PROGRAM DIRECTOR BUSINESS SERVICES & CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Job ID: 66445
Job Category: Parks & Natural Resources
Division & Section: Parks & Recreation, PR Client & Business Services
Work Location: North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5V7
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent
Salary Range: $144,591.00-$196,565.00
Shift Information: Monday-Friday, 35 Hours Per Week
Affiliation: Non-Union
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 09-OCT-2026 to 23-OCT-2026

Reporting to the Director, Client and Business Services, the Program Director, Business Services provides senior leadership for a portfolio that develops partnerships, strengthens commercial services, and supports effective governance of major Parks and Recreation initiatives. The role leads managers responsible for Partnerships and Sponsorships, Food and Beverage, and Collaborative Governance, and works across the Division to turn opportunities into sustainable services and public value.

The Program Director sets direction, establishes clear accountabilities and measures results. The role advises the Director and divisional leadership on complex business and stakeholder matters, negotiates solutions across City divisions and external organizations, and supports managers in delivering their programs. It works closely with the Contracts and Agreements team on commercial and partner arrangements.

Reporting to the Director Client & Business Services, the Program Director Business Services & Contracts Management will be responsibility for the following:

Portfolio Leadership and People Management:

Lead the assigned Business Services portfolio through managers, setting priorities, delegating decisions, monitoring performance and resolving barriers to delivery.

Develop annual and multi-year plans, service standards, performance measures and reporting that connect business outcomes, customer and partner experience, financial results and public benefit.

Prepare and manage assigned operating budgets, forecasts and business cases; control expenditures and assess the financial and operational implications of new proposals.

Supervises the day to day operation of all assigned staff including the scheduling, assigning and reviewing of work. Authorizes and controls vacation and overtime requests. Monitors and evaluates staff performance, approves salary increments and recommends disciplinary action when necessary.

Leads and motivates a diverse workforce, ensures effective teamwork, provides resolution to controversial labour relations issues, ensures high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encourages innovation in others.

Develops, recommends and administers the annual budget for the unit, and ensures that the expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.

Works collaboratively and in conjunction with the Corporate Employee Relations team when resolving employee relations issues.

Partnerships Development:

Direct strategies to identify, assess, negotiate and steward sponsorships, donations, strategic partnerships and other appropriate partnership and revenue opportunities that align with the Division’s public mandate and City policies.

Guide business planning, market and financial analysis and negotiations for assigned initiatives in collaboration with internal working team and other city divisions.

Establish measures for partner and vendor performance, revenue, service quality and community benefit; address material risks and recommend corrective action or changes in approach.

Lead the development and operation of governance arrangements for major parks, destinations and partner-led initiatives, clarifying roles, decision rights, escalation paths and shared outcomes among City divisions and external partners.

Advance complex projects and agreements from concept through implementation, coordinating legal, financial, operational, procurement, communications and stakeholder input as required.

Represent the Division in senior-level discussions with agencies, institutions, community organizations, businesses and other orders of government; build durable relationships and resolve competing priorities through negotiation and sound judgment.

Provide clear advice and recommendations to the Director and divisional leadership on sensitive, high-profile or politically complex matters, including risks, options and implications for service delivery.

Governance Accountability and Continuous Improvement:

Ensure assigned programs and agreements follow applicable City policies, bylaws, legislation, procurement rules, financial controls and health and safety requirements; coordinate with specialist teams on technical compliance.

Oversee reports, briefings and presentations for senior management, committees and Council on matters within the portfolio; support responses to Councillor, stakeholder and media issues in coordination with the Director and appropriate City teams.

Use data, customer and partner feedback, financial results and operational reviews to improve processes, strengthen accountability and demonstrate the value of business services to the Division.

Key Qualifications

Post-secondary education in a discipline pertinent to the job function (e.g. Business Administration, Strategic Business Planning & Continuity, Project Management, etc.) combined with relevant senior-level management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Extensive experience leading managers and multidisciplinary teams, establishing direction, managing performance, developing talent and delivering results in a large and complex organization.

Extensive experience developing business plans and conducting financial analysis to inform and set strategic direction for business related files.

Extensive senior-level experience in the management of large, complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives from inception through to implementation with extensive relationship management experience to balance the needs of client divisions and stakeholders.

Extensive experience in strategic planning, policy development, transformational leadership, and process improvement within a major public or private sector organization.

Extensive financial experience combined with strong business acumen, including the development, implementation, and maintenance of both operational and capital budgets to ensure the effective management of all operations.

Effective decision-maker with a track record demonstrating accountability, innovation, and results- oriented leadership.

Excellent strategic, lateral thinking, planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the capacity to effectively plan, develop, implement, and undertake special projects.

Strong political acuity and communication skills, with experience in political liaison, negotiation, stakeholder relations, and conflict resolution. 

Engaged leader who promotes teamwork, fostering an environment that supports equity and diversity as well as customer service excellence.

Ability to establish effective and collaborative working relationships with all stakeholders, employees, client divisions, outside agencies, and/or politicians and other levels of government, and build effective relationships within a large, diverse, and multidisciplinary environment.

Knowledge of relevant government legislation in the area of municipal governance, budgeting, financial reporting, service delivery, employee and labour relations, and occupational health and safety.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

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 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.