Head, Operational Services

Ontario Public Service Leadership | Leadership dans la fonction publique de l’Ontario; Ontario; On-site; CAD 92,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Ontario is seeking a Head of Operational Services to oversee the integration of services and manage critical stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in highway maintenance and demonstrate strategic leadership. This role offers a competitive salary and is aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Defined-benefit pension plan

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience providing strategic direction and guidance to technical staff.
• Ability to engage stakeholders effectively.
• Strong analytical skills to manage budgets and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of ministry services in the North Operations region.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and emergency response.
• Oversee contract administration and program compliance.
• Plan and manage the development and delivery of capital programs.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Program Management

Technical Expertise

Education

Relevant degree in Public Administration or related field

Job description

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This range is provided by Ontario Public Service Leadership | Leadership dans la fonction publique de l’Ontario. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

CA$92,920.00 / yr - CA$135,056.00 / yr

Are you ready to drive operational excellence and shape the future of transportation in the Ministry of Transportation? Bring your expertise in highway maintenance, construction, and design to this progressive role. Join us in shaping the future of public transit in Ontario.

As the Head of Operational Services, you will lead the integration of ministry services in the North Operations region. This includes managing stakeholder relationships, emergency response, infrastructure preservation, and ensuring the continuous flow of people, goods, and services to drive economic prosperity. Your role will involve planning and managing the development and delivery of minor and major capital programs, subsidy programs, unincorporated roads, and utility programs. Additionally, you will oversee contract administration and emergency management to ensure compliance with policy and regulatory frameworks.

You will play a crucial role in fostering stakeholder engagement by consulting with indigenous communities and municipalities, ensuring their perspectives shape program planning and delivery. Furthermore, you will lead risk assessment, emergency planning, and safety program development within your assigned area.

Apply now for the role of Head of Operational Services and embark on a transformative journey with us!

About us :

The Highway Operations Office is responsible for the administration and oversight of maintenance contracts. Contracts include summer and winter maintenance operations including highway patrolling in summer and winter, snow removal, emergency incident response, pavement markings, pothole repair, electrical maintenance, bridge inspections and maintenance, signs, repair of ministry infrastructure damaged by accidents, and management of roadside vegetation including invasive species. Administers ministry's corridor management legislation, policies, standards, and procedures. It is also responsible for reviewing applications, assessing adherence to policies and impacts on the highway, resolving conflicts, issuing permits and enforcement of violations of policies. Provides support for capital improvements through design meetings, field reviews and oversight. Develops plans and participates in regional emergency preparedness and provides support and assistance to the Regional Action Group (RAG) and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) during an emergency. Provides technical support / oversight and financial control / audit to local roads boards.

For more information, visit us at : Ministry of Transportation

The Ontario Public Service : Strengthening Ontario, together.

A career in the Ontario Public Service is driven by a passion for creating a stronger Ontario. If you share this ambition, we are fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where employees have the tools and opportunities they need to be fulfilled and inspired to move Ontario forward. Our leaders enjoy :

• Purpose-driven culture : Be part of a dynamic leadership team dedicated to serving 15 million Ontarians. Your leadership will drive long-term impact and contribute to public service excellence.
• Empowering work environment : Thrive in an inclusive workplace that reflects the population we serve, with flexible work arrangements and friendly workplaces that support you in bringing your authentic self to work and exploring your full potential.
• Expansive leadership opportunities : Benefit from endless growth opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to lead across various sectors. In the Ontario Public Service, your leadership journey can span multiple ministries and functions.
• Recognition and Rewards : Your efforts will be recognized both formally and informally, ensuring you feel valued and supported. We offer competitive salaries with performance-based pay, a defined-benefit pension plan, and comprehensive benefits that support your holistic wellness. Enjoy a range of vacation and leave options, along with access to employee and family assistance programs and inclusive counselling services.

About the job

At the Ontario Public Service, we hold our leaders to the highest standards, expecting them to embody authenticity, accountability, and courage in every action and decision. As a leader, you'll be at the forefront of creating a dynamic work environment that sparks innovation, fosters collaboration, and champions inclusivity. We value a diverse, anti-racist, and accessible workplace where everyone feels safe and respected. By embracing these values, you'll help build a vibrant team culture where every individual can thrive. Your leadership will inspire and motivate your team to achieve their best, aligning their efforts with our strategic vision.

To succeed in this role, you will be :

Coordinating the development of capital programs, managing contracts, and resolving disputes.

Maintaining and improving unincorporated roads and bridges.

Participating in operational program planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.

Overseeing external consulting and contract staff, ensuring compliance and quality of service.

Implementing programs in alignment with plans, monitoring expenditures, and providing technical advice.

Engaging stakeholders and coordinating consultations to incorporate their input.

Managing the regional traffic operations center, ensuring smooth incident reporting and community notifications.

Identifying and mitigating risks through emergency planning and safety management.

What you bring to the team

Strategic Leadership and Management Skills :

You have experience providing strategic direction, guidance and coaching to technical staff.

You have experience fostering an environment of high performance, learning, growth and continuous improvement.

You can engage team members in a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting innovation and creativity.

You have experience developing and implementing practical solutions to unique and complex issues.

You have demonstrated skills in managing financial budgets and human resources, including labour relations issues.

You have demonstrated the leadership behaviors, attributes and mindsets to lead the OPS into the future.

Technical Expertise :

You are capable of interpreting and applying relevant legislation, policies, and specifications pertaining to infrastructure improvements, highway operations, drainage works, municipalities, and unincorporated areas.

You have an understanding of drainage and road deterioration behavior, which enables you to identify and assess deficiencies, design, tender, and administer project, construction, and rehabilitation proposals,

You have the ability to acquire knowledge of procurement principles within the ministry and government, enabling you to support the preparation, administration, and acquisition of services, as well as resolve conflicts to ensure the ministry's commitments are met and government objectives are promoted.

You have the ability to acquire knowledge of the Ontario Building Code as it applies to ministry facilities maintenance, relevant emergency management legislation, policies and procedures and the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure adherence to safe working practices and procedures.

Program Management Skills :

You possess the ability to lead and direct program delivery and project management effectively.

You demonstrate strong analytical skills that enable you to authorize the development and implementation of plans, as well as supervise high-profile and time-sensitive projects.

You have the capacity to review and evaluate new or existing policies and related legislation, assessing their relevance and applicability to the area. Furthermore, you can provide recommendations to senior management based on your assessments.

You possess a keen ability to anticipate and identify potential key issues that may impact the program at the area level.

Communication, Stakeholder and Relationship Management Skills :

You have excellent relationship building skills to promote effective engagement with stakeholders.

You have the ability to liaison with the public often in a contentious and sensitive environment, contractors, municipalities and other agencies with tact and diplomacy.

You have interpersonal and team building skills to provide leadership, monitor performance and promote excellence in customer service and team performance.

You can represent the ministry by leading and / or participating on corporate and special projects, task forces, policy forums, committees and working groups both internally and externally, including broader public service and external stakeholders.

You have strong oral and written communication skills including briefing and supporting materials and presentations.

Additional information :

Apply by :

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 11 : 59 pm EDT

Seniority level

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Management

Industries

Government Administration

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