OPENING STATEMENT

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.
At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.
As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people’s lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you’ll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you’ll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director, Transportation & Transit, the General Manager, Transit Services will advance City Council’s vision and priorities for Kingston Transit. This position provides leadership for overall performance in service planning, service delivery, and financial sustainability.
The General Manager, Transit Services is responsible for providing overall leadership and management for the planning, operation, and delivery of the City’s conventional transit service. This position ensures plans are developed and aligned with the objectives identified in the City of Kingston’s Official Plan and Integrated Mobility Plans and work is accomplished in a safe, effective, customer focused and fiscally responsible manner to meet the travel needs of all users.

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES

University degree in business administration, public administration, transportation planning, engineering, economics or related program
Minimum 5+ years recent and extensive experience in transit operations, service development, budgeting and operational management
Progressive leadership experience in a unionized environment, including labour relations and collective agreement interpretation, along with considerable experience leading and motivating staff.
Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and industry best practices in transit.

SKILLS, ABILITIES, WORK DEMANDS

Recognized organizational leadership, project management and creative problem solving skills
Ability to act as change agent, championing corporate initiatives
Ability to work in a politically sensitive environment while demonstrating tact and diplomacy
Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long term visioning, planning, and budgeting
Strong knowledge of municipal policies, procedures, applicable legislation and regulations, relevant industry standards, by-laws and acts (municipal, provincial and federal)
Proven knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other applicable federal and provincial legislation.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and quality customer service.
Ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, negotiate, facilitate, and deliver information to a wide variety of audiences
Ability to balance objectives with current organizational needs
Proficient skills in MS Office
Ability to build trust and credibility in a politically sensitive role with competing demands and priorities
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence others
Ability to coach, motivate and develop employees
Valid Ontario “G” class drivers licence and access to a vehicle for work related purposes
Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check

Provide visible and positive leadership, developing and nurturing a work environment that is inclusive, respectful and motivating for staff. Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of Kingston Transit Services.
Engage with stakeholders and develop new strategies to optimize the revenue generated through transit services, as well as design and operate a transit system that best meets the needs of the community.
Oversee the analysis of service delivery issues and development of system revision. Ensure ongoing compliance with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) customer service and transportation standards. Collaborate and liaise with other departments on complementary initiatives to achieve optimum results for the City and residents.
Maintain good working relationships with all stakeholders, including all levels of management and staff, Mayor and members of council, external partners, and the community.
Ensure compliance with Collective Agreements, City policies, Council resolutions, City by-laws, and other applicable federal and provincial legislation.
Establish policies, operating procedures, work methods and standards for the department and contracted services; monitor performance and initiate corrective action as required.
Track best practices, technical trends, developments and advances in transit operations and management on an ongoing basis.
Responsible for the preparation and management of the department’s capital and operating budgets; monitor and report budget variances; implement corrective action as required.
Analyze and optimize revenues and pursue grant funding to complement existing budgets. Consolidate and review departmental annual work plans and budgets.
Establish long-term direction for the department consistent with the City of Kingston’s Strategic Plan. Establish the annual work plan for the department and for staff, evaluate performance, monitor results and provide coaching, training and development opportunities as needed.
Establish a quality assurance program to monitor the department’s annual performance against established departmental key performance indicators and industry best practices.
Make recommendations and take corrected action as required.
Foster relationships and build stakeholder relationships with regional and provincial government representatives, service providers/partners and the community.