Director of Operations

Alberta Urban Municipalities Association; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 132,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP)

Competitive salary

Job summary

Town of Westlock seeks an experienced Director of Operations to lead municipal infrastructure, utilities, parks, roads, and fleet, reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer. This senior role blends strategic planning with hands-on oversight of essential services.

You will manage budgets, coordinate external contractors, pursue grant opportunities, and collaborate with Council and regional partners to support sustainable growth and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Engineering, Infrastructure Management, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of related work experience and 5+ years in municipal supervisory capacity.
• Progressive municipal leadership experience in infrastructure, public works, engineering, or utilities.
• Experience with asset management, capital planning, and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to Operations, Utilities, and Parks staff.
• Oversee operation, maintenance, and improvement of infrastructure, utilities, roads, parks, and fleet.
• Lead long-term infrastructure planning, asset management, and capital replacement programs.
• Manage external contractors and ensure compliance with contracts, budgets, timelines, quality, and safety.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and pursue grant opportunities.
• Build relationships with Council, residents, developers, and government partners.
• Prepare reports and presentations for Council and senior management.
• Contribute to strategic planning and organizational initiatives as part of the Senior Leadership Team.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Engineering degree

Infrastructure management

Job description

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Are you a strategic leader with a passion for infrastructure, operational excellence, and public service? The Town of Westlock is looking for a dynamic Director of Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team.

Located just under an hour northwest of Edmonton, Westlock is a thriving rural hub where ambition and collaboration thrive. With a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future, we invite you to help us build on the momentum and shape what comes next.

The Opportunity

The Town of Westlock is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Operations to lead the planning, delivery, and oversight of municipal infrastructure and operational services. Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, this senior leadership role combines strategic planning with the management of essential municipal services, including Public Works, Utilities, Parks and Open Spaces, roads, fleet, and infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and direction to Operations, Utilities, and Parks staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and safety.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of municipal infrastructure, utilities, roads, parks, and fleet.
• Lead long-term infrastructure planning, asset management, and capital replacement programs to support the Town's sustainability and future growth.
• Oversee the selection, coordination, and management of external contractors and service providers, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, budgets, timelines, quality standards, and health and safety requirements.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify alternate funding opportunities, including grants.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with Council, residents, developers, contractors, government agencies, and regional partners.
• Identify and pursue alternate funding opportunities, including grants, to support infrastructure improvements and capital initiatives.
• Prepare and deliver reports, recommendations, and presentations to Council and senior management to support informed decision-making.
• Contribute to corporate strategic planning, policy development, and organizational initiatives as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Engineering, Infrastructure Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum four (4) years of related work experience and five (5) years in a municipal supervisory capacity.
• Progressive municipal leadership experience, preferably in infrastructure, public works, engineering, or utilities.
• Strong knowledge of municipal operations, legislation, asset management, and infrastructure planning.
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects, operational budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to fiscal accountability, workplace safety, innovation, and service excellence

Why Westlock?

Westlock offers the best of both worlds—rural charm and community spirit with quick access to major urban amenities. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of Westlock by guiding infrastructure investment, strengthening essential municipal services, and supporting sustainable community growth.

We're looking for a leader who combines strategic vision with practical operational expertise— someone who inspires staff, builds strong partnerships, and takes pride in delivering safe, efficient, and reliable municipal services.

Questions

Please call Simone Wiley, Chief Administrative Officer, 780-349-4444.

The Town of Westlock offers a competitive salary range of $132,309 to $162,724 and excellent employee benefit program, including the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP). Satisfactory background screening is required, including a criminal record check and five-year driver's abstract upon acceptance of the position.