Manager of Maintenance Operations

Overview At the City of Kitchener, we're building a vibrant, inclusive and connected community. We are seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to join the Roads & Traffic Division within our Infrastructure Services team as Manager, Maintenance Operations. In this pivotal leadership role, you will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of road maintenance services across the City's transportation network. You will lead a large operational team responsible for maintaining roads, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, catch basins, and related right-of-way infrastructure while ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with legislative requirements and service standards. This position plays a critical role in seasonal operations, emergency response, winter maintenance, contract management, budget oversight, and strategic planning. Responsibilities Operational Leadership Lead and provide direction to a team of Operations Supervisors responsible for roadway maintenance activities. Develop annual work plans, service priorities, and operational objectives that align with divisional and corporate goals. Ensure the effective deployment of staff, equipment, fleet resources, and contractors. Monitor service delivery performance, productivity, quality standards, and customer service outcomes. Strategic Planning & Asset Stewardship. Participate in long-term infrastructure planning, capital forecasting, and divisional strategic planning initiatives. Develop and administer annual operating budgets while contributing to long-range financial planning. Evaluate maintenance programs and recommend improvements based on service demands, asset condition, legislative requirements, and industry best practices. Winter Maintenance & Emergency Management Provide leadership during winter control operations, severe weather events, flooding, and other emergencies. Make critical operational decisions regarding staffing, equipment utilization, contractor deployment, and service priorities. Ensure the City meets legislated maintenance obligations and public safety requirements during emergency situations. People Leadership Foster a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Lead recruitment, coaching, performance management, and workforce planning activities. Support leadership development among supervisors and promote effective labour-management relationships. Ensure compliance with collective agreements, corporate policies, and workplace legislation. Stakeholder Relations Respond to complex and high-profile public concerns and service requests. Represent the City in meetings with regional partners, consultants, neighbouring municipalities, media, and community stakeholders. Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for senior leadership, committees, and Council as required. Perform other duties as assigned. Education Minimum three-year degree or diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Public Works, Municipal Operations, or a related discipline. Experience Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in municipal operations, public works, road maintenance, infrastructure management, or a related field. Demonstrated leadership experience supervising operational and supervisory staff within a unionized environment is preferred. Skill Equivalency (if applicable) Applicants will be considered if a combination of their education and experience meets the following pre-determined skill equivalency: 2-Year Diploma (or 2-Year Specialized Post Secondary Program) with 10 or more years’ related and relevant experience OR 4-Year Honours Degree with minimum 4 years’ related and relevant experience Additional Requirements Valid MTO G class driver's license in good standing. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Strong knowledge of road maintenance practices, construction operations, fleet utilization, and public works service delivery. Experience managing budgets, work programs, operational performance measures, and resource allocation. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making abilities. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to address public concerns and present to senior leadership or Council. Provide Drivers Abstract at your own expense as a condition of employment. Proficiency with municipal asset management and work management systems, along with Microsoft Office applications. Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.

Lead the planning and delivery of road maintenance services, including the management of staff, equipment, and contractors for the City's transportation network. Oversee seasonal operations, winter maintenance, and emergency responses while managing budgets and strategic infrastructure planning.

Requires a minimum three-year degree or diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related field. Candidates must have at least seven years of experience in municipal operations or public works, with a valid MTO G class driver's license.

• Problem solvingPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Operational Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Asset Stewardship
• Winter Maintenance
• Emergency Management
• Budget Oversight
• Contract Management
• People Leadership
• Stakeholder Relations
• Road Maintenance Practices
• Construction Operations
• Fleet Utilization
• Public Works Service Delivery
• Problem Solving
• Negotiation
• Decision Making

• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Transportation
• Engineering
• Construction

Minimum education

College diploma

Minimum experience

5+ years

Apply by

Sep 10, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level