Project Manager of Corporate Services

Overview
At the City of Kitchener, service isn't just what we do – it's who we are. The Corporate Services Department doesn't just keep the lights on, it's the backbone of our organization, driving service excellence from behind the scenes. With specialized teams in Technology Innovation and Services (TIS), Human Resources (HR), Corporate Communications and Marketing (CC&M), Legal Services, Legislated Services, Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI), and Office of the Mayor and Council, Corporate Services plays a vital role in empowering every part of our municipality to deliver exceptional service to one another and the community.

We are looking for a creative and forward-thinking individual with proven project management and Lean experience to join the Corporate Services team. As Project Manager (Corporate Services), you'll be at the forefront of initiatives that shape how internal business partners deliver service. Reporting to the Corporate Services Manager, Service, Coordination and Improvement, you'll work closely with the General Manager, senior management team, and staff across the organization to lead strategic projects, conduct service reviews, and implement solutions that advance both departmental priorities and the City's Strategic Plan.

This role isn't about maintaining the status quo — it's about collaborating with staff to transform how we serve each other and the broader community. If you're ready to lead projects that drive efficiency, elevate service delivery, and make a lasting impact, we invite you to be part of our journey.

You Might Be Interested In This Role If

• You're a skilled project manager with:
• expertise in continuous improvement and experience applying Lean strategies to drive meaningful change.
• experience managing multiple priorities, navigating ambiguity, and delivering results.
• demonstrated success in bringing alignment to a set of project outcomes where a broad range of perspectives are presented.

This position is under review.

Responsibilities

• Applies expert project management skills to lead the development and implementation of major projects and strategic initiatives within the Corporate Services Department. Projects may include, but are not limited to, advancing key actions from the public engagement review, enhancing organizational psychological safety, and Human Resources programs that strengthen workplace culture.
• Leads Lean reviews using proven methodologies, working collaboratively with staff through interactive workshops that foster open dialogue, surface improvement opportunities, and co-design practical solutions to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Develops, tracks and manages project charters, including budgets, scope and timelines.
• Provides regular updates against approved project milestones, and makes recommendations when changes are required to stay on time and on budget.
• Establishes and manages a regular cycle of project committee meetings, ensuring necessary documents and information are developed and shared with members in advance to facilitate productive meetings.
• Plans and leads meetings/workshops with internal staff that support project planning, foster team alignment, and generate actionable outcomes.
• Leads the research and analysis process, including reviewing best practices, gathering data and insights from staff, interpreting findings, and developing clear guidelines, reports, and recommendations for management approval.
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with staff across a variety of departments and divisions to gather requirements, solicit feedback and build consensus in support of Corporate Services initiatives.
• Manages RFPs/tender processes to engage external vendors or consultants, fostering strong partnerships to ensure successful project delivery.
• Writes staff and caucus reports, Council presentations, and internal communications as directed.
• Supports department and strategic planning initiatives led by the Manager, Service, Coordination and Improvement including, but not limited to, business cases, needs assessments, service reviews and confidential projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned ere a broad range of perspectives are presented.

Education

• 3-year degree or diploma in a related field (e.g. Business Administration, Political Science, Communications).
• Minimum Lean Yellow Belt certification is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years' experience managing complex projects.
• Skilled at designing and executing projects using project management principles that collaboratively engage a wide variety of stakeholders while ensuring project timelines are met.
• Proficient in leading projects using Lean methodologies to deliver measurable improvements in service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Experience working with and maintaining relationships with staff from a variety of departments and divisions, as well as external consultants.
• Experience managing confidential and sensitive information.

Skill Equivalencies

2-Year Diploma (or 2-Year Specialized Post-Secondary Program) with minimum 7 years related and relevant

experience or 4-Year Honours Degree with minimum 2 years related and relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong competency in tracking and managing project milestones, timelines, and budgets, while delivering regular progress reports to leadership and project teams to support informed decision-making.
• Ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with a wide group of stakeholders.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Superior written, oral and presentation communication skills.
• An understanding of the variety of functions within Corporate Services and how they interconnect to support organizational goals, service delivery and strategic initiatives is an asset.
• Skill in the use of a personal computer using software packages such as Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint.
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.