Head, Maintenance

Calling all engineering professionals!
Are you a seasoned leader with expertise in highway construction, maintenance, and contract management? Are you passionate about enhancing road safety in Ontario? If so, consider joining the Ministry of Transportation's Operations Office. We're looking for a dynamic individual to lead our team in the delivery of the region's highway maintenance program.
About Us:
The Operations Division oversees and supports the maintenance and operations of our provincial transportation network, while partnering with Transportation Infrastructure Management Division to deliver consistent, specified approaches when constructing and maintaining highway assets. Supported by seven branches, the Operations Division functions to:
• Unify the offices and functions that lead provincial operational policy;
• Manage and deliver services that promote consistency and improved transportation user experience; and,
• Build relationships with regional governments, stakeholders and partners (e.g., Indigenous partners, other levels of government, other ministries, and other divisions) that are critical to the successful development of regional plans and the delivery of infrastructure.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

The OPS is an innovative, responsive and accountable public service that works hard to be diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable. Diversifying leadership is a top priority for the OPS. Our goal is to achieve parity with the Ontario labour force by 2025 for the most under-represented groups (Indigenous, racialized and persons with disabilities) on our leadership teams.
The OPS invites all interested individuals to apply. As an organization that promotes equity and diversity, the OPS encourages applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized individuals, and persons with disabilities.
The OPS is an accessible employer and we offer accommodation in all aspects of employment, including the recruitment process.
Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy, the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint, and the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion in the public service.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Create the Work Environment
In the Ontario Public Service, we hold our leaders to the highest standards, expecting them to embody authenticity, accountability, and courage in every action and decision. It will be your responsibility to create a work environment and team culture that ignites innovation, nurtures collaboration and champions inclusivity by creating a diverse, anti-racist and accessible workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. By aligning your choices with these values, you will create a vibrant work environment where every individual can thrive.
Deliver on Business Goals and Priorities
Your leadership will be crucial in guiding the team towards the achievement it's business goals. It will be your responsibility to inspire and motivate your team to deliver their best performance and align the team's daily actions with the strategic vision of the ministry.
You will contribute to the achievement of team goals by:
• Leading the efficient delivery of highway maintenance services in northwestern Ontario, overseeing large-scale maintenance contractors
• Providing expertise on contract matters and ensure consistent contract management
• Offering advice and support on various managerial, technical, and contractual aspects related to maintenance contracts
• Addressing complex contract administration issues, including interpretation, performance, and disputes
• Undertaking special assignments or studies on service delivery methods and organizational matters
• Reviewing contract standards and implementing new technologies related to maintenance

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• Current member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO).

Leadership Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and develop professional, technical, and support staff and resolve personnel problems
• Strong negotiation skills to resolve disputes with consultants and contractors
• Capacity to navigate complex issues and provide strategic direction
• Passion for fostering organizational capacity through inclusive, positive, and values based leadership in areas
• Sound judgement and political acuity skills to provide advice and guidance to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislative statutes, collective agreements, government policies, and ministry directives related to services.

Technical Knowledge:

• Advanced understanding of civil engineering principles related to highway maintenance
• Experience in transportation corridor and structure design and maintenance
• Knowledge of administrative and engineering policies governing maintenance and contract administration
• Strong analytical skills to assess recommendations for technical adequacy and consistency with government policies.

Project Management Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of Ministry policies, directives, and standards regarding administrative and financial monitoring.
• Ability to work under pressure and solve complex engineering problems
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills to supervise maintenance staff and represent the Ministry

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to build and maintain respectful, ethical and trusting relationships with stakeholders
• Proven skill in tactfully and diplomatically resolving complex and contentious issues.
• Excellent written communication skills to prepare project reports and recommendations, briefing documents, and executive correspondence on operational issues, and to lead presentations and briefs to senior management.