General Manager, Operations

Kenora is entering an important period of growth and investment, bringing new opportunities to strengthen the municipal services and infrastructure that support the community.

The City of Kenora is looking for a General Manager, Operations who can balance today’s operational priorities with the people, plans and systems needed for long-term success.

Reporting to the Director, Infrastructure and Operations, you will lead services that residents, businesses and visitors rely on every day: roads, bridges, culverts, drainage and stormwater systems; water distribution and wastewater collection assets and lift stations; municipal property; and the municipal fleet and related equipment.

Building on the knowledge and experience already present across the organization, you will help advance a coordinated, forward‑looking approach to service delivery. This includes developing practical maintenance programs, supporting leadership at the manager and supervisor levels, strengthening the use of operational information and connecting what happens in the field with asset management, financial and resource planning, contract decisions, and capital investment.

Your impact will be seen in:

• Clear priorities, plans and accountabilities.
• Sustainable annual and multi‑year maintenance programs.
• Capable and confident managers and supervisors.
• Meaningful operational and asset information.
• Consistent, reliable and responsive services.
• Strong alignment between operational needs and long‑term investment.
• Safe, compliant and resilient operations, supported by strong emergency readiness and risk management.

You bring progressively responsible experience leading infrastructure construction, operations or maintenance, including responsibility for managers or supervisors, multiple service areas, budgets, contracts and work programs. Just as importantly, you know how to bring people together around shared priorities.

You are comfortable listening to employees in the field, coaching managers, leading in a unionised environment, collaborating across departments and explaining complex operational matters to senior leadership, Council and the community. You bring practical judgment, political awareness and the confidence to make thoughtful decisions in a highly visible and publicly accountable environment.

Your career may have been built in a municipality…but it does not have to be. We welcome experienced leaders from construction, utilities, transportation, public works and other complex infrastructure or regulated environments. A professional engineering or technologist designation would be an asset, but demonstrated leadership, operational credibility and relevant experience are equally valued. The City is looking for the right combination of leadership, judgment, operational credibility and transferable experience and potential…not one prescribed career path.

A valid Ontario Class G driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle are required.

Why Kenora?

Because meaningful work and an exceptional life do not have to be competing priorities.

Located on the shores of Lake of the Woods, Kenora offers boating, fishing, paddling and hiking in the warmer months and snowmobiling, skiing and other winter pursuits when the seasons change. Winnipeg is approximately two hours away, while the space, community connection and quality of life of northwestern Ontario begin just beyond your doorstep.

Here, your leadership will be visible. So will the difference you make.

The City of Kenora is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the community it serves. Applications are encouraged from all qualified individuals, including Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized communities or visible…