operational workflows, supporting greater efficiency, standardization, and continuous improvement at Kichton Construction Limited Partnership.
- Developed and implemented a competitive continuing education accreditation fee structure for the CLU Institute, increasing departmental gross revenue by 3,000% over three years while improving financial sustainability.
- Served on the CLU Institute Practice Guidelines Development Committee, contributing to the development and validation of professional practice standards for financial advisors and planners.
- Served on the CLU Institute Business Leaders Strategic Planning Group, providing strategic direction for organizational growth, business planning, and continuing education initiatives.
- Contributed to the development and validation of the 2009 CLU Institute Continuing Education Accreditation Review Instrument, supporting quality assurance and accreditation standards across professional education programs.
Work History
Mine Operations (Autonomous Mining Environment)
GLENCORE(EVR)-EVO Site
Sparwood, BC
04.2026 - Current
- Contribute to safe, efficient, and high-production open-pit mining operations within a Komatsu FrontRunner® autonomous mining environment while supporting production objectives, operational discipline, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Perform authorized Autonomous Operating Zone (AOZ) access, controlled mine entry, and dump management activities in accordance with Komatsu FrontRunner® Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) procedures.
- Coordinate with Mine Operations, Dispatch, Maintenance, and supervisory teams to support safe, efficient, and continuous production.
- Monitor and manage active dumping areas by following established dump management procedures, maintaining safe traffic flow, and ensuring compliance with site operating standards.
- Conduct pre-operational inspections, identify equipment or workplace deficiencies, and report operational concerns to support safe and reliable mine operations.
- Maintain effective communication with Dispatch and field personnel using established mine radio communication and traffic management protocols.
- Apply situational awareness, hazard identification, and dynamic risk assessment techniques while working in autonomous and conventional mining environments.
- Verify critical controls and comply with site-specific operating procedures, HSE standards, and regulatory requirements before and during operational activities.
- Adapt to changing production priorities, mine conditions, weather, and operational requirements while maintaining operational discipline and a strong safety focus.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by promoting safe work practices, teamwork, operational efficiency, and consistent compliance with mining and autonomous operations procedures.
Maintenance Coordinator – Fort Hills Oil Sands
KITCHTON CONSTRUCTION LP
Fort McMurray, AB
02.2024 - 08.2025
- Member of the site leadership team responsible for maintenance planning, process improvement, and standard work initiatives.
- Manage, schedule and create PM plans; align daily priorities during toolbox talks.
- Create, update, and close work orders in B2W; ensure data quality and complete documentation.
- Maintain audit-ready records (CVIPs, JHAs, SWPs/SJPs, toolbox talks, FLHAs, HIDs, LPOs).
- Review 60 plus equipment inspections and service intervals; schedule services and coordinate execution.
- Coordinated maintenance planning and service scheduling for a fleet exceeding 60 mobile assets, supporting equipment availability and operational reliability.
- Review and validate and approve timesheets, support manpower planning, scheduling and dispatch.
- Assist maintaining the training matrix; schedule expiring/required courses and procedure updates.
- Monitor, file, and ship oil samples; maintain organized records and follow up on actions.
- Communicate status, risks, and priorities with Maintenance Manager, Superintendent, HSE, and Operations; support continuous improvement to reduce downtime and rework.
Site Manager – Fort Hills Oil Sands
DIVERSIFIED TRANSPORTATION
Fort McMurray, AB
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Manage all aspects of site transportation operations, including fleet management, driver supervision, route
planning, dispatching, driver scheduling, and vehicle maintenance. - Oversee $15 million budget, daily site transportation for 3000 passengers, 70 buses, 600 departures, and
averaging 250KM a unit, achieving improvement in on-time delivery performance by implementing route
optimization software and streamlining processes. - Skilled in using Hastus transportation management software, iLogistics for flight and lodgings, and Strategic
Mapping GPS tracking systems to monitor and optimize fleet performance and driver scheduling. - Lead a team of Field Safety Operations Managers, HSE Site Supervisor, Field Lead Hands, and support
staff, providing coaching, training, and performance evaluations. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional
teams to ensure seamless communication between transportation, warehouse, and customer service
departments. - Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities, with a focus on fostering a culture of safety, accountability,
and continuous improvement. - Prepared and provided monthly efficiency reports, safety observation system reports, logbook audits, dispatch
reports, and service reports for high-level reporting. - Lead monthly Commercial Vehicle Trip Inspection and logbook audit.
Operations Manager – Kearl Oil Sands
UNITED RENTALS
Fort McMurray, AB
11.2022 - 03.2023
- Managed branch operations supporting more than 2,000 rental assets and $15M+ in annual business while improving fleet utilization, equipment availability, and operational efficiency.
- Led performance management, coaching, and development of a 10-member operations - Inside Sales Reps, Drivers, and Laborers.
- Developed and promoted a safety culture through leadership, compliance, accountability, and communication.
- Supported Branch Manager in implementing 5S lean operations, resulting in efficient time on tools for the shop
and field techs, and a 5% increase in equipment availability. - Engaged in fleet analysis for 2000 rental equipment, to determine equipment needs and timely delivery.
- Dispatched and managed 14 shop and field techs and daily service calls timely leading to a decrease
in equipment downtime, prepared and provided monthly reports for high-level reporting. - Analyzed and identified incident trends, common threats and hazards and advised employees on current and
forecasted HSE matters.
Site Supervisor – Kearl Oil Sands
BOUCHIER GROUP
Fort McMurray, AB
10.2016 - 04.2022
- Managed 200 million liters of fuel, a fleet of 15 articulated & F550 fuel and lube trucks, and 3 Fuel Bays, and inspected project operations to determine specification compliance.
- Managed site fuel and lubes inventory and developed a fuel reconciliation spreadsheet, tracking and reporting
daily, monthly, and annual cumulative usage, resulting in a 2% variance decrease. - Leveraged transformational leadership style and achieved the lowest attrition rate, averaging 9% in 6 years.
- Managed 25 team members in PM bay, support shop, and field operations, and supervised, coordinated, and
scheduled daily Fuel & Lube site operations. - Completed Supervisor Daily Reports (SDRs), reporting billable hours, downtime, and equipment
availability, to ensure the continued operation of the site. - Assigned work to Fuel & Lube Techs, based on Labor, Equipment, and Materials (LEMs), job requirements,
special projects, break-in work, and job priority. - Oversee and approve 15 daily JSA/FLHA, daily worker line-ups, daily toolbox/safety meetings, and conduct 3
weekly LPOs, and 2 weekly safety audits. - Assisted in designing and implementing Safe Work Practices (SWP), conducting monthly job duties and task
analysis, improving workforce productivity and operational consistency through standardized work practices and task design. - Reviewed and conducted site safety training and orientation, performance evaluation, promotions, transfers, and dismissal, and recommended improvements to work methods and procedures.
- Managed the training matrix to ensure workers are trained and competent in the operation of equipment,
safety procedures, company policies, performance evaluation and training records are kept accurate and up to date.
HSE Advisor – Kearl Oil Sands
NEEGAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Fort McMurray, AB
06.2015 - 10.2016
- Managed and administered the company’s site HSE program for 60 service techs, and assisted HR with WCB Claims Management & delivered site-specific orientation.
- Implemented a proactive approach to safety management, identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies, resulting in a 25% reduction in safety incidents.
- Conducted and supervised incident investigations, analysis and preparation of accident reports and summaries, monthly and annual safety inspections, and audits.
- Received, reviewed, and followed up immediately on all near misses and JSA/FLRAs, regularly audited all Safe Work Practices (SWP), and prepared and provided monthly HSE stats to the Corporate Loss Control and Safety.
- Analyzed and identified incident trends, common threats and hazards and advised employees on current and forecasted HSE matters.
- Conducted site safety training, new orientation, and SWP training and ensured all safety records were up to date.
Skills
Service Tech - Kearl Oil Sands
NEEGAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Fort McMurray, AB
05.2012 - 06.2015
- Serviced heavy-duty mobile & industrial equipment & performed preventative maintenance in accordance with job site safety procedures & maintenance records of fuel & lube levels for equipment reliability analysis & monitored gauges & valves.
- Responsibilities included operation of fuel & lube trucks, refueling, lubrication, greasing and disposing of waste materials in accordance with OH&S and site regulations & policies.
- Supported & provided training, mentoring & stewardship of new employees.
- Founding Co-Chair of The Kearl Craft Safety Council, chairing committee meetings.
- Awarded the Contractor Safety Recognition Award for Safety Excellence (2015).
National Training Manager
MAGSTELL GLOBAL STRATEGIES INC.
Hamilton, ON
02.2010 - 05.2012
- Founded & managed a multi-disciplinary consulting firm providing professional development & business management training services designed to improve performance & achieve long-term results for clients.
- Integrated compliance programs to business dynamics to realize long-term benefits for clients by understanding business operations.
- Developed strategic plans, programs & practices to improve processes, efficiencies, performance, productivity & profitability of businesses & partners.
- Motivated leaders & employees by creating & presenting personalized training strategies to achieve client's values & goals.
Manager, Continuing Education (CE) Accreditation
THE FINANCIAL ADVISORS' ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
Toronto, ON
08.2006 - 01.2010
- Managed the Training & Compliance, CE & Accreditation Department for 10 000 memberships.
- Managed the audit process of CLU Institute, Advocis Schools & membership to determine compliance with designation and membership requirements, analyzed learning programs and submitted views on accreditation content to Regulators and Governing Bodies.
- Development Group Member who developed and validated The Practice Guidelines for Advisors and Planners.
- Managed the Business Leaders Strategic Planning Group for Vision 2020.
- Managed a $3 million budget and ensured that revenue targets were met and exceeded.
- Promoted the association's products, services and membership at conferences and workshops.
- Developed and implemented a competitive CE accreditation fee structure, resulting in a 3000% revenue increase in 4 years.
Leadership, Technical & Professional Development
- 5S Methodology & Lean Operations
- Human Performance & Safety Leadership – Ingenium SafeChoice
- Leadership for Safety Excellence (ACSA – LSE)
- Manager & Supervisor Training (EMFOS – ExxonMobil)
- Structogram Sales Training (Seneca College)
- Entrepreneurship Training (Ontario Self-Employment Benefit Program – OSEB)
- Interpersonal Mediation
- Cultural Competency & Indigenous Awareness
- Site Safety Severity Test, Safety Auditing & Gemba Walk Procedures
Mining, Industrial & Technical Operations
- Work Management – Permit Holder (Imperial Oil)
- Approved Contractor Supervisor (Imperial Oil)
- Ground Disturbance Level II (Operating Engineers Local 955)
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST) – Operating Engineers Local 955
- Lightning Protocol (Imperial Oil)
- Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) – Autonomous Operating Zone (AOZ), Mine Entry & Working in AOZ
- Hazardous Energy Isolation
- Komatsu 830E and 930E electric-drive haul trucks – Operator training completed with practical operating exposure
- Caterpillar D10 and D11 track-type tractors – Operator training completed with practical operating exposure
- Caterpillar 730, 740 and 745 articulated trucks – Operator training completed with practical operating exposure
Safety & Regulatory Training
- Oil Sands Safety Association (OSSA)
- Common Safety Orientation (CSO)
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Worksite Investigation Basics (ACSA – WIB)
- Safety Culture: A Roadmap to Zero (ACSA – SCRZ)
- Standard First Aid & CPR
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
- Fire Extinguisher Training
Professional Credentials
Professional Credentials
- Certified Health, Safety & Environmental Processes (CHSEP)
- Registered Health Underwriter (RHU)
- Class 1 Commercial Driver’s License
Professional Credential in Progress
Project Management Professional (PMP®) – In Progress
Major Projects
- Bouchier Fuel & Lube Operations Mobilization – Kearl Oil Sands
Supported the successful establishment and operational mobilization of Bouchier's Fuel & Lube operations at Kearl Oil Sands. Contributed to the development of operational processes, workforce readiness, safety systems, equipment deployment, and standardized operating procedures to support safe, efficient, and reliable service delivery.
- Fuel & Lube Reconciliation System Development– Kearl Oil Sands
Designed and implemented a comprehensive fuel and lubricant reconciliation system to monitor daily, monthly, and annual fuel consumption, inventory, and variance. Improved reporting accuracy, strengthened inventory accountability, and contributed to a 2% reduction in fuel variance through enhanced operational controls and performance monitoring.
- Fuel & Lube Operational Upgrades– Kearl Oil Sands
Contributed to the planning and implementation of operational improvements to Fuel & Lube stations, enhancing workflow, equipment utilization, service reliability, and operational efficiency while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintenance Planning & Process Improvement- Fort Hills Oil Sands
Collaborated with senior leadership to develop maintenance planning processes, standard operating procedures, and workflow improvements supporting preventive maintenance, equipment reliability, documentation quality, and operational consistency at Fort Hills Oil Sands.
- Action Log Management System– Kearl Oil Sands
Designed and implemented structured Action Log meetings and reporting processes to improve communication, accountability, issue tracking, follow-up actions, and cross-functional coordination between operations, maintenance, and leadership teams.
- Transportation Operations Optimization-Fort Hills Oil Sands
Led the management and optimization of a large-scale workforce transportation operation supporting approximately 3,000 passengers daily, 70 buses, 600 daily departures, and a $15 million operating budget through improved scheduling, dispatch coordination, fleet utilization, and operational reporting.
- Continuing Education Accreditation Fee Structure- CLU Institute
Developed and implemented a competitive accreditation fee structure for the CLU Institute Continuing Education Department, increasing departmental gross revenue by approximately 3,000% while improving long-term financial sustainability and service competitiveness.
- Financial Advisor Practice Guidelines Development- CLU Institute
Served on the CLU Institute Development Committee responsible for developing and validating professional Practice Guidelines for Financial Advisors and Financial Planners, supporting consistent professional standards, ethical practice, and regulatory compliance across the profession.
- Continuing Education Accreditation Review Framework
Contributed to the development and validation of the 2009 Continuing Education Accreditation Review Instrument, strengthening accreditation consistency, quality assurance, governance, and program evaluation processes.
- Strategic Business Planning (Vision 2020)- CLU Institute
Served on the CLU Institute Business Leaders Strategic Planning Group responsible for developing long-term business strategy, organizational growth initiatives, operational priorities, and continuing education direction under the Vision 2020 program.
- Autonomous Mining Operations Development-EVO Site
Currently progressing through competency-based Mine Operations development within a Komatsu FrontRunner® Autonomous Haulage System environment, including Autonomous Operating Zone (AOZ) authorization, controlled mine entry, dump management, operational discipline, and autonomous mining protocols.
Software
Hastus
Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
Strategic Mapping (GPS)
Rentalman ERP
Komatsu FrontRunner AHS Awareness
ILogistics
CAT SIS 20
Fluid Life Asset Reliability
My Komatsu Remote Fleet Management
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Awards
ExxonMobil Kearl Project Contractor Safety Recognition Award (2015)
Interests
Volunteering or Community Involvement
Travel
Networking
Portfolio
FEATURED
Operations Leader
Timeline
Mine Operations (Autonomous Mining Environment) - GLENCORE(EVR)-EVO Site
04.2026 - Current
Maintenance Coordinator – Fort Hills Oil Sands - KITCHTON CONSTRUCTION LP
02.2024 - 08.2025
Site Manager – Fort Hills Oil Sands - DIVERSIFIED TRANSPORTATION
09.2023 - 02.2024
Operations Manager – Kearl Oil Sands - UNITED RENTALS
11.2022 - 03.2023
Site Supervisor – Kearl Oil Sands - BOUCHIER GROUP
10.2016 - 04.2022
HSE Advisor – Kearl Oil Sands - NEEGAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
06.2015 - 10.2016
Service Tech - Kearl Oil Sands - NEEGAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
05.2012 - 06.2015
National Training Manager - MAGSTELL GLOBAL STRATEGIES INC.
02.2010 - 05.2012
Manager, Continuing Education (CE) Accreditation - THE FINANCIAL ADVISORS' ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
08.2006 - 01.2010