Manager, Strategy and Innovation

**Job Brief**:
This position is responsible for leading the corporation in the development and use of continuous improvement methodologies in all facets of service delivery as well as leading the development of corporate strategies and other corporate projects.
- Employment Status:
**Temporary Full-Time**
- Union:
**NON-UNION**
- Open To:
**Internal/External Applicant(s)**
- Closing Date:
**17/08/2025**
- Duration (if temporary):
**Up to 12 months**

**Manager, Strategy and Innovation, 1 year temporary assignment**:
**Department**: Corporate Services
**Reports to**: Director, Corporate Services

**Salary Range**: $124,137 - $145,217 annually

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement? Do you thrive on driving change, shaping organizational culture, and delivering results? The City of Kawartha Lakes is seeking a dynamic **Manager, Strategy and Innovation** to lead the development and execution of corporate strategies and business process improvements that make a meaningful impact across the organization.

**Position Overview**:
As the **Manager, Strategy and Innovation**, you will champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. This role is responsible for leading the design and implementation of corporate strategies, driving Lean Six Sigma initiatives, and ensuring organizational alignment with key strategic goals. You will oversee corporate business process improvements, internal audits, and internal communications to enhance service delivery and organizational performance.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Strategic Leadership**
- Lead the development, execution, and measurement of corporate strategies and major projects using continuous improvement methodologies.
- Establish and maintain a corporate Continuous Improvement/Lean program, ensuring consistent use of tools and processes across all departments.
- Support and mentor staff through training, coaching, and facilitation of Lean Six Sigma initiatives.
- Conduct research and analysis to stay ahead of industry trends and recommend innovative solutions.

**Organizational Development & Culture**
- Promote a culture of innovation and learning through leadership, communication, and cross-departmental collaboration.
- Partner with senior leadership to align corporate initiatives with organizational priorities.
- Oversee internal communications to ensure messaging aligns with corporate strategy and supports employee engagement.

**Team & People Leadership**
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team, including the Strategy and Performance Specialist and Internal Communications Specialist.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to support staff success and organizational outcomes.
- Manage recruitment, performance, and training of direct reports in alignment with People Services policies.

**Operational Excellence**
- Oversee delivery of organizational business process improvements and internal audits.
- Administer corporate standards, directives, and performance measurements to achieve strategic goals.
- Develop and manage budgets, procure services and goods, and ensure effective stakeholder engagement.

**Qualifications & Experience**:

- Degree in Business/Public Administration or related field.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or PMP, or willingness to obtain
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in a municipal or public sector environment.
- Proven track record of leading teams, driving results-oriented change, and implementing corporate strategies.
- Strong knowledge of municipal operations, governance, and applicable legislation.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Experience managing budgets, strategic plans, and organizational risk.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related business software.
- Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s licence and ability to travel to multiple sites as required.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check upon conditional offer of employment.

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**About the City of Kawartha Lakes**:
Located in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, the City of Kawartha Lakes is a vibrant and growing municipality known for its scenic beauty, strong sense of community, and commitment to delivering excellent public services. With over 250 lakes and rivers, diverse urban and rural communities, and a thriving local economy, City of Kawartha Lakes offers an outstanding quality of life for residents and a dynamic work environment for employees dedicated to making a difference.