Manager, GO/LRT

Ontario Public Service Leadership | Leadership dans la fonction publique de l’Ontario; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Public Service Leadership seeks a Manager, GO/LRT to lead a team delivering transit-oriented community projects that accelerate housing, economic growth, and sustainable development across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

You will oversee planning, policy, and delivery, provide strategic guidance to senior leaders, and foster partnerships with Infrastructure Ontario, municipalities, Metrolinx, and ministries to resolve challenges and maximize public outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex transit or infrastructure projects.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and political acumen.
• Ability to manage and develop a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team and provide clear direction and coaching.
• Oversee planning, development, and delivery of transit-oriented community projects across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
• Build partnerships with Infrastructure Ontario, municipalities, Metrolinx, ministries and other stakeholders to advance priorities.
• Provide strategic advice on emerging issues and opportunities to senior leaders.

Job description

Help Shape Ontario's Growing Communities

Transit investments are transforming how Ontarians live, work, and connect. As Manager, GO/LRT, you will lead a team responsible for advancing complex, high-profile transit-oriented community projects that support housing, economic growth, and sustainable development across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Working at the intersection of land use planning, policy, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement, you will oversee a highly visible portfolio, provide strategic advice on complex and politically sensitive issues, and help advance some of Ontario's largest and most complex transit-oriented community projects.

If you are a strategic and people-focused leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, builds strong partnerships, and enjoys navigating complex challenges, we encourage you to explore this opportunity.

About the job

We believe great leadership starts with high standards and strong support. In the OPS, that means showing up with authenticity, acting with integrity, and having the courage to do what's right, even when it's hard.

As a leader, you'll shape a team culture that sparks innovation, supports collaboration, and champions inclusion. You'll help build a workplace that is diverse, anti-racist, and accessible, where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to thrive.

You won't be doing it alone. We invest in our leaders through mentorship, learning opportunities, and cross-ministry networks that help you grow your impact and connect with peers across the organization.

Leadership is about impact, and in this role, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful one. You will:

• Lead a high-performing team by providing clear direction, coaching, and support while fostering an inclusive environment where employees can grow and succeed.
• Advance complex transit-oriented community projects by overseeing planning, development, and delivery activities, including government approvals across a portfolio of high-profile sites.
• Build strong partnerships to move priorities forward by working closely with Infrastructure Ontario, municipalities, Metrolinx, ministries, and other stakeholders to resolve challenges and achieve shared outcomes.
• Provide strategic advice on emerging issues and opportunities by assessing risks, identifying solutions, and briefing senior leaders and executive decision-makers on complex and sensitive matters.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation by identifying opportunities to strengthen policies, processes, and delivery approaches that maximize the benefits of major transit investments.

Meet your New Team

This position reports to Avril Bundale, Director, Transit Oriented Communities Policy and Delivery Branch.

Avril brings over 20 years of experience leading complex policy, urban planning, infrastructure, and municipal finance initiatives across the Ontario Public Service and internationally with UN-Habitat. She is passionate about solving complex public policy challenges and enjoys bringing together diverse perspectives to develop creative, practical solutions. Known for her thoughtful and collaborative approach, Avril encourages teams to think strategically, challenge assumptions, and connect ideas across disciplines while remaining focused on results. She is committed to building an inclusive, high-performing team environment grounded in trust, respect, and continuous learning, where people are empowered to do their best work, grow professionally, and contribute their unique perspectives.

In this role, you will lead a collaborative team working on complex and high-profile initiatives within a fast-moving portfolio. The team brings a strong commitment to partnership, problem-solving, and public service while navigating evolving priorities and a dynamic stakeholder environment. This is an opportunity to provide leadership during a period of growth and transition, helping to develop emerging talent, build team capacity, and create the stability, structure, and support needed for long-term success.

What you bring to the team

People Leadership and Team Development

• People Leadership: Lead, coach, and support a team of professionals by setting clear expectations, providing guidance, and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Team Development: Help employees grow through meaningful coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities that build confidence and capability.
• Leading Through Change: Provide stability and direction during periods of transition by maintaining focus, engagement, and team effectiveness.
• Inclusive Leadership: Create a respectful and welcoming work environment where diverse perspectives are valued and employees feel supported to succeed.

Land Use Planning, Development and Policy

• Planning and Development Expertise: Apply knowledge of land use planning, transit-oriented development, transit infrastructure delivery, local development processes, municipal finance, municipal affairs, and intergovernmental relations or related fields to support complex project delivery, inform strategic decision making and advance government priorities.
• Policy Leadership: Lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of policies, frameworks, and approaches that support program objectives.
• Strategic Thinking: Analyze trends, opportunities, and challenges to develop practical solutions and long-term recommendations.
• Program Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance processes, strengthen outcomes, and improve the effectiveness of project delivery.

Stakeholder Relations, Negotiation and Political Acuity

• Relationship Management: Build trusted relationships with agencies, municipalities, partner ministries, and other stakeholders.
• Negotiation and Facilitation: Bring together diverse interests, resolve competing priorities, and help stakeholders reach practical solutions.
• Political Acuity: Navigate complex and sensitive environments with sound judgement, professionalism, and an understanding of government decision-making.
• Executive Communication: Communicate complex information clearly and provide concise, strategic advice to senior leaders and decision-makers.

Project Delivery, Issues Management and Strategic Execution

• Government and Project Approvals: Navigate complex government approval processes, including policy and Treasury Board submissions, land transactions, and related decision-making processes to advance project objectives.
• Project Leadership: Lead multiple priorities simultaneously and guide complex initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Issues Management: Anticipate challenges, assess risks, and coordinate timely responses to emerging issues.
• Operational Excellence: Align resources, priorities, and activities to deliver results in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Results Orientation: Deliver high-quality outcomes while balancing stakeholder needs, project objectives, and competing demands.