Director, WS Engineering, Design & Construction

Department: Water Services

Employee Group: Exempt

Location: 4515 Central Boulevard, Burnaby

Salary Range/ Wage Rate: Management / Leadership, Level M5A ($192,776.84 - $226,766.24 annually)

Our Water Services Department is seeking a Director, WS Engineering, Design & Construction who will lead the team responsible for effective and efficient delivery of a complex program of capital projects to support the delivery of high quality drinking water to the Metro Vancouver region.

You are: a strategic, technical leader who is well experienced with the complexities and challenges of delivering a large diverse portfolio of regional drinking water focused capital projects. You possess a collaborative style of leadership, you are excellent at relationship-building, and you demonstrate a high level of professionalism.

The Director, WS Engineering, Design & Construction reports to the General Manager, Water Services.

This role:

• Leads the Water Services Engineering, Design & Construction (EDC) function and provides strategic direction for delivery of the Water Services capital program. Provides leadership for developing budgets, determining project delivery processes and selecting procurement methods. Leads projects from definition through conceptual design, preliminary design, detailed design, construction and commissioning and is accountable for the scope, schedules and budgets of multiple projects concurrently. Ensures safety, quality and public involvement criteria are appropriately integrated into projects and performs a key leadership role in the provision of drinking water services to the region. Evaluates legal, financial and schedule issues and makes recommendations to the General Manager for input and approval.

• Accountable for annual and long-range capital budget preparation, reporting and resource allocations and participates as a member of the corporate capital planning team. Oversees the preparation of business plans and also establishes and monitors performance indicators. Directs the deployment of a complex mix of cross functional financial resources; monitors and controls spending ensuring the effective and efficient expenditure of allocated funds; and ensures plans and expenditures align with strategic objectives.

• Leads a multidisciplinary team of engineering and technical staff, external consulting engineers and project management specialists. Oversees and approves consultation and engagement strategies and ensures public involvement activities meet corporate objectives, provincial regulatory requirements and interests of target audiences. Provides direction for balancing diverse priorities and addressing particularly divisive and high-profile issues.

• Makes recommendations on matters impacting the work of the EDC function such as Project Management Guidelines, Engineering Standards and Capital Project Protocols and Capital Plan priorities. Ensures reporting staff comply with relevant policies and protocols and provides direction for situations requiring modifications to established standards. Contributes to initiatives requesting input in a timely manner; prioritizes work in consultation with the General Manager; and oversees a range of internal and external reporting activities.

• Hires, supervises, directs and develops staff monitoring performance in accordance with goals and objectives. Provides general direction to staff with emphasis on the planning, development and implementation of programs and operations. Ensures adherence to corporate policies and collective agreements.

• Leads, coaches and mentors staff recognizing the importance of leadership, supervisory and technical training. Develops and sustains a flexible and resilient workforce and encourages staff to pursue opportunities that complement their skills and experience. Works collaboratively to resolve complex technical and interpersonal issues staff encounter while doing their work.

• Represents the department on committees and cross functional senior teams; works closely with senior staff from member jurisdictions, external agencies and the public on a variety of issues and concerns; and interacts with consulting firms, suppliers and contractors to clarify objectives and resolve financial issues and claims. Recognized as an authority in area of specialization, provides advice and guidance to the Corporate Planning Committee and provides advice, recommendations and follow-up to Metro Vancouver Boards and Committees. Represents the department and organization and responds to questions from the media as required.

• Performs other related duties as required.

To be successful, you have:

• Bachelor of Applied Science degree in civil engineering or other relevant field. 10 years of recent, related progressive experience supplemented by formal business management training; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Membership or eligibility for immediate membership as a registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC).

• Expert technical expertise and understanding of civil engineering principles, standards and best practices and considerable understanding of other relevant engineering and technical disciplines/specialties. Expert ability to interpret, apply and advise others on engineering and related guidelines such as technical manuals, code and regulations, and contracting policies. Expert contract administration and project management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction and lead multiple large capital projects requiring coordination amongst various divisions, disciplines, departments, external agencies and consultants. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex contractual issues.

• Excellent budgeting and financial management skills. Demonstrated ability to manage and direct the deployment of a complex mix of cross functional financial resources and effectively monitor and control spending ensuring the effective and efficient expenditure of allocated funds.

• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment to resolve complex technical challenges. Demonstrated ability to develop and revise strategies to address problems, engage diverse audiences, and promote new initiatives considering the potentially diverse and long-term implications of decisions.

• Superior oral and written communication skills including the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts and strategies to diverse audiences. Confidently responds to questions and challenges from a variety of sources and is skilled in presenting data in a usable format to facilitate analysis and understanding.

• Proven ability to work cooperatively with others and to build and maintain effective working relationships. Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills; ability to resolve differences while maintaining strong relationships. Handles politically charged situations and differences of opinion adeptly and smoothly. Upholds the department’s and organization’s reputation through positive and forthright dealings with internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrates a broad-based view of issues, understands the long-term implications of actions and aligns the business strategies of the EDC function with department and corporate strategic objectives.

• Demonstrated management and supervisory skills. Ability to direct, supervise, evaluate, coach and mentor staff. Provides motivating feedback and when necessary, constructive and frank feedback on performance. Considerable knowledge of departmental and corporate policies, procedures, goals and regulations. Demonstrated understanding of labour relations principles including the ability to guide managers in having difficult conversations and responding to complex issues.

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel and Outlook.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License.

Our Vision:

Metro Vancouver embraces collaboration and innovation in providing sustainable regional services that contribute to a livable and resilient region and a healthy natural environment for current and future generations.

Metro Vancouver employees proudly serve the region and demonstrate the behaviours and attributes of six leadership competencies: Accountability, Adaptability, Building and Nurturing Relationships, Communication, Continuous Learning, and Strategic Thinking and Action.

At Metro Vancouver, we are committed to cultivating a diverse, safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all. We strive to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce that is reflective of the region we serve. If an accommodation is required during the recruitment and selection process, please contact [email protected] for support. Learn more about our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion here.

Please follow this link https://metrovancouver.org/about-us/careers to our Careers page where you can submit your application by October 28, 2025.