Traffic Operations Manager

City of Kelowna; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 133,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional municipality is seeking a Traffic Operations Manager to lead the management of the transportation infrastructure and ensure efficient operational practices. The successful candidate will oversee a budget of $5.15 million, provide strategic leadership, and ensure compliance with regulations. Candidates should have substantial experience in transportation operations and possess a relevant engineering degree. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits including a pension plan.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Earned day off program

Paid vacation

Pension plan

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in transportation operations and public works management.
• Extensive knowledge of traffic engineering principles and municipal permitting processes.
• Familiarity with relevant legislation and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Traffic Operations, ensuring compliance and performance.
• Oversee budget planning and resource allocation for the Traffic Operations Department.
• Develop and implement safety, operational, and sustainability policies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Problem-Solving

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Post-secondary degree in Civil Engineering or related

Professional Traffic Operations Engineer Certification

Job description

If Term position, enter length of Term in months

If Term position, enter length of Term in months Over hire

Position Groups

Position Groups Management and Exempt

Division

Division Infrastructure (DV220)

Department

Department Roadways Operations (DP212)

Department Name

Branch

Branch Traffic Operations (BR190)

Organizational Information

Purpose of your Position - Non Union

The Traffic Operations Manager provides professional expertise, leadership, strategic planning, performance management, and is responsible for managing broad operational and capital areas within the Traffic Operations Department.

This role ensures the safe, compliant, efficient, and cost-effective management of the city’s transportation infrastructure, including traffic signals, intelligent transportation systems ( ITS ), traffic control devices, street lighting and Road Usage permitting.

The manager provides numerous media interviews, is the department representative to City Council on operational transportation issues, and is ultimately responsible for compliance with all regulatory, policy, and legal infrastructure requirements.

Classification Summary - Union

Duties - Union

Results and Activities - Non union

1. Lead, develop, communicate, influence, and provide professional expertise related to all Branch strategic plans and issues

• Ensure Council-approved goals, objectives, and service level targets are achieved across Signals and Systems, Traffic Operations, Technical Services.
• Provide professional expertise, information, and advice to City Council, senior management, regulatory authorities, media, and the public on all transportation operations issues.
• Lead the review and approval of infrastructure planning, design, and construction for signal systems, traffic control devices, and operational programs.
• Resolve complex and diverse transportation challenges with direct implications for public safety, mobility, and infrastructure performance.

2. Lead Transportation Operations and Maintenance

• Lead the development, review, and implementation of departmental goals, standards, bylaws, policies, performance measures, and safe work procedures.
• Ensure risk mitigation and emergency response measures are in place and regularly reviewed through policies and standard operating procedures.
• Oversee customer service performance and ensure timely, effective responses to internal and external service requests.
• Continuously improve operational efficiency through innovation, resource optimization, and adoption of new technologies.

3. Manage Budget

• Operating Budget: $5.15 million
• Traffic Operations: $1.12.3 million
• Signals & Systems: $3.3 million
• Technical Services: $550,000
• Capital Budget: Responsible for planning and oversight of $2–12 million annually
• Revenue: $1m annually – Road Usage Permitting

4. Manage Human Resources

• Directly manage 3 Supervisors and 2025 CUPE staff across Traffic Operations, Signals & Systems, and Technical Services
• Assess, hire, discipline, mentor, and develop employees
• Ensure health and safety practices are implemented and followed
• Develop succession plans to build a sustainable, skilled, and certified workforce

5. Manage Program Sustainability

• Lead infrastructure operations and maintenance programs that support full asset lifecycle management
• Contribute to council-approved policy development aligned with corporate sustainability goals
• Foster partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to advance sustainable transportation practices
• Monitor industry trends and implement best practices to ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance

6. Problem Solving and Innovation

• Develop and implement policies and procedures that uphold public safety and operational excellence
• Participate in the Emergency Operations Centre and ensure readiness of emergency response plans
• Support staff in resolving complex operational issues and intervene when risks are significant
• Research and apply best practices to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness

Knowledge - Non Union

• Post-secondary degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Professional Traffic Operations Engineer ( PTOE ) Certification required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in transportation operations, traffic systems, and public works management.
• Extensive knowledge of traffic engineering principles, intelligent transportation systems ( ITS ), traffic control devices, and municipal permitting processes.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure planning, design, construction, and maintenance practices.
• Familiarity with relevant legislation, regulations, and standards including the Motor Vehicle Act, Transportation Association of Canada ( TAC ) guidelines, and municipal bylaws.
• Experience in performance management, budget preparation, financial oversight, and human resource leadership in a unionized environment.

Skills & Abilities - Non Union

• Proven leadership and management capabilities with the ability to inspire, influence, and mentor staff.
• Strategic thinker with a strong ability to plan, prioritize, and execute complex operational programs.
• Effective communicator with experience in media relations, Council presentations, and public engagement.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially under pressure or in emergency situations.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across departments, agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Skilled in resource optimization, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Deep understanding of financial management, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to manage a broad scope of responsibilities while maintaining a clear vision for service excellence and sustainability.
• Accountability
• Solutions Oriented
• Relationship Building and People Management
• Leadership and Strategic Thinking

Posting Text

Physical Demands

Special Instructions to Applicant

Additional Hiring Information

The annual salary for this position ranges from $133,000 to $155,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Most candidates can expect to start in the lower to mid-range of this scale, with opportunities for salary growth based on performance and tenure. We offer progressive employment practices and a great work environment. This is an exempt position that offers a competitive salary, employer-paid comprehensive benefits package, an earned day off program, paid vacation and one of Canada’s top pension plans.

The City of Kelowna is committed to being an organization that values and reflects its community’s diverse population, and to fostering an equitable, inclusive and progressive work environment where everyone can be their authentic self and feels a sense of belonging.

Pay Rate

Pay Rate $133,000 to $155,000 annually

Posting Date

Posting Date 07/31/2025

Closing Date

Closing Date 08/30/2025

Days of Work

Days of Work 5

Standard Hours per Day 8

Hours of Work

Work Location

Work Location PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE/ YARD

Specify Work Location

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Driver's Abstract

Optional Documents

Other Document 1

Other Document 2

Other Document 3

Other Document 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a Professional Engineer in good standing with EGBC or an equivalent provincial regulatory body?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you hold the Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) Certification?
  • Yes
  • No
• * How many years of progressive experience in transportation operations, traffic systems, and public works management do you have?
  • None
  • 0-2
  • 3-5
  • 5-10
  • more than 10 years
• * How much experience do you have in operations specific roles?
  • None
  • 0-2
  • 3-5
  • 5-10
  • more than 10 years