Who Is Cory Hein? Inside the Rise of a People-First Leader at Teck Resources
Cory Hein might not be the type you see on engineering podcasts or business blogs, but he is building something meaningful in the mining world. Leveraging the technical know-how with leadership skills, it’s not surprising that Hein has been able to climb the success ladder in no time, making an impact in one of Canada’s largest diversified mining companies.
Cory is a Canadian mechanical engineer and leadership professional best known for his work at Teck Resources Limited — Based in Fernie, British Columbia, he’s become a key figure in driving both innovation and people-first leadership in an industry that’s traditionally been very nuts-and-bolts.
If you want to know who he is, how he got here, and what he stands up to, let’s get into it!
Early Life & Education
Cory Hein grew up in Fernie, British Columbia. This is a region that boasts of a rich history in coal mining and stunning landscapes. The environment where community and industry thrive might be part of these things that shaped his childhood.
He Attends University of British Columbia — Mechanical Engineering
After finishing high school, Cory went to the University of British Columbia (UBC). There, he got a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. That’s where the foundation for his career got started.
Fun fact: mechanical engineering isn’t just “fixing machines.” It’s a discipline that teaches you how complex systems behave, how they fail, and most importantly, how to make them work better and longer. That analytical training would later feed directly into his work on maintenance systems and operational optimization.
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Royal Roads University — Organizational Leadership
Cory didn’t stop at technical schooling. He went back to university and earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia.
He gained knowledge in how to manage a team, communicate, and make strategic decisions. This means Cory didn’t just want to be a smart engineer. He wanted to be a leader people would want to follow.
The technical skill and thoughtful leadership training are what set him apart today. You can hear that from how people describe him. They don’t talk about him as “just another engineer.” They talk about him as someone who gets people.
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Career Path From Gearhead to Leader
Starting at Teck Resources (2008)
Right after graduating in 2008, Cory started at Teck Resources Limited as a Project Engineer.
He wasn’t just good with calculations or drawings. He was good with people and process. And in an industry that deals with heavy machinery and safety precautions, this is vital.
Senior Reliability Engineer (2010)
Within a couple of years, Cory advanced to Senior Reliability Engineer, a role that positions him as an authority in the industry.
He leaned into predictive maintenance. And it’s one of the first times his work started showing measurable impact across operations.
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Shop Maintenance Foreman
He moved into leadership roles where people, not just machines, were under his care. As Shop Maintenance Foreman, Cory was responsible for coordinating teams, schedules, and safety standards across wide-ranging operations.
Here’s where we see the leadership training pay off. He was encouraging collaboration. Helping mechanics and technicians feel like partners rather than cogs. And these are the things that keep morale up in a tough working environment.
Mechanical Engineer (2016 – Present)
Today, Cory serves as a Mechanical Engineer at Teck Resources, combining all those skills, analytical, operational, and interpersonal in high-impact projects across the company. In this role, he continues to support reliability work, predictive systems, and cross-department collaborations that drive efficiency, safety, and performance.
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Leadership Philosophy
Any engineer can crunch numbers, but not everyone can combine it with good leadership skills. Cory seems to have both great technical know-how and be a respected leader.
Here’s what really seems to shape how he leads:
People-First Mindset
Leaders who empower their team can cultivate creativity and drive innovation. This is what Cory believes in, and it reflects in his leadership roles. He doesn’t just assign tasks to people. He listens to them, encourages them, builds trust, and this is why many people respect him.
Accountability with Empathy
He sets high standards, but he also understands that people grow at different rates. The high expectations of offering consistent support are what differentiate a good leader from a great one.
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Continuous Learning
Whether it’s new technologies, trends, leadership methods, or best technical practices, Cory never stops learning. Plus, he encourages his team to learn and grow as well. No wonder Teck has always stayed ahead of competitors.
Impact In The Industry
A few of his impacts include:
Innovation in Engineering
Cory has been a champion of data-driven maintenance. These are tools and systems that keep equipment healthier, longer. That’s big in mining, because downtime is costly, and unplanned failures can risk lives.
He’s also been part of efforts to bring automation and digital tools into traditional operations, a great move that shows he saw opportunity where others saw change.
Sustainability Work
As much as we need mining, it is known for its negative impact on the environment. However, Cory has been able to establish a sustainable mining model that reduces energy consumption and minimizes environmental impact.
Mentorship & Talent Development
He mentors young engineers, sharing the knowledge and expertise required to grow in the industry. He has been helping new graduates to transition seamlessly from academia to the field of engineering.
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FAQs About Cory Hein
Who is Cory Hein?
He’s a Canadian mechanical engineer and leadership professional at Teck Resources Limited. He is well-known for his technical skills and great leadership.
Where did he go to school?
He completed his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia and earned a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Royal Roads University.
What makes his leadership style unique?
While many leaders in the technical world focus on systems, Cory believes in people-first, collaboration, and continuous learning
Unlike typical technical leaders who focus only on systems or numbers, Cory emphasizes people, collaboration, and continuous learning.
What has he done at Teck Resources?
From reliability engineering to leading teams and pushing for data-driven maintenance, he’s helped improve operational efficiency, safety standards, and sustainability practices.
Why should anyone care about Cory Hein in 2026?
Because he represents a newer model of industrial leadership, one that combines technical excellence with human empathy and strategic innovation. That’s exactly the kind of mindset industries need today.
