Mechanical Engineer and Organizational Leadership Expert at Teck Resources
In the demanding world of mining engineering, where technical expertise meets operational complexity, Cory Hein has carved out a reputation as a leader who understands both the machinery and the people who operate it. With a robust educational background that includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Royal Roads University, he brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and human-centered leadership to his role at Teck Resources Limited. Based in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, his career exemplifies how combining engineering precision with compassionate leadership can transform an entire organization’s culture and performance.
Professional Overview: A Career Built on Excellence
Since June 2016, Cory Hein has served as a Mechanical Engineer at Teck Resources Limited, one of Canada’s leading diversified resource companies. However, his journey with the organization spans much longer—over 15 years of dedicated service that has seen him evolve from a project engineer to a trusted expert whose insights shape operational practices across the mining sector.
His career has been defined by three core focus areas: mining operations, sustainability initiatives, and operational excellence. In an industry often criticized for its environmental impact and resistance to change, he has positioned himself as a forward-thinking professional who believes that profitability and responsibility can coexist. His work demonstrates that the mining sector can meet modern expectations for environmental stewardship while maintaining the efficiency and productivity that keep operations viable.
Leadership Philosophy: Putting People First
What sets Cory Hein apart in the engineering world is his deeply human-centered approach to leadership. Unlike leaders who rely solely on technical directives and top-down management, he fosters collaboration and encourages open communication at every level of the organization. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: the best solutions emerge when diverse perspectives come together, and everyone—from frontline workers to senior management—has valuable insights to contribute.
He empowers individuals at all levels to contribute ideas, creating an environment where innovation isn’t reserved for those with the fanciest titles or the most advanced degrees. This inclusive approach has resulted in breakthrough solutions that might never have surfaced in a more hierarchical structure. By emphasizing team-based problem-solving and lifelong learning, he has built teams that don’t just execute tasks but actively seek better ways to accomplish their goals.
Core Leadership Principles That Drive Results
The leadership style of Cory Hein rests on several foundational principles that guide his decision-making and team management. Continuous improvement stands at the forefront—he believes that good enough never is, and there’s always room to refine processes, enhance safety protocols, and boost efficiency. This mindset has led to incremental gains that, over time, have resulted in significant operational improvements.
Accountability and empowerment go hand-in-hand in his leadership framework. He holds his teams accountable for their responsibilities while simultaneously giving them the authority and resources to make meaningful decisions. This balance creates a culture where people take ownership of their work rather than simply following orders.
Transparency and adaptability are equally crucial. In an industry where conditions can change rapidly—whether due to equipment failures, market fluctuations, or regulatory updates—his ability to communicate clearly and adjust strategies quickly has proven invaluable. He builds trust through decisive action, making tough calls when necessary but always explaining the reasoning behind his decisions.
Educational Foundation: Where Technical Meets Strategic
The professional journey of Cory Hein is firmly rooted in a solid educational foundation that prepared him for the multifaceted challenges of modern mining leadership. From 2004 to 2008, he pursued his Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, one of Canada’s premier engineering schools. This program provided him with comprehensive knowledge in thermodynamics, materials science, and systems design—the technical backbone that would support every career decision he made afterward.
However, recognizing that technical skills alone wouldn’t be sufficient for the leadership roles he aspired to, he later enrolled in a graduate program in organizational leadership, strategic thinking, and change management at Royal Roads University. This advanced education equipped him with skills in conflict resolution, ethical decision-making, and effective communication—capabilities that would prove essential as he moved into positions with greater responsibility and broader impact.
This combination of technical and leadership education is relatively rare in the engineering field, where professionals often specialize in one domain or the other. His willingness to invest in both areas reflects an understanding that modern engineering challenges aren’t purely technical—they involve people, processes, and organizational dynamics that require a sophisticated leadership approach.
Career Progression: Rising Through the Ranks at Teck Resources
The career trajectory of Cory Hein at Teck Resources illustrates a steady progression built on proven results and expanded responsibilities. His journey began in May 2008 as a Project Engineer, where he managed engineering projects from start to finish, coordinating teams and maintaining safety standards across complex initiatives. This entry-level role provided him with ground-level experience in how mining operations function and the critical importance of safety in every decision.
By January 2010, his contributions had earned him a promotion to Senior Reliability Engineer, a position that placed him at the center of efforts to improve equipment uptime, safety standards, and cost efficiency. In this role, he developed expertise in predictive maintenance, failure analysis, and reliability-centered maintenance strategies that would become hallmarks of his professional approach.
His next step was to Shop Maintenance Foreman, where he managed maintenance teams and coordinated cross-departmental operations. This position required not just technical knowledge but also people management skills, budgeting capabilities, and the ability to balance competing priorities—all experiences that prepared him for broader leadership responsibilities.
In his current position as Mechanical Engineer, Cory Hein provides expert mechanical engineering support and drives operational optimization projects that impact multiple departments and facilities. His role has evolved from executing specific technical tasks to shaping strategy, mentoring junior engineers, and influencing organizational culture.
Key Contributions: Making a Measurable Impact
Throughout his tenure, Cory Hein has made contributions that extend far beyond routine engineering work. His focus on operational excellence has led to optimized maintenance schedules and reduction of unplanned downtime—two factors that directly affect both profitability and safety. Equipment reliability improvements under his watch have resulted in fewer breakdowns, reduced emergency repairs, and more predictable operations.
His systems thinking approach to mechanical challenges means he doesn’t just fix problems in isolation but considers how various components and processes interact. This holistic perspective has led to solutions that address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
Innovation and Modernization Initiatives
In an industry sometimes perceived as resistant to change, Cory Hein has been a champion of innovation and modernization. He has promoted data-driven decision-making in maintenance processes, helping the organization move away from reactive “fix it when it breaks” approaches toward predictive strategies based on actual equipment performance data.
He has also worked on the integration of new technologies into legacy systems—a particularly challenging task in mining operations where equipment might have decades of service life. His ability to bridge old and new has enabled the organization to benefit from automation and advanced analytics implementation without completely overhauling systems that still function effectively.
Unwavering Commitment to Safety and Sustainability
Perhaps no aspect of his work is more important than his unwavering focus on worker well-being, with the principle that no production target justifies compromising safety. This non-negotiable stance has helped create a culture where employees feel valued and protected, which in turn improves morale, retention, and productivity.
His work has also contributed to sustainability goals, as improved equipment reliability reduces waste and downtime. More efficient operations mean less energy consumption, fewer replacement parts, and reduced environmental impact—outcomes that align with growing commitments to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards in the mining industry.
Distinctive Leadership Qualities That Inspire Teams
Colleagues and team members describe Cory Hein as approachable yet decisive, holding teams accountable while creating a culture of trust. This balance is difficult to achieve—many leaders lean too far in one direction, becoming either overly friendly without clear expectations or excessively demanding without building genuine relationships.
He combines technical proficiency with leadership and strategic insight in ways that allow him to speak credibly to both engineers on the shop floor and executives in the boardroom. This cross-disciplinary expertise, bridging engineering with leadership, makes him an effective translator between different organizational functions and levels.
His mentorship and team development have helped cultivate the next generation of mining engineers and leaders. Rather than hoarding knowledge or viewing talented subordinates as threats, he actively invests in their growth, understanding that organizational success depends on building capable teams rather than relying on individual heroics.
Industry Recognition: Setting Standards for Others
The expertise and leadership of Cory Hein have influenced operational practices in the mining sector beyond just his immediate organization. Through industry conferences, professional networks, and the example set by Teck Resources’ performance, his approaches to reliability engineering, safety culture, and team leadership have become reference points for other organizations seeking to improve their operations.
He has become a respected figure inspiring colleagues and aspiring engineers who see in him a model of what’s possible when technical excellence meets genuine leadership capability. His work has contributed to setting standards for safety, efficiency, and innovation that raise the bar for the entire industry.
Leadership Lessons: Wisdom from Experience
The career of Cory Hein offers several valuable lessons for aspiring leaders in engineering and beyond. First, he demonstrates the value of blending technical and leadership skills for innovation at the intersection of knowledge and people management. Too many engineers assume that technical expertise alone will carry them forward, but his success shows that understanding how to lead, motivate, and develop people is equally crucial.
Second, he exemplifies the importance of prioritizing mentorship for long-term organizational success. By investing time in developing others, leaders create sustainable organizations that aren’t dependent on any single individual. This approach builds resilience and capability throughout the entire team.
Third, his career illustrates the importance of innovating consistently by adopting new technologies before necessity forces change. Proactive innovation is always more effective than reactive scrambling, and organizations led by forward-thinking professionals maintain competitive advantages over those that wait until they have no choice.
Navigating Industry Challenges with Resilience
The mining industry faces numerous challenges, from commodity price volatility to environmental regulations, workforce shortages, and social license concerns. Cory Hein adopts a flexible, forward-thinking mindset, viewing obstacles as opportunities—a perspective that has served him well throughout market cycles and organizational changes.
He balances technical demands with strategic vision, ensuring that short-term operational needs don’t overshadow long-term sustainability and organizational health. He also addresses environmental and social governance pressures proactively rather than treating them as burdens to be minimized, understanding that companies that lead in these areas often enjoy better community relations, easier permitting processes, and stronger reputations.
Modern Mining Leadership: Redefining an Industry
The example set by Cory Hein is part of a broader transformation in mining leadership. The industry is redefining leadership in traditional sectors, moving away from command-and-control management toward more collaborative, inclusive approaches. Leaders like him are addressing workforce challenges and skills gaps by creating environments where talented professionals want to work and develop their careers.
Environmental responsibility and community engagement are no longer optional add-ons but central to how modern mining companies operate. Technology integration in conservative sectors is accelerating, driven by leaders who understand that embracing innovation is essential for long-term viability.
Looking Forward: Continued Excellence in Leadership
As the mining industry continues to evolve, the leadership approach embodied by Cory Hein will only become more relevant. The ability to combine technical expertise with human-centered leadership, to balance productivity with safety and sustainability, and to foster innovation while respecting proven practices—these are the capabilities that will define successful mining operations in the decades ahead.
For those seeking to learn more about engineering leadership excellence, explore opportunities in mining sector leadership, or connect with leadership development resources, the career of professionals like him offers valuable insights and inspiration. His journey demonstrates that leadership isn’t about choosing between technical competence and people skills, between profitability and responsibility, or between tradition and innovation—it’s about integrating all these elements into a coherent approach that delivers results while developing people and respecting the communities and environments in which organizations operate.
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