Manager Standards & Innovation

City of Toronto•Union, NJ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, Parks, the Manager provides overall leadership of the Parks Standards and Innovation units. These units oversee citywide business development and transformation for the Parks Branch through the development and implementation of policies, standards, training, technology and programs. The role implements and monitors policy compliance and quality assurance, collaborates with Parks and Recreation branches and City divisions, and provides operational support and coordination for staffing, budgets, complex issues and emergencies. The Manager leads service revitalization and innovation, operational efficiency, service planning, business transformation, partnerships and staff development. The role also provides strategic and operational advice to the Director and managers, represents the Parks Branch at meetings and committees, and oversees branch reporting and communications. The position supervises assigned staff and ensures compliance with collective agreements, occupational health and safety requirements, and other relevant legislation.

Requirements

Post-secondary university and/or graduate education in a discipline relevant to the job, combined with relevant management training and experience, or an equivalent combination of education and expertise.
Extensive management experience gained through progressively more responsible public-sector positions and/or experience in administration, operations planning, service delivery and project management.
Considerable experience managing staff, including motivating and developing a high-performing work team.
Considerable project-management and large-scale work-planning experience, including business transformation, technology improvements and associated change management.
Demonstrated ability to establish and achieve short- and long-term goals and work within ambitious timelines and budgets.
Excellent writing skills, including the ability to prepare detailed reports and make presentations.
Highly developed human-relations, communication, negotiation, analytical and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to build a collegial network and strong working relationships with field managers.
Proven ability to build strong internal and external relationships and demonstrate leadership capacity.
General knowledge and proficiency across core Parks and Recreation portfolio functions, with specific technical expertise in parks and facility operations, business processes and technology.
Ability to operate as an accountable program leader, as a member of a management team and in self-directed work teams.
Familiarity with Ontario statutes, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Bill C45.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development and implementation of innovative programs to revitalize Branch services, incorporating trends, environmental initiatives and impacts, emerging issues, efficiencies, community development and partnerships.
Evaluate operational efficiencies, identify duplication, establish performance targets, and guide Branch operations to support compliance, consistency, continuous improvement and efficient service delivery.
Develop and implement plans, policies and procedures to ensure quality programs and services, including training and change management.
Develop and manage the Branch operating budget, including annual work selection allocations, procurement planning and business cases.
Respond to emergency and priority situations by anticipating problems, making decisions and deploying financial and human resources; provide senior operational support to the Director and coordinate Branch responses to labour disruptions, weather emergencies, smog and heat alerts, and other operational issues.
Lead and liaise on business transformation, geospatial asset management system development, work management system development and related organizational, operational and cultural change.
Oversee Branch service planning, new and enhanced services, and strategic direction based on Council and citywide priorities.
Identify and develop partnership opportunities with internal divisions, other municipalities and external partners, and negotiate service-level and partnership agreements.
Manage, motivate and train unit staff, supporting teamwork, work quality, organizational and individual performance, continuous learning and innovation.
Provide strategic advice to the Director and Managers on Citywide and Branch operational issues.
Represent Parks Branch issues and reports at committee, divisional and Citywide meetings; represent the Division or Branch on interdivisional project committees and teams; chair Branch committees and liaise with subcommittees.
Respond in a timely manner to Councillor requests and media and public enquiries and complaints.
Oversee research and preparation of reports, presentations and communications on issues affecting the City of Toronto.
Identify, develop, coordinate and implement Branch professional development and succession-planning initiatives.
Supervise the day-to-day work of assigned staff, including scheduling, assigning, prioritizing and reviewing work.
Coordinate, review and edit Branch business reports, articles, briefing notes, memos and correspondence.
Monitor and evaluate staff performance, approve salary increments and recommend disciplinary action when necessary.
Develop, recommend and administer the unit’s annual budget, control expenditures within approved limits, and coordinate Branch annual operating budget submissions.
Ensure compliance with collective agreements covering unionized workers in CUPE Local 416 and Local 79, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and other relevant legislation.
Act as a Supervisor under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and ensure appropriate training, safety equipment and safe work procedures are in place.