Manager, Business Planning

Halton; Oakville; Hybrid; CAD 134,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work program

Job summary

Halton Region in Oakville is seeking a Manager, Business Planning to oversee Children's Services funding, budgeting, financial planning, and operations. The role ensures compliance with provincial guidelines and reporting while advancing service system management for early learning and childcare.

The Manager leads budgeting for about $280 million in funding, supports risk management, and provides strategic advice to senior leadership on financial and policy matters.

Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Minimum five years of progressive management experience leading professional teams in a public sector environment.
• Significant experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and administration of government-funded programs.
• Knowledge of public sector accountability frameworks, financial controls, risk management principles, and legislative compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, project management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex information.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of the early learning and childcare sector and provincial funding models is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, administration, and oversight of Children's Services funding programs, ensuring compliance with legislation and funding agreements.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, funding allocations, reporting, audit and controls, and performance monitoring.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on financial, operational, and service system matters affecting the sector.
• Oversee risk management activities related to funded service providers and contractual compliance.
• Develop and maintain relationships with provincial ministries, partners, and internal stakeholders to support system planning.
• Lead and develop a team of business planning professionals, fostering accountability and collaboration.
• Support capacity building through guidance, training, and implementation of provincial frameworks.
• Contribute to Emergency Social Services response when required.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strategic planning

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Leadership

EDI knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Public Administration/Finance/Accounting

Graduate degree or professional accounting designation (asset)

Job description

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Halton Region is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value, welcome and respect the unique perspectives and contributions of all individuals. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit), Black and racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Accommodations are available at any point upon request for candidates participating in the selection process.

As an employer of choice, Halton Region recognizes the many benefits of hybrid work arrangements, including flexibility and improved work-life balance for our employees. This position is eligible for the Hybrid Work Program, with a minimum requirement of three (3) days per week onsite.

Posting ID: 5620
Department: Social & Community Services
Division: Children's Services
Pay Range: $133,896 - $167,357
Job Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 35hours per week
Work Location: Halton Regional Centre - 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville
Employee Group: MMSG
Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Posting Date: November 4, 2026
Application Deadline: November 18, 2026

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to fill subsequent vacancies of the same position within the next 18 months.

Job Summary

The Manager, Business Planning is responsible for the strategic oversight, administration, and accountability of Children's Services funding, budgeting, financial planning, and business operations. The position ensures compliance with provincial legislation, funding guidelines, and financial reporting requirements while providing leadership in the implementation of service system management responsibilities for the early learning and childcare sector.

The Manager leads business planning activities, oversees the administration of approximately $280 million in funding, supports organizational risk management and financial reporting, and provides strategic advice to senior leadership regarding financial, operational, and policy matters affecting Children's Services and the broader early learning and childcare system. The Manager will collaborate with other members of the Children’s Services divisional and Social and Community Services’ departmental Management Team and will champion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, administration, and oversight of Children's Services funding programs, ensuring compliance with provincial legislation, funding agreements, and financial accountability requirements.
• Manage the division's business planning functions, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, funding allocations, reporting, audit and controls, and performance monitoring.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership on financial, operational, and service system matters affecting the financial viability of the early learning and childcare sector.
• Oversee risk management activities related to funded service providers, including compliance reviews, financial oversight, organizational sustainability assessments, and operator contractual compliance.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with provincial ministries, community partners, service providers, and internal stakeholders to support effective system planning and service delivery objectives.
• Lead and develop a team of business planning professionals, fostering accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, innovation, and high-quality service delivery.
• Support capacity building within the early learning and childcare sector through guidance, analysis, training, and implementation of provincial funding and accountability frameworks.
• Contribute to and support the Social and Community Services’ Departmental Emergency Social Services response when required.

Skills & Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field; graduate degree and/or professional accounting designation considered an asset.
• Minimum five years of progressive management experience leading professional teams and complex business functions (preferably in a public sector environment).
• Significant experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and administration of government-funded programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public sector accountability frameworks, financial controls, risk management principles, and legislative compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and provide sound recommendations to various audiences.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, relationship management, conflict resolution, political acuity and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of the early learning and childcare sector, including provincial legislation, funding models, and service system management responsibilities, is preferred.
• A proven track record leading a team and cultivating a highly engaged and innovative workforce.

Working/ Employment Conditions

Working Conditions

• The incumbent may be required to fulfill roles and responsibilities outlined in the Halton Region Emergency Social Services plan. Roles and responsibilities may include coordinating an emergency social services response and on-call duties. Additional hours and shift work may be required to fulfill these functions.

Employment Conditions

• Current (obtained within the past six (6) months), original and acceptable Vulnerable Sector Check, by the first day of employment.

Important information about your application:

• In accordance with requirements in Ontario Regulation 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Halton Region will accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition representative of the nature of the accommodation(s) you require.
• Please submit your application online. We will accommodate individual needs for applicants with disabilities and others who are not able to apply online. If you experience any issues with submitting your application, please contact HR Access at 905-825-6000 extension 7700.
• Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date specified on the posting.
• We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
• Personal information collected through the job application process will only be used for the purpose of determining qualifications for employment.
• If selected for an interview, you will be contacted by email and/or phone. Please ensure the contact information provided on your resume is up to date and that you check your email and voicemail regularly.

Halton Region serves more than 650,000 residents throughout Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. We are committed to delivering high quality programs and services that make Halton a great place to live and work. We engage great people who contribute to meaningful work that makes a positive difference in our community. At Halton, you are encouraged to grow and succeed in your career and are recognized for your accomplishments and contributions. As an employee, you will be part of a progressive, service focused and award winning employer with a diverse and inclusive work environment.