Job Description:

Lead the future of municipal infrastructure in one of Manitoba’s most vibrant communities Rural Municipality of Gimli

 Located on the beautiful west shore of Lake Winnipeg, the Rural Municipality of Gimli offers an exceptional quality of life and a unique opportunity to lead critical municipal infrastructure and service delivery initiatives. Home to growing families, thriving businesses, retirees, and seasonal residents, Gimli combines small-town community values with progressive municipal leadership, strategic investment, and a commitment to sustainable growth.

The Rural Municipality of Gimli is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking municipal leader to join its Senior Leadership Team as Director of Operations & Infrastructure. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the delivery of public works, utilities, engineering, fleet services, and asset management initiatives while helping shape the future growth and sustainability of one of Manitoba’s most vibrant lakefront communities.

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Operations & Infrastructure provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Municipality’s infrastructure systems, capital investment programs, asset management initiatives, and municipal operations. The Director plays a key role in advancing Council’s strategic priorities while ensuring excellence in service delivery, regulatory compliance, innovation, and long-term infrastructure stewardship.

Why Join the RM of Gimli?

The RM of Gimli is investing in its future through strategic infrastructure renewal, asset management planning, capital improvements, and service excellence initiatives.

This position offers:

• A key leadership role within the Municipality’s Senior Leadership Team
• The opportunity to influence major infrastructure and capital investment decisions
• Oversight of diverse departments including Public Works, Utilities, Engineering Services, Fleet Operations, and Asset

Management

• Meaningful collaboration with Council, community stakeholders, consultants, and government
• A competitive compensation and benefits package
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on a growing and vibrant community

As a member of the Municipality’s Senior Leadership Team, the Director serves as a trusted advisor to the Chief Administrative Officer and Council, helping to guide organizational priorities, capital investment decisions, long-range planning initiatives, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the organization.

 

FUNCTIONS

 Leadership and Employee Development

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for municipal infrastructure, operational excellence, workforce development, and service delivery across multiple departments
• Organize and direct all Public Works, Utility, Infrastructure, Asset Management, and related operational functions including personnel, administration, infrastructure programs, capital projects, and the replacement and expansion of municipal services
• Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, working collaboratively to advance corporate strategic initiatives and organizational excellence
• Lead and cultivate the development and growth of departmental personnel through mentorship, professional development, succession planning, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support the Public Works Manager, Utility Manager, and Asset Manager, in partnership with Human Resources, in workforce planning, recruitment, training, and performance management activities. This includes assessing and recommending staffing requirements to ensure operational needs are met while maintaining compliance with personnel policies and the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Provide oversight and monitor work assignments of all divisions within the Department to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services while remaining in full compliance with applicable provincial, federal, and municipal legislation
• Establish and maintain a workplace culture that promotes safety, innovation, accountability, teamwork, and positive employee engagement

Administrative Management

• Provide Council, the Chief Administrative Officer, and other Department Heads with comprehensive reports, analysis, recommendations, and strategic advice on matters impacting municipal operations and infrastructure services
• Develop and implement programs, policies, systems, standards, and operating procedures necessary for the efficient delivery of Engineering, Public Works, Water and Wastewater Services, Asset Management, Building Maintenance, and Fleet Operations
• Assist Administration in the preparation and enforcement of Development Agreements and provide technical review and direction for subdivision and development projects
• Liaise with provincial and federal governments, regional organizations, consultants, and regulatory agencies regarding service delivery, infrastructure planning, and capital investments
• Assist Administration in identifying and pursuing infrastructure funding opportunities and grant programs
• Lead short and long-term planning initiatives impacting municipal infrastructure, operations, utilities, facilities, fleet assets, and service delivery
• Act as the municipal liaison and contract administrator for engineering consultants engaged by the Municipality

Financial Management

• Prepare, present, and oversee the Department’s annual operating and capital budgets
• Monitor and manage approved operating and capital expenditures in accordance with Council policy and strategic objectives
• Provide long-range capital forecasting and infrastructure investment recommendations to support sustainable service delivery and asset replacement planning

 

Exceptional Citizen Service

• Respond to inquiries from residents, stakeholders, Council, and regulatory agencies in a professional and timely manner
• Ensure the efficient and effective delivery of engineering, public works, utility, building maintenance, and fleet services that meet the needs of residents and visitors

 

Safety and Emergency Management

• Perform the duties of Director of Operations & Infrastructure as a member of the Municipal Emergency Measures Response Team
• Provide leadership and oversight for departmental safety programs and regulatory compliance initiatives
• Ensure the efficient and effective provision of engineering services, public works services, water and wastewater services, and municipal building and fleet maintenance services during both routine and emergency operations

Capital Asset Management Program

The Director will champion a culture of proactive asset management and infrastructure stewardship to ensure the long-term sustainability and responsible management of municipal assets

• Support the development and implementation of the RM’s Capital Asset Management Program through research, analysis, planning, procurement, and continuous improvement
• Understand, fulfill, and enforce the Municipality’s Capital Asset Management policies and practices
• Maintain a superior understanding of asset management principles and emerging best practices to ensure the Municipality remains current and proactive
• Champion the Asset Management Program and provide leadership to the Municipal Asset Management
• Perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

 

• Engineering Degree or Registered and/or Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T) or equivalent education in a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive management experience, preferably within a municipal setting
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office and related municipal software such as asset management, work order, financial and records management systems
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage Council, senior administration, staff and the public
• Proven leadership abilities with experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and managing complex operational and capital projects
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, financial management, analytical skills and problem-solving skills
• Valid Manitoba Driver’s License
• Certification or education in Municipal Leadership or equivalent experience
• Certification or education in Asset Management Planning or equivalent experience

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

• Water/Wastewater Utility Operator Certification
• Certification or course work in a Business Management Program or Management Training Program
• Certification or enrollment in the Manitoba Municipal Administrators Certification Program
• Project management experience
• Eligibility to act as Operator in Charge

Comprehension and Judgment

 The incumbent must possess an in-depth understanding of municipal operations, infrastructure stewardship, legislative requirements, and asset management practices, together with the ability to communicate effectively with Council, staff, stakeholders, and residents.

The incumbent will exercise a high degree of independent judgement in policy interpretation, strategic planning, operational decision-making, and service delivery while operating within approved budgets, policies, and municipal objectives.

The incumbent shall have the authority, as approved within annual operating and capital budgets, to financially commit the Corporation to expenditures in accordance with the RM of Gimli’s Procurement and Tendering Policy.

Health and Safety

 In carrying out daily responsibilities, the incumbent shall promote and support a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with all applicable occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Act as the Municipality’s Safety Officer in collaboration with Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health, providing oversight and leadership for safety protocols within the Public Works, Utility, and Recreation Departments.

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees, contractors, stakeholders, and the public in accordance with the Municipality’s Respectful Workplace Policy.

Compensation and Benefits

 At the RM of Gimli, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to attracting exceptional talent by offering a competitive compensation package, comprehensive health and dental benefits, pension participation, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative leadership environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.

Application Process

 The RM of Gimli is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We are dedicated to providing a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation during any stage of the hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Department to make appropriate arrangements.

Qualified applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Ingrid Friesen, HR Manager, by email at hrofficer@rmgimli.com or in person at the Municipal Office located at 62 – 2nd Avenue, Gimli, Manitoba no later than November 16, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.