General Manager

It is an exciting time to be part of Halifax Water as they execute on a plan to be world class in their field. Halifax Water is the municipal water, wastewater and stormwater utility serving the residents of HALIFAX and is an autonomous, self-financed utility, regulated by the Nova Scotia Utility & Review Board and incorporated under the Halifax Regional Water Commission Act.  Halifax Water is a joint stock company with HALIFAX deemed as its sole shareholder.  With water, wastewater and storm-water governance established under the purview of the Halifax Water Board of Commissioners and the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, the focus of Halifax Water is to renew aging infrastructure, comply with new Federal wastewater regulatory requirements and position the utility for service and growth.  Current annual revenues are approximately $140 million, with capital budgets ranging from $70 million - $120 million per year and an asset base of approximately $1.4 billion.

Reporting to the Board of Commissioners, the General Manager (GM) has overall strategic, fiscal and operational responsibility for leading Halifax Water. The General Manager will provide leadership to the utility’s strategic planning processes and initiatives, focusing on continuous improvement and ensuring the long-term financial integrity and viability of the organization within the framework of its shareholders, regulators and stakeholders. The GM will develop, recommend and implement high quality business strategies and plans which align with short and long-term objectives set by the Board, and develop and oversee annual capital and operating plans and budgets. The GM will promote a customer-focused culture which provides outstanding customer service through the effective and efficient acquisition, development and utilization of its financial, physical and human resources within the scope of applicable legislation and regulations. The GM will coach and mentor the senior management team, encouraging their professional development and supporting their success in achieving established goals and objectives through performance excellence; lead labour relations and direct negotiations with the organization’s unions; enhance Halifax Water’s relationship with the municipality, particularly in matters such as shared services, engineering and operational matters, and the sale and purchase of property; develop and implement processes, systems and policies which improve operational effectiveness and efficiency and contribute to the overall success of the organization. The General Manager will lead transformational change as required for providing optimal services to the citizens of HALIFAX and will steward Halifax Water’s reputation, integrity and credibility with all its publics stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of successful and progressive executive leadership experience, preferably within the field of water, wastewater and stormwater (or a similarly regulated utility business), as well as excellent business acumen in operations, finance, human resources and administration. You are an approachable and accessible leader who is results-focused and has a proven track record of developing and successfully executing strategic plans. You possess superb stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, combined with strong personal values, ethics and an innate customer service orientation. You have in depth knowledge of corporate governance and experience working with Boards and, ideally, regulators; deep knowledge of work management and financial management processes and the business systems necessary to successfully operate a regulated utility; strong relationship building, collaboration and negotiation skills;  demonstrated ability to work closely and effectively with a broad range of stakeholders such as the Board of Commissioners, regulators, government representatives, elected officials, developers, consultants and residents of the Municipality; an effective communicator who can formulate and deliver ideas and information in a clear and concise manner to internal and external teams, partners and to the media. You have the experience, credentials and executive presence to inspire confidence and garner trust and respect from the Halifax Water team, all stakeholders and the general public. Knowledge of national, provincial and municipal engineering and environmental procedures, standards, specifications and guidelines would be a strong asset.

If you’re looking to join an organization that has an exciting and challenging culture, striving to be world-class stewards of natural, financial and human resources, please contact Erica Armstrong or Jeff Forbes at (902) 421-2009, or submit your application online at: https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/12826