The City is seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to serve as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO), Infrastructure, Development and Environment (IDE). This executive role provides strategic leadership across core city building and operational functions, including Economic Development & Tourism; Engineering & Transportation Services; Water & Wastewater Services; Planning & Building Services; and Facilities & Energy Management.
Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer and as a member of the Executive Team, the successful candidate will be a city builder who shapes policy, advances Council direction, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence to deliver the City’s Strategic Plan objectives. With a focus on sustainable growth, infrastructure resilience, regulatory excellence and innovation, the DCAO, IDE will be a strategic connector, trusted advisor, and a visible, inspiring municipal leader.
Key duties and responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Provide leadership for the IDE service area, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with Council direction and the City’s Strategic Plan, while proactively communicating and managing relationships with stakeholders to foster productive partnerships.
- Council and Executive Team Partnership: Build strong, trusting relationships with Council, the CAO, and senior leaders, offering strategic guidance on growth management, infrastructure investment, development approvals, climate and environmental priorities, and enterprise initiatives.
- Employee Engagement and Development: Lead with integrity, fostering a positive, high-performance culture through communication, coaching, and mentorship.
- City Building and Community Outcomes: Champion a city building mindset that balances regulatory obligations with innovation and enterprise approaches to deliver sustainable growth, housing readiness, mobility, climate resilience and economic prosperity.
- Integrated Planning and Development Leadership: Provide strategic oversight of end‑to‑end land use planning and development processes, ensuring coordinated policy interpretation, application review, technical analysis, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making that supports sustainable growth and high‑quality city‑building outcomes.
- Regulatory Compliance and Service Excellence: Ensure all IDE functions meet legislative requirements while driving continuous improvement and innovation.
- Policy and Operational Oversight: Develop and assess corporate policies, management procedures, and work systems to enhance service delivery and accountability.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain effective relationships with Council, staff, external agencies, businesses, and other levels of government.
- Financial Stewardship: Manage and monitor complex departmental budgets, ensuring financial accountability and cost-effectiveness.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications and requirements
Education and Experience:
- Post-secondary degree in Engineering, Planning, Environmental Science, Architecture, Public Administration, Business or a related field.
- Extensive senior leadership experience in municipal government or a similar public-sector environment.
- Demonstrated experience in end‑to‑end land use planning and development processes, including policy interpretation, application review, stakeholder engagement, and implementation through to approval.
- Completion of a relevant master’s degree and/or professional designation is preferred (P.Eng., RPP, etc.).
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Leadership and Strategic Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to build trust, drive innovation, and achieve results through action-oriented effective leadership.
- Proven capacity to read situations accurately, respond with professionalism in sensitive contexts, and adapt effectively, while applying political acumen to relationship‑building and decision‑making.
- Excellent relationship-building skills with Council, government agencies, and community stakeholders with the ability to navigate complex political environments, providing sound policy advice and fostering positive intergovernmental relationships.
- Exceptional ability to communicate the City’s vision, policies, and strategic direction in a compelling and engaging manner.
- Proven capability to navigate political/legislative environments and provide sound policy advice on growth, development, infrastructure and environmental matters.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences through presentations and public speaking initiatives.
- Proven ability to manage change and lead large-scale transformation initiatives effectively.
- Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Proven track record in developing, coaching, and mentoring individuals at all levels within the organization, using a people-first approach.
- Demonstrated experience in fostering inclusive workplaces, enhancing service delivery, and leading equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives and strategies within municipal or public sector environments.
Technical and Regulatory Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the Municipal Act, Planning Act, Building Code Act, environmental legislation and standards related to water, wastewater, and engineering.
- Expertise in transportation planning, capital program delivery, asset management, and growth financing approaches.
- Skilled in managing large budgets, optimizing resources, and implementing cost-effective financial strategies.
- Skilled in developing and implementing corporate policies, performance metrics, and operational strategies.
Hours of work
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. This position is eligible for hybrid and flexible work arrangement options (as per current corporate policy).
How to apply
Click "Apply Now" on the top right hand side of your screen by March 24, 2026.
Hiring Process Transparency
The City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology.
Commitment to Diversity & Accessibility
The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.
Privacy Notice
Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.
