Program Manager, Drinking Water Demand Management

Program Manager, Drinking Water Demand Management

Requisition ID: 46319

The Program Manager, Drinking Water Demand Management is responsible for the technical leadership, strategic development, and operational delivery of the City’s comprehensive Drinking Water Demand Management Program. This role directs the design and implementation of policies, programs, and regulatory tools aimed at reducing potable water consumption, improving system efficiency, and ensuring long‑term sustainability of municipal water resources under conditions of climate variability and population growth. The Program Manager participates in cross‑department sustainability initiatives, manages the capital and operating budgets, and oversees procurement, grants, and partnership opportunities associated with the program.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, policy development, and implementation of the City’s Drinking Water Demand Management Strategy to address climate change and population growth impacts on drinking water resources.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive water demand management strategies.
  • Conduct sector analysis, engagement, and outreach for residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, and civic water users and design and deliver programs to increase water use efficiency.
  • Research and recommend water conservation driven policies and rate structures.
  • Utilize advanced meter reading technology and data to inform programs targeting high consumption and leakage on the private side.
  • Foster civic water use reduction and leak management programs.
  • Oversee customer service programs in support of water demand management.
• Manage accountability and reporting for the City’s water demand management goals and targets set out in the Drinking Water Demand Management Strategy.
• Develop the annual work plan, budgeting, and all associated procurement, grant, and partnership opportunities associated with the program.
• Manage updates, administration, and enforcement of the City’s Drinking Water Conservation By‑law, including public communication campaigns and annual staged water restriction enforcement.
• Research and report on best practices, prepare feasibility studies, perform business case analysis for a variety of proposed policies, programs and incentives, and implement programs to inspire, encourage and enable water conservation and achieve efficiency, cost savings, safety, quality, customer service and sustainability.
• Prepare and present reports to steering committees and Council.
• Represent the Drinking Water Utility and the City at various interdepartmental working groups, plans, strategies and initiatives.
• Lead all water demand management and efficiency outreach to various non‑City agencies and act as the City’s representative on various regional, provincial and national industry associations.
• Develop, implement and coordinate outreach, education programs and engagement activities to increase public awareness of our drinking water resource, the quality and value of drinking water, and to promote and market various conservation measures and programs.
• Lead and direct human resources activities for the Water Demand Management Team, including recruitment and selection, assigning responsibilities, labor relations, performance management, attendance management, discipline, grievance handling, and other personnel issues including staff coaching and mentoring.
• Develop, implement and monitor project and program management procedures and practices, quality measures, and best practices through formal coaching, mentoring, and skills and knowledge transfer to section staff.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualification

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering or Sustainability and eight years of related experience developing programs for water conservation, demand management and efficiency across all sectors of water use, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent knowledge of policies and programs related to water demand management, water conservation, water resources management and municipal drinking water systems.
• Excellent analytical and computer skills to facilitate the creation of spreadsheets and databases and producing reports from large quantities of data.
• Excellent skills in research, analysis, and problem‑solving within a complex and dynamic environment; ability to think innovatively, solve complex problems and present solutions in clear and compelling terms.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to prepare and manage project and program budgets.
• Ability to develop outreach and education plans and lead engagement activities to increase public awareness.
• Ability to develop business cases and implement strategic and operational plans.
• Excellent knowledge of management principles, policies and practices including recruitment and selection, leadership, performance and attendance management.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and engage staff.
• Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively and efficiently prioritize actions in response to numerous and diverse demands.
• Strong conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive relationships at all levels in the organization and external stakeholders.

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services

Affiliation: Exempt

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: August 2026

Salary Information: Salary Range $117,909 to $147,377 per annum