Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services
Government-Municipal
Toronto, OntarioPosition Title: Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services
Reports to: City Manager
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Embracing diversity and promoting inclusiveness and equity of opportunity
THE ORGANIZATION
The City of Toronto is home to more than 3 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses.
Corporate Services at the City of Toronto includes: Corporate Real Estate Management, Customer Experience (including 311), Environment & Climate, Fleet Services, Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and Technology Services. The direct reports to the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services is eight (8) and the total divisional staff complement is 2,400. The Key Priority Areas for Corporate Services speak to:
MODERNIZING GOVERNMENT
- Customer Experience – Deliver simple, easy, and accessible services to the public across multiple channels (i.e. digital, phone, in-person). Focus on accelerating digital processes (e.g. payments, service requests and appointment bookings) and optimizing operational delivery
- Workplace Modernization Program – Optimize and modernize the City of Toronto's office buildings to build a new and healthy model for workspaces, employees and how we work. Effective use of real estate coupled with modern office space and flexible work culture
- Digital Equity – Address barriers and challenges to digital access ensuring the public is connected – not divided – by technology
- Corporate Standardization and Centralization – Centralizing and integrating key corporate services to create greater value, efficiencies and standards processes across the City (e.g. real estate, fleet, technology and cybersecurity)
CLIMATE ACTION
- Lead the implementation of TransformTO to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Toronto to net zero by 2040
- Support climate-informed decision-making and implementation of carbon reduction projects corporately and community-wide
- Implement the Net Zero Carbon Plan for City-owned buildings and the Sustainable Fleet Plan to reduce GHG emissions and build resilience in City assets
ASSET LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT
- Safe, compliant and accessible assets to deliver City services
- Optimize use of City assets to achieve greatest value and to serve a growing City
- Accelerate data analysis and data sharing capabilities for City programs
RESILIENCE
- Invest in and strengthen the City’s technology infrastructure to allow for a more resilient and agile workforce
- Enhance the City’s cyber resilience to prevent and minimize impacts of cyber attacks and strengthen the City’s cyber posture
- Ensure the organization has the staff with the right skills to meet baseline operational requirements
THE OPPORTUNITY TO INFLUENCE AND DRIVE THE BUILDING OF A WELL RUN AND FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE CITY THAT ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE PEOPLE OF TORONTO
The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services facilitates the development and implementation of cross-departmental synergies, tackles roadblocks and implements corporate-wide organizational effectiveness, strategies and policies in collaboration with other members of the Senior Leadership Team, the City Manager and City Council. The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services assists in the administration and operation of the City of Toronto by overseeing several divisions and offices providing corporate-wide services to the City and leading major strategic, cross-divisional initiatives and priorities. The Deputy City Manager’s focus is on the delivery of effective, efficient and modern services to all Divisions, Agencies and Corporations. The Deputy City Manager will strategically seek to offer operational excellence and value in line with City priorities, based on specialized knowledge, best practices, and technology to serve internal and external partners. The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will guide transformation to achieve results in a multi-stakeholder environment.
Reporting to the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will ensure that City programs and services within the service area are effectively coordinated to deliver high-quality customer service for the residents and businesses of Toronto while implementing Council strategies, priorities and decisions in an effective manner. The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will also work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the City Manager and City Council team to ensure that the City administration is compliant with expected high standards of fiscal responsibility, management policies, standards, practices and procedures, public service, ethical, professional and political behaviour, openness, transparency and integrity. The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will drive innovation and demonstrate transformation leadership by navigating ambiguity with agility, accelerating performance, managing risks and evolving the culture.
The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will lead by example in demonstrating the values of service, stewardship and commitment. In addition, the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will lead by example in embracing and exemplifying the City’s four workplace culture themes that create the roadmap to building a great Toronto Public Service: Being Respected, Empowered and Valued; Embracing Diversity and Inclusion; Making a Difference; and Working Together…and exhibit the key foundational leadership competencies that encompass accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, customer focus, teamwork and Toronto Public Service commitment.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy City Manager provides impactful leadership and management oversight to ensure the implementation of Council's strategies, priorities and decisions for the service area and the Corporation more broadly, in consultation with the City Manager.
- Sets the overall strategic direction for the service area by establishing goals, objectives and priorities that align with strategic directions and Council priorities, in consultation with the City Manager. Ensures flexible and adaptable service planning to respond to changing priorities.
- Promotes collaboration and innovation across the organization and between service areas to achieve Council's strategic and service priorities and to create opportunities for service improvement/efficiencies and shared success across City programs, Agencies, Boards, Corporations and Divisions.
- Identifies organizational issues, recommends improvements and creates opportunities for service efficiencies. Leads City-wide initiatives and sponsors transformational projects. Implements strategies and process improvements to improve efficiencies and cost effectiveness.
- Provides strategic advice and guidance to the City Manager, Mayor, relevant Standing Committees, Council and Task Forces. Consults with Council and staff to explain the rationale and reasons for the need to modify and/or update regulations, policies and standards and provides feasible alternatives that will ensure compliance.
- Leads City wide initiatives and implements strategies and process improvements to improve efficiencies, maximize outcomes and cost effectiveness.
- Leads intergovernmental relationships and negotiations relevant to the service area and assigned programs, as applicable to the service area and/or assigned initiatives, and in consultation with the City Manager’s Office.
- Leads and maintains critical relationships with external stakeholders relevant to the service area, to advance Council priorities and efficient delivery of public services, infrastructure and strategies.
- Provides ongoing leadership by using effective management techniques, implementing change management processes and developing staff to be able to respond to a changing work environment, enhance the overall performance of the service area and meet the expectations of Council, the community and stakeholders.
- Directs the budget development and resource allocation and alignment to achieve Council's priorities for services within the service area. Ensures that service area divisions have multi-year financial plans that prioritize the allocation of resources to City services and ensure that intended outcomes are achieved.
- Manages media relations and represents the City in the media and other public forums related to the service area priorities and initiatives. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with the media, elected officials, Agencies, Boards and Corporations, other levels of government and various stakeholders.
- Ensures and oversees the implementation of sound management practices and internal controls and ensures the consistent and fair application of management policies and standards within the assigned services/divisions. Oversees the administrative, technical and support functions to ensure economic and effective delivery of services.
- Integrates strategic human resource planning including the evaluation of division heads in achieving Council's objectives and delivering services with sound financial management, succession planning and employee development and motivation into service delivery business planning. Facilitates effective labour relations by interpreting and assuring compliance with the collective agreements, providing input in the negotiation process where required, listening to and consulting with employees so that labour relations are continually enhanced.
- Demonstrates high level of commitment to ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Leads work on larger corporate planning/strategic planning initiatives with the Senior Leadership Team.
- Fosters internal and external relationships, leading and managing a large group of professionals, and building a strong management team while inspiring and developing high-performing staff.
THE CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, experience, skills and attributes:
- Progressively more responsible and accountable senior executive leadership and multi-functional management experience ideally gained in large complex organizations.
- Proven track record of driving results demonstrating excellence in strategy through to execution.
- Demonstrated success leading transformation, modernization or strategic change of scope and scale.
- Proven track record of delivering on strategic objectives through the effective and efficient management of talent and resources.
- Demonstrated good judgment and leadership skills, ability to create and encourage a unified vision, establish direction, align people, influence others to gain commitment and to drive consensus and results.
- Strong critical thinking and conceptual skills.
- Able to balance competing priorities and interests and drive win-win outcomes.
- Strong policy acuity.
- Proven skills, expertise and confidence to work effectively with elected officials.
- Well-developed strategic planning skills to formulate plans incorporating all relevant perspectives, constraints, risks and costs.
- Strong communication, relationship building, consultation and collaboration skills to present information to staff, the public and stakeholders and build alignment and engagement.
- Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills to identify gaps and deficiencies and develop proactive approaches to continuous improvement.
- Willingness to be both mentor and coach, and to use those skills in developing staff.
- Effective and efficient decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated credibility in upholding and modeling the organization’s core values.
- Prior experience in a unionized environment is an asset.
Employment Equity
The City of Toronto is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, members of visible minority groups and women.
The City of Toronto strives to build an inclusive society and providing an accessible environment in which all individuals have access to the City’s services and programs in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.
Read the City of Toronto’s Aboriginal Employment Strategy for more information on the commitment to implementing employment practices that ensure that employment opportunities are accessible to Aboriginal people.
The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to accommodation and employment equity.
Accommodation
The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.
Should you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the hiring process, please communicate your needs to the LHH Knightsbridge executive search team.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you are interested in being considered for this exciting and challenging senior leadership opportunity, please submit your expression of interest (cover letter and current resume) by email to Lindsay Millard, Senior Consultant, at lindsay.millard@lhhknightsbridge.com with “City of Toronto, Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services” in the subject line.
Should you have any questions regarding this exciting opportunity, please contact a member of the Project Team:
Janice Kussner, Partner janice.kussner@lhhknightsbridge.com 416 640-4313
Lindsay Millard, Senior Consultant lindsay.millard@lhhknightsbridge.com 416 928-4573
Oksana Krupa, Executive Assistant oksana.krupa@lhhknightsbridge.com 416 928-4612
ABOUT LHH– www.lhh.com
At LHH, we exist to help people, teams and organizations find and prepare for what’s next. Our end-to-end HR solutions future-proof organizations and careers all over the world. Through Advisory, Career Transition & Mobility, Insights, Learning & Development and Recruitment Solutions, we enable transformation, and our job is never done because there’s always another tomorrow to prepare for.
We make a difference to everyone we work with, and we do it with local expertise, backed by global infrastructure and industry-leading technology. LHH’s over 8,000 colleagues and coaches span 66 countries worldwide, working with more than 15,000 organizations, a majority of Fortune Global 500, and nearly 500,000 candidates each year. Together we address needs across the entire talent journey, helping organizations build their capabilities and individuals build brighter futures.
LHH is a part of the Adecco Group, the world’s leading talent advisory and solutions company, headquartered in Zurich Switzerland.
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Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services
Government-Municipal
Toronto, OntarioPosition Title: Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services
Reports to: City Manager
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Embracing diversity and promoting inclusiveness and equity of opportunity
THE ORGANIZATION
The City of Toronto is home to more than 3 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses.
Corporate Services at the City of Toronto includes: Corporate Real Estate Management, Customer Experience (including 311), Environment & Climate, Fleet Services, Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and Technology Services. The direct reports to the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services is eight (8) and the total divisional staff complement is 2,400. The Key Priority Areas for Corporate Services speak to:
MODERNIZING GOVERNMENT
- Customer Experience – Deliver simple, easy, and accessible services to the public across multiple channels (i.e. digital, phone, in-person). Focus on accelerating digital processes (e.g. payments, service requests and appointment bookings) and optimizing operational delivery
- Workplace Modernization Program – Optimize and modernize the City of Toronto's office buildings to build a new and healthy model for workspaces, employees and how we work. Effective use of real estate coupled with modern office space and flexible work culture
- Digital Equity – Address barriers and challenges to digital access ensuring the public is connected – not divided – by technology
- Corporate Standardization and Centralization – Centralizing and integrating key corporate services to create greater value, efficiencies and standards processes across the City (e.g. real estate, fleet, technology and cybersecurity)
CLIMATE ACTION
- Lead the implementation of TransformTO to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Toronto to net zero by 2040
- Support climate-informed decision-making and implementation of carbon reduction projects corporately and community-wide
- Implement the Net Zero Carbon Plan for City-owned buildings and the Sustainable Fleet Plan to reduce GHG emissions and build resilience in City assets
ASSET LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT
- Safe, compliant and accessible assets to deliver City services
- Optimize use of City assets to achieve greatest value and to serve a growing City
- Accelerate data analysis and data sharing capabilities for City programs
RESILIENCE
- Invest in and strengthen the City’s technology infrastructure to allow for a more resilient and agile workforce
- Enhance the City’s cyber resilience to prevent and minimize impacts of cyber attacks and strengthen the City’s cyber posture
- Ensure the organization has the staff with the right skills to meet baseline operational requirements
THE OPPORTUNITY TO INFLUENCE AND DRIVE THE BUILDING OF A WELL RUN AND FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE CITY THAT ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE PEOPLE OF TORONTO
The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services facilitates the development and implementation of cross-departmental synergies, tackles roadblocks and implements corporate-wide organizational effectiveness, strategies and policies in collaboration with other members of the Senior Leadership Team, the City Manager and City Council. The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services assists in the administration and operation of the City of Toronto by overseeing several divisions and offices providing corporate-wide services to the City and leading major strategic, cross-divisional initiatives and priorities. The Deputy City Manager’s focus is on the delivery of effective, efficient and modern services to all Divisions, Agencies and Corporations. The Deputy City Manager will strategically seek to offer operational excellence and value in line with City priorities, based on specialized knowledge, best practices, and technology to serve internal and external partners. The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will guide transformation to achieve results in a multi-stakeholder environment.
Reporting to the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will ensure that City programs and services within the service area are effectively coordinated to deliver high-quality customer service for the residents and businesses of Toronto while implementing Council strategies, priorities and decisions in an effective manner. The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will also work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the City Manager and City Council team to ensure that the City administration is compliant with expected high standards of fiscal responsibility, management policies, standards, practices and procedures, public service, ethical, professional and political behaviour, openness, transparency and integrity. The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will drive innovation and demonstrate transformation leadership by navigating ambiguity with agility, accelerating performance, managing risks and evolving the culture.
The Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will lead by example in demonstrating the values of service, stewardship and commitment. In addition, the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services will lead by example in embracing and exemplifying the City’s four workplace culture themes that create the roadmap to building a great Toronto Public Service: Being Respected, Empowered and Valued; Embracing Diversity and Inclusion; Making a Difference; and Working Together…and exhibit the key foundational leadership competencies that encompass accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, customer focus, teamwork and Toronto Public Service commitment.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy City Manager provides impactful leadership and management oversight to ensure the implementation of Council's strategies, priorities and decisions for the service area and the Corporation more broadly, in consultation with the City Manager.
- Sets the overall strategic direction for the service area by establishing goals, objectives and priorities that align with strategic directions and Council priorities, in consultation with the City Manager. Ensures flexible and adaptable service planning to respond to changing priorities.
- Promotes collaboration and innovation across the organization and between service areas to achieve Council's strategic and service priorities and to create opportunities for service improvement/efficiencies and shared success across City programs, Agencies, Boards, Corporations and Divisions.
- Identifies organizational issues, recommends improvements and creates opportunities for service efficiencies. Leads City-wide initiatives and sponsors transformational projects. Implements strategies and process improvements to improve efficiencies and cost effectiveness.
- Provides strategic advice and guidance to the City Manager, Mayor, relevant Standing Committees, Council and Task Forces. Consults with Council and staff to explain the rationale and reasons for the need to modify and/or update regulations, policies and standards and provides feasible alternatives that will ensure compliance.
- Leads City wide initiatives and implements strategies and process improvements to improve efficiencies, maximize outcomes and cost effectiveness.
- Leads intergovernmental relationships and negotiations relevant to the service area and assigned programs, as applicable to the service area and/or assigned initiatives, and in consultation with the City Manager’s Office.
- Leads and maintains critical relationships with external stakeholders relevant to the service area, to advance Council priorities and efficient delivery of public services, infrastructure and strategies.
- Provides ongoing leadership by using effective management techniques, implementing change management processes and developing staff to be able to respond to a changing work environment, enhance the overall performance of the service area and meet the expectations of Council, the community and stakeholders.
- Directs the budget development and resource allocation and alignment to achieve Council's priorities for services within the service area. Ensures that service area divisions have multi-year financial plans that prioritize the allocation of resources to City services and ensure that intended outcomes are achieved.
- Manages media relations and represents the City in the media and other public forums related to the service area priorities and initiatives. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with the media, elected officials, Agencies, Boards and Corporations, other levels of government and various stakeholders.
- Ensures and oversees the implementation of sound management practices and internal controls and ensures the consistent and fair application of management policies and standards within the assigned services/divisions. Oversees the administrative, technical and support functions to ensure economic and effective delivery of services.
- Integrates strategic human resource planning including the evaluation of division heads in achieving Council's objectives and delivering services with sound financial management, succession planning and employee development and motivation into service delivery business planning. Facilitates effective labour relations by interpreting and assuring compliance with the collective agreements, providing input in the negotiation process where required, listening to and consulting with employees so that labour relations are continually enhanced.
- Demonstrates high level of commitment to ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Leads work on larger corporate planning/strategic planning initiatives with the Senior Leadership Team.
- Fosters internal and external relationships, leading and managing a large group of professionals, and building a strong management team while inspiring and developing high-performing staff.
THE CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, experience, skills and attributes:
- Progressively more responsible and accountable senior executive leadership and multi-functional management experience ideally gained in large complex organizations.
- Proven track record of driving results demonstrating excellence in strategy through to execution.
- Demonstrated success leading transformation, modernization or strategic change of scope and scale.
- Proven track record of delivering on strategic objectives through the effective and efficient management of talent and resources.
- Demonstrated good judgment and leadership skills, ability to create and encourage a unified vision, establish direction, align people, influence others to gain commitment and to drive consensus and results.
- Strong critical thinking and conceptual skills.
- Able to balance competing priorities and interests and drive win-win outcomes.
- Strong policy acuity.
- Proven skills, expertise and confidence to work effectively with elected officials.
- Well-developed strategic planning skills to formulate plans incorporating all relevant perspectives, constraints, risks and costs.
- Strong communication, relationship building, consultation and collaboration skills to present information to staff, the public and stakeholders and build alignment and engagement.
- Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills to identify gaps and deficiencies and develop proactive approaches to continuous improvement.
- Willingness to be both mentor and coach, and to use those skills in developing staff.
- Effective and efficient decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated credibility in upholding and modeling the organization’s core values.
- Prior experience in a unionized environment is an asset.
Employment Equity
The City of Toronto is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, members of visible minority groups and women.
The City of Toronto strives to build an inclusive society and providing an accessible environment in which all individuals have access to the City’s services and programs in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.
Read the City of Toronto’s Aboriginal Employment Strategy for more information on the commitment to implementing employment practices that ensure that employment opportunities are accessible to Aboriginal people.
The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to accommodation and employment equity.
Accommodation
The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.
Should you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the hiring process, please communicate your needs to the LHH Knightsbridge executive search team.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you are interested in being considered for this exciting and challenging senior leadership opportunity, please submit your expression of interest (cover letter and current resume) by email to Lindsay Millard, Senior Consultant, at lindsay.millard@lhhknightsbridge.com with “City of Toronto, Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services” in the subject line.
Should you have any questions regarding this exciting opportunity, please contact a member of the Project Team:
Janice Kussner, Partner janice.kussner@lhhknightsbridge.com 416 640-4313
Lindsay Millard, Senior Consultant lindsay.millard@lhhknightsbridge.com 416 928-4573
Oksana Krupa, Executive Assistant oksana.krupa@lhhknightsbridge.com 416 928-4612
ABOUT LHH– www.lhh.com
At LHH, we exist to help people, teams and organizations find and prepare for what’s next. Our end-to-end HR solutions future-proof organizations and careers all over the world. Through Advisory, Career Transition & Mobility, Insights, Learning & Development and Recruitment Solutions, we enable transformation, and our job is never done because there’s always another tomorrow to prepare for.
We make a difference to everyone we work with, and we do it with local expertise, backed by global infrastructure and industry-leading technology. LHH’s over 8,000 colleagues and coaches span 66 countries worldwide, working with more than 15,000 organizations, a majority of Fortune Global 500, and nearly 500,000 candidates each year. Together we address needs across the entire talent journey, helping organizations build their capabilities and individuals build brighter futures.
LHH is a part of the Adecco Group, the world’s leading talent advisory and solutions company, headquartered in Zurich Switzerland.
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