THE CITY: CITY OF WEST KELOWNA
Located on the central, western hillsides of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia's beautiful Central Okanagan Region, the City of West Kelowna is a visually stunning community in all seasons. Vineyards, orchards and farms operate throughout the community, and the municipality is also home to commercial businesses, light industry, and a diverse economy made up of agriculture, construction, finance, food and retail services, light industry, lumber manufacturing, technology, tourism and wineries.
West Kelowna is a thriving city with a rural sophistication appeal and a haven for outdoor recreation. Sun-soaked lakeshores, agricultural charm, and access to urban jobs and living have made West Kelowna an ideal location to live, work, and recreate. It is no surprise that West Kelowna is one of the fastest growing cities in BC, with a current population of over 40,000, making it the third largest city by population in the Okanagan.
The City of West Kelowna is gathered on the traditional territory of the syilx/Okanagan people.
THE ORGANIZATION:
The City of West Kelowna prides itself on serving its constituents and ensuring the continued prosperity of the community. Governed by a mayor and council, the City's leadership is committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and innovation in their decision-making processes. With a focus on sustainable development, infrastructure maintenance, and community engagement, the City of West Kelowna works tirelessly to address the needs and aspirations of residents while promoting economic growth and environmental stewardship. The City was awarded the 2021 Community Excellence Award in Governance from UBCM for its Community Vision and in 2023, the City of West Kelowna received an award for Organizational Safety Excellence.
Through collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and proactive initiatives, the City of West Kelowna strives to create an inclusive and vibrant city where residents can thrive and enjoy an exceptional quality of life.
To learn more, please visit City of West Kelowna's website.
Council’s Strategic Priorities:
Council's 2022-2026 Strategic Priorities establish the framework to move forward with short-term and long-term key objectives. By establishing and implementing Council’s priorities, the City positions itself for future community success as the region grows and evolves.
Council’s priorities position West Kelowna for success with ongoing and new initiatives aligned with continued fiscal responsibility. Council’s direction to staff reflects increasing infrastructure investments (including roads, sidewalks and bike lanes), advocating for greater social housing investments and health care services, advancing the Official Community Plan and other community development initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with Westbank First Nation and others who contribute to a vibrant community.
Council’s current strategic priorities speak to a continued shared vision of West Kelowna as a vibrant and resilient community:
- Invest in Infrastructure: Investing in building, improving and maintaining quality infrastructure to meet the needs of, and to provide a high quality of life for, current and future generations.
- Pursue Economic Growth and Prosperity: Working with stakeholders throughout the region to advocate for and support efforts aimed at helping West Kelowna businesses prosper. With a focus on the future, the City of West Kelowna will advance opportunities to expand the economy, increase employment, and develop the community in ways that contribute towards prosperity for all.
- Strengthen our Community: Providing opportunities for the residents of West Kelowna to build connections, celebrate successes, embrace the community's strengths and diversity, address shared needs, and contribute to shaping the community's future.
- Foster Safety and Well-Being: Pursuing through direct action, advocacy, and collaboration with local and regional service providers, investments in community health, needs-based housing, emergency preparedness, policing, fire and other services that foster safety and well-being in West Kelowna.
THE OPPORTUNITY: DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Operations is accountable for the effective leadership of the Operations division which includes the water, wastewater, roads, construction, parks, fleet, water supply & treatment and cemetery departments. The position will lead the teams ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and meet the needs of the community. As a senior staff member, the Director of Operations participates as a member of the Senior Management team and has the authority to make departmental decisions related to the division’s operations. The incumbent within the constraints of the Local Government Act, Community Charter, exiting bylaws, the authorized budget, and the organized structure, has the accountability and corresponding freedom to plan, organize, and implement the appropriate short- and long-range goals and programs appropriate to the collective interests of the City.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in the overall policy planning, administration and management of the Operations Division;
- Provide leadership and direction to the Operations teams;
- Collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including Council, Committees, Ministries, Crown Corporations and other agencies and community partners in deliver of City’s construction and maintenance of infrastructure;
- Support Council priorities through the management of related capital construction projects;
- Develop departmental goals and objectives, including short and long term as it relates to the responsibilities of the Operational Services;
- Ensure the development, implementation and evaluation of procedures, policies and programs designed to meet the needs of the City;
- Coordinate, administer and control the annual operating and capital budgets;
- Required to provide technical input to develop policy and strategic plans, perform issues resolutions and attend council meetings;
- Responsible for the traditional management responsibilities of hiring, motivating, coaching, assessing employee performance, exercising disciplinary action and dealing with grievances;
- Carry out the duties of the position in accordance with established safe work procedures as required by Occupational Health and Safety Regulation;
- Performs other related duties as required.
Education, Experience, Skills and Abilities:
- University Degree in Civil Engineering, Public Sector Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or Commerce;
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) is preferred;
- Maintain a level of professional designation the Professional Engineering Association;
- 10 years experience directly related to the core work identified above with 5 years leadership experience;
- Experience in public consultation, working with councils, boards, committees, commissions, and the community;
- Knowledge of municipal infrastructure, including water, wastewater, drainage and transportation systems;
- Working knowledge of asset management best practices;
- Extensive experience in budgeting, strategic planning, project management, policy development;
- Strong communication and presentation skills;
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently, performing well under pressure while dealing with contentious matters;
- Excellent public relations skills accompanied by a sensitivity to the needs of the community and elected officials;
- Class 5 BC Driver’s License.
Competencies and Personal Characteristics:
Leadership – Achieves desired organizational results by encouraging and supporting the contribution of others. A proactive and positive team player who inspires trust and respect by exuding clarity and certainty in their vision, actions, and decisions.
Accountable – Holds self and others accountable for responsibilities; focuses on results and measuring attainment of outcomes in a business focus.
Strategic – Develops a plan in support of organizational strategic direction. Demonstrates an understanding of the link between one’s position responsibilities and overall organizational goals.
Integrity and Honesty – Demonstrates a resolute commitment to and respect for the spirit behind the rules and core values of the organization, setting an example of professionalism and ethical propriety.
Influential and Collaborative – Has an open and consistent approach to working with others and possesses strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and develop/maintain partnerships, obtaining stakeholder agreement.
Creativity and Innovation – Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes.
Effective Working Relationships – Treats colleagues, and stakeholders with respect; resolves conflicts in a timely manner, negotiates effectively, and provides effective feedback to colleagues/employees.
Communication – Clearly presents written and verbal information; writes with clarity and purpose; communicates effectively in both positive and challenging circumstances; listens well.
People Development – Fosters learning and development of others through coaching, managing performance and mentoring; has a genuine desire to develop others and help them succeed; formally and informally recognizes staff and colleagues.
Stakeholder Focused – Anticipates and attends to the needs of internal and external stakeholders of the organization; keeps stakeholder interests in the forefront.
COMPENSATION:
A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary of $164,607 - $193,656 (2025 wage range) and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.
To apply, please visit our website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Julian Manchon or Greg Longster
LEADERS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH
#880—609 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5
Phone: (604) 688-8422
Email: vancouver@leadersinternational.com
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