Director, Public Works
Job: Director, Public Works
Reports To: Chief Administrative Officer
Salary Range (2026): $162,688 – $190,320 annually
Location: Lindsay, Ontario
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week (7.5 hours/day) | Core hours 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Additional Requirements: Occasional travel, attendance at meetings/conferences, and response to emergency situations outside normal business hours
Shape the Infrastructure That Keeps a City Moving
The City of Kawartha Lakes is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking leader to serve as our next Director, Public Works.
This is more than an operational leadership role — it is an opportunity to influence the long-term infrastructure strategy of a growing municipality. Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, you will lead a diverse and highly skilled team responsible for the essential services that residents rely on every day.
From roads and fleet to water, wastewater, transit, utilities, and waste management — you will oversee the systems that keep our community safe, sustainable, and moving forward.
What You Will Lead
You will provide overall leadership, direction, and strategic oversight for:
- Roads Operations
- Utility Maintenance
- Fleet Services
- Transit Services
- Waste Management
- Municipal Water and Wastewater facilities, distribution, and collection systems
You will champion operational excellence while ensuring regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, and long-term infrastructure sustainability.
What You Will Do
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Provide clear leadership and strategic direction to Public Works Division Managers aligned with the City’s Corporate Vision and Council priorities
- Ensure compliance with provincial legislation, municipal bylaws, standards, and policies while proactively managing operational risks
- Safeguard City assets through strong governance, planning, and lifecycle management
- Lead departmental performance measurement, KPI development, and continuous improvement initiatives
Senior Leadership & Corporate Contribution
As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will:
- Develop and implement strategic goals, priorities, and measurable outcomes
- Conduct research and analysis of industry trends and emerging infrastructure challenges
- Provide expert advice and recommendations to the CAO and Council
- Prepare and present comprehensive Council reports and departmental updates
- Develop and manage multi-million-dollar operating and capital budgets
- Contribute to corporate-wide initiatives including workforce planning, financial strategy, and organizational development
Partnerships & Public Engagement
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with community partners, agencies, legislators, neighbouring municipalities, and provincial bodies
- Represent the department in public forums and stakeholder meetings
- Foster a cohesive and high-performing internal leadership team
People Leadership & Accountability
- Lead, coach, and develop a diverse workforce across unionized and non-unionized environments
- Ensure effective labour relations practices and collective agreement compliance
- Act as a Supervisor under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Model organizational values and hold teams accountable for results
What You Bring
Education & Professional Credentials
- Post-secondary degree in Civil Engineering (P.Eng. designation preferred), Construction Management, or a related field
- Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience, ideally within a municipal environment
- Eligibility for full membership with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) or Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)
Leadership & Municipal Expertise
- Deep understanding of municipal governance, infrastructure planning, and public sector financing
- Strong experience managing in a unionized environment
- Demonstrated ability to develop KPIs and leverage Business Intelligence tools to drive performance
- Proven experience presenting to Council and engaging in public consultation
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Operational & Financial Acumen
- Expertise in capital planning, lifecycle asset management, and operational budgeting
- Demonstrated success managing complex infrastructure portfolios
- Knowledge of environmental compliance and public works regulatory frameworks
Personal Leadership Qualities
- Strategic thinker with a continuous improvement mindset
- Collaborative and relationship-focused leader
- Strong communicator with exceptional written and presentation skills
- Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Highly organized with strong follow-through
Additional Requirements
- Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s Licence and ability to travel to various sites within the municipality and Ontario
- Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check upon conditional offer
Why Join the City of Kawartha Lakes?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a diverse, essential services portfolio within a municipality that values innovation, accountability, and community impact.
You will help shape long-term infrastructure strategy, influence corporate planning, and ensure that services delivered today are sustainable for generations to come.
If you are ready to lead at a strategic level while staying connected to operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.
Applicants must be prepared for skill testing.
