Job Description
The Position
The Commissioner of Municipal Operations, reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), is a key leader for Public Works, Environmental Services, Transit Services, and the Peterborough Airport. As part of the Corporate Senior Leadership Team, they provide strategic, operational, and financial guidance while offering professional advice. Working closely with the CAO, the Commissioner helps shape the city's strategic direction and management. They set and promote a forward-looking vision for municipal services, engage with different government levels, municipal agencies, and the public, and advocate for the city's goals and vision.
Key Responsibilities
As the most senior leader of the Municipal Operations department, the Commissioner will:
- Develop and implement the Department's strategic and operational plans.
- Set goals and objectives based on organizational priorities, stakeholder needs, environmental factors, and legislative changes.
- Create annual work plans, defining expected outcomes, performance metrics, budget, and long-term strategies.
- Manage program development and delivery and advise City Council and leadership on relevant legislation and programs.
- Implement and oversee organization-wide policies.
- Establish an accountability framework to coordinate practices across City Departments and ensure they are modern, stakeholder-inclusive, and customer-focused.
- Manage Department budgets, ensuring alignment with work plans and objectives. Stay informed on trends and best practices for service delivery.
- Oversee Department staffing, recruitment, training, and performance management. Foster a creative, learning-oriented workplace culture.
- Direct Division Directors on policy, contract administration, and operations. Collaborate with the CAO, Council, and community groups on environmental and social initiatives.
- Represent the Department in various settings, including Council meetings, media engagements, and public inquiries.
As a member of the City’s Senior Leadership Team, the Commissioner of Municipal Operations will:
- Act as the CAO when authorized, developing strategic directions, policies, and programs with the leadership team and Council.
- Promote a positive organizational image and values.
- Set performance objectives with the Senior Leadership Team, monitoring city and departmental performance.
- Foster internal and external partnerships for mutual benefits. Communicate priorities and issues effectively within the organization.
- Determine staffing needs and optimize staff utilization.
- Maintain positive labor relations and adhere to collective agreements and policies. and participate in union and operational contract negotiations as needed.
- Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and relevant employment laws.
Requirements
This position requires a degree in Engineering, Planning, or Business Administration (MBA, MPA, or PMP preferred), plus at least ten years of senior management experience in a municipal or related industry, including experience in contract negotiations and managing in a unionized setting. The candidate must be knowledgeable in key legislation, economic development, engineering, infrastructure maintenance, and competitive bid processes.
Managerial and Leadership Competencies
- Experience in leadership, achieving corporate objectives, program/project management, budgeting, financial management, and performance measurement.
- Ability to deliver results in ambiguous environments.
- Problem-solving, facilitating change, building confidence among peers, Council, and community.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, conflict resolution, negotiation, and team-building abilities.
- Self-motivated, positive, confident, and approachable and respects diverse opinions.
- Open to sharing information and soliciting input and committed to quality customer service and comfortable managing risks.