Cory Hein has built a career that combines both technical expertise and leadership, establishing himself as an influential figure in the engineering and resource industries. His educational background and professional experience demonstrate a clear commitment to excellence, as well as a focus on improving operational efficiency and fostering leadership within organizations.
In this article, we explore Cory Hein’s educational journey, career path, and key experiences that have contributed to his professional development. We delve into his work at Teck Resources Limited and his academic achievements, including his time at the University of British Columbia and Royal Roads University.
Educational Background
Cory Hein’s academic career laid the foundation for his success in both the engineering and leadership spheres. He attended two prestigious institutions: the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Royal Roads University. These institutions helped shape his technical and managerial skills, which he later applied to his professional career.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering
Cory’s educational path started at the University of British Columbia, where he earned his Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering between 2004 and 2008. This degree provided him with a solid technical foundation in mechanical engineering, covering key areas such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, material science, and mechanical design. UBC is known for its strong engineering programs, and Cory’s time there allowed him to hone his problem-solving skills and develop an in-depth understanding of mechanical systems, which would later prove essential in his career.
Mechanical engineering is a versatile field, and Cory’s studies at UBC equipped him with the knowledge and tools to apply engineering principles across a wide variety of industries. This academic experience was crucial in shaping his approach to problem-solving and innovation, which he would carry forward into his professional roles.
Masters of Arts in Leadership
After gaining experience in the engineering sector, Cory pursued a Masters of Arts in Leadership (MAL) at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia, where he studied Organizational Leadership. He completed his degree in 2015, which was a key moment in his professional development. The MAL program at Royal Roads University is known for its focus on leadership in real-world settings, emphasizing critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and the development of effective leadership skills.
The decision to pursue a graduate degree in leadership reflects Cory’s recognition of the growing importance of leadership skills within the engineering and resource industries. As technology and operational complexity increase, engineers must also possess strong leadership capabilities to drive teams, manage projects, and navigate the complexities of modern organizations. The MAL program at Royal Roads provided Cory with the tools to take on leadership roles and guide teams toward achieving organizational objectives.
Professional Experience
Cory Hein’s career has been defined by his ability to leverage his technical expertise and leadership capabilities to drive innovation and operational success. His professional journey includes key roles at Teck Resources Limited, a leading global mining company with operations in Canada and beyond. Throughout his career, Cory has demonstrated a commitment to operational excellence, reliability engineering, and team leadership.
Early Career at Teck Resources Limited
Cory’s first role at Teck Resources began in 2008 when he joined as a Project Engineer. In this role, he was responsible for managing engineering projects, overseeing project execution, and ensuring that all projects adhered to budget and schedule constraints. The position required him to apply his mechanical engineering knowledge while also developing skills in project management and team coordination.
In May 2008, Cory’s work as a Project Engineer marked the beginning of his long-term association with Teck Resources, a company that would provide him with numerous opportunities to grow and evolve as an engineering professional. During this time, Cory was involved in various projects, working with multidisciplinary teams to resolve technical challenges and improve operational efficiencies.
Senior Reliability Engineer
In 2010, Cory transitioned into a role as a Senior Reliability Engineer at Teck Resources, where he worked for nearly five years. As a Senior Reliability Engineer, he was responsible for ensuring the operational reliability of various systems and equipment, helping to minimize downtime and improve the overall efficiency of Teck’s operations. This role was critical in maintaining the company’s competitiveness in the resource sector, where equipment failures and downtime can have significant financial and operational impacts.
Cory’s work as a Senior Reliability Engineer involved analyzing equipment performance, developing maintenance strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement improvements. His engineering background gave him the technical expertise to address complex issues, while his leadership and communication skills enabled him to work effectively with diverse teams across different disciplines. This role was a pivotal point in his career, allowing him to combine technical engineering skills with leadership responsibilities.
Shop Maintenance Foreman
In 2015, Cory transitioned to the role of Shop Maintenance Foreman at Teck’s Line Creek Operations. As a Shop Maintenance Foreman, he was responsible for overseeing the maintenance of machinery and equipment in the operations facility. This role required both hands-on technical knowledge and strong leadership abilities, as he was tasked with managing teams of technicians and ensuring that equipment was maintained to the highest standards of safety and reliability.
The position involved planning and coordinating maintenance activities, as well as ensuring that work was carried out in compliance with safety regulations and operational standards. Cory’s ability to balance the technical and managerial aspects of the job played a significant role in maintaining operational efficiency at Line Creek. His leadership skills, developed during his time in the MAL program, proved valuable in motivating and guiding his team through complex tasks and challenges.
Graduate Student – Masters of Arts in Leadership
Throughout his career at Teck Resources, Cory pursued his graduate studies at Royal Roads University. While working full-time, he enrolled in the Masters of Arts in Leadership program, balancing his professional and academic responsibilities. His role as a Graduate Student in the MAL program allowed him to apply the leadership theories and frameworks he was learning to real-world situations at Teck Resources.
The combination of his academic insights and hands-on experience at Teck Resources helped him refine his leadership style. He gained a deeper understanding of the dynamics of organizational behavior, leadership development, and strategic decision-making, all of which have been crucial in his ability to drive change and improve performance in his professional roles.
Key Skills and Competencies
Cory Hein has developed a wide range of skills over the course of his career, many of which have contributed to his success in both technical and leadership positions. Some of his key competencies include:
- Reliability Engineering: As a Senior Reliability Engineer, Cory developed a strong proficiency in ensuring the consistent performance and durability of intricate systems and machinery. His work focused on minimizing downtime, optimizing performance, and maintaining operational continuity.
- Project Management: Throughout his career, Cory has gained significant experience managing engineering projects, overseeing their execution, and ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
- Leadership: Cory’s academic focus in organizational leadership, paired with his experience leading teams at Teck Resources, has sharpened his leadership skills. He is skilled in guiding teams, making strategic decisions, and driving organizational success.
- Problem-Solving: Cory’s solid engineering background has strengthened his ability to tackle complex problems with effective and innovative solutions. He has demonstrated the ability to diagnose complex technical issues, develop solutions, and implement improvements that enhance operational efficiency.
- Team Management and Collaboration: As a Shop Maintenance Foreman and in his other leadership roles, Cory has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams and collaborate across functional areas to achieve operational goals.
Conclusion
Cory Hein’s journey from an engineering student to a senior leader in the resource sector is a testament to his commitment to personal and professional growth. His educational background in mechanical engineering and organizational leadership, combined with his extensive experience at Teck Resources, has positioned him as a skilled engineer and an effective leader. Cory’s ability to balance technical expertise with leadership responsibilities has been central to his success in driving innovation, improving operational reliability, and leading teams toward achieving organizational goals.
As Cory continues his career, his blend of engineering knowledge and leadership capabilities will undoubtedly continue to make a significant impact on the industries he serves. His story highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the value of developing both technical and leadership skills to excel in today’s complex, fast-paced work environments.
FAQs
1. What is Cory Hein’s educational background?
Cory Hein holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from UBC and a Master’s in Leadership from Royal Roads University.
2. What roles has Cory Hein held at Teck Resources?
Cory has worked as a Project Engineer, Senior Reliability Engineer, Shop Maintenance Foreman, and Graduate Student in Leadership.
3. How did Cory Hein develop his leadership skills?
Cory refined his leadership abilities through the Master’s in Leadership program at Royal Roads University, alongside practical experience leading teams at Teck.
4. What is Cory Hein’s expertise in engineering?
Hein specializes in mechanical engineering, particularly in reliability engineering, equipment performance optimization, and maintenance management within the resource industry.
5. What makes Cory Hein a successful leader?
Cory combines his technical engineering background with strong leadership abilities, focusing on operational efficiency, team development, and strategic problem-solving.