Manager, Recreation Services

City of Belleville•Belleville, ON

13d•CA$134,127 - CA$159,675•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Belleville is seeking a highly motivated, strategic, and dynamic individual to join its Community Services Department - Recreation Division as the Manager, Recreation Services. This senior leadership role is responsible for the strategic planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of recreation services. The position provides leadership in developing inclusive, innovative, and sustainable recreation programs, services, and events that enhance community well-being and align with the City’s strategic priorities. The Manager oversees a multi-disciplinary division responsible for recreation programming, customer service including marketing, facility bookings and rentals, community events, and administrative services, ensuring service delivery is responsive, accessible, financially sustainable, and aligned with current and future community needs. This position leads divisional planning, contributes to corporate strategic initiatives, and plays a key role in policy development, service modernization, and long-range planning, including recreation master planning and growth strategies. The Manager is accountable for the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the division’s operating budget, including multi-year financial planning, revenue optimization, and fiscal sustainability.

Requirements

University degree in Business, Recreation/Leisure and/or related field
Valid class “G” driver’s license and satisfactory driver’s abstract to be held and maintained.
Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (“CRC”) and Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSC) prior to commencing work at the City of Belleville
Minimum 7 years of municipal experience in recreation or a related field, including at least 5 years of supervisory/management experience in a unionized and business/ service-oriented environment.
Demonstrated leadership experience in strategic planning, service delivery, and operational management
Experience in recreation programming, service delivery, marketing and event coordination within a municipal or public-sector environment
Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, revenue generation, and cost control
Experience in community engagement and partnership development and stakeholder relations
Demonstrated political acuity and ability to operate effectively within a municipal governance environment
Strong knowledge of applicable legislation including Occupational Health and Safety Act and relevant regulations
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to prepare reports and present to leadership and Council
Proficient use of computers and related industry software including Recreation software programs.
Proven ability to make sound, timely decisions in a complex and dynamic environment while maintaining a strong customer service focus.

Nice To Haves

Professional Certificate in Parks and Recreation Leadership (PRO) or equivalent
Training or certification in leadership, public administration, or project management
Experience leading multi-functional teams in a unionized municipal environment.
Experience leading organizational change, service transformation, and modernization initiatives
Experience contributing to recreation master plans or long-term planning initiatives
Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and fostering a positive workplace culture
Proven ability to influence, collaborate, and build consensus with diverse stakeholders, community partners, and elected officials

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of divisional goals, objectives, and service strategies aligned with departmental and corporate priorities
Contribute to long-range planning initiatives, including recreation master plans, service reviews, and growth-related planning
Use data, trends, and community feedback to inform decision-making and continuous service improvement
Identify emerging trends and implement innovative approaches to recreation service delivery
Act as a delegate for the Director and department leadership team, as assigned
Provide strategic oversight of recreation programs, bookings and rentals, events, client services and marketing, and administrative functions
Ensure services are accessible, inclusive, high-quality, and aligned with community needs
Continuously evaluate service delivery models, operational effectiveness, and resource allocation, identifying opportunities for improvement
Ensure due diligence in all areas of risk management, safety, and regulatory compliance
Lead development and oversight of the division’s operating budget, including forecasting, monitoring, and financial reporting
Develop and implement revenue generation strategies, cost recovery models, and service sustainability plans
Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions as required
Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture aligned with corporate values
Lead talent management practices including recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and staff development
Support and lead change management initiatives within the division
Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety legislation, collective agreements, and City policies
Lead a diverse workforce within a unionized and non-union environment
Provide leadership on complex employee and labour relations matters
Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, partners, stakeholders, and service providers
Lead strategic partnership development to enhance service delivery and community outcomes
Provide strategic oversight of community and corporate events as assigned to Recreation Services to ensure alignment with City objectives and community impact
Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Director, Senior Leadership Team, and Council on recreation services and emerging issues
Prepare and present reports, briefings, and recommendations to Council and Senior Leadership
Lead or support negotiations related to contracts, agreements, and partnerships
Participate as a key member of the departmental management team in labour relations matters, including discipline, grievances, and negotiations as required
Perform all tasks and responsibilities through the lens of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, ensuring commitment to fairness, representation, accessibility and respect for diverse perspectives and cultures in all aspects of work.
Promote accessibility, representation, and culturally responsive service delivery