Assistant Branch Manager - Sewers & Drainage Design

Requisition ID: 44114 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and engaging workplace.  Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function 
The Assistant Manager, Sewers and Drainage Design provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for key projects, programs, and service delivery within the Branch. This role is responsible for planning, developing, and managing initiatives, while navigating competing priorities and fostering collaboration across departments and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Sewers and Drainage Design, the Assistant Manager leads a multidisciplinary team that includes Civil Engineers, Project Managers, Engineering Coordinators, Technical Supervisors, Engineering and Planning Assistants, and administrative staff. The role contributes to decisions related to staffing, employee engagement, and continuous improvement of business processes and operations.

The Assistant Manager works closely with the Engineering leadership team, other City departments, and senior-level stakeholders, agencies, and clients to ensure effective and inclusive service delivery.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Asset and Program Management Team Leadership:

• Leads the planning, design, and delivery of asset and program management projects, coordinating internal teams, consultants, and contractors.
• Manages stakeholder relationships to ensure timely, cost-effective service delivery.
• Collaborates across Engineering and other departments to meet complex program goals and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Oversees design and construction support for the renewal of over 2,100 km of linear infrastructure.
• Advises Engineering and Corporate Leadership on high-impact projects, programs, and policies with significant stakeholder, financial, or reputational implications.
• Prepares and presents reports to steering committees and City Council.

Business Optimization:

• Develops and maintains quality control systems and operating procedures aligned with industry best practices.
• Provides expert, independent reviews and recommendations on high-value or politically sensitive initiatives to maximize public value and minimize disruption.
• Leads operational improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, safety, service quality, and sustainability.
• Identifies and resolves issues with technically sound, cost-effective solutions that align with business goals and stakeholder needs.

Staff Management:

• Oversees all HR functions for the team, including recruitment, performance management, labour relations, and staff development.
• Partners with the Associate Director on workforce planning, engagement strategies, and performance initiatives.
• Promotes a culture of continuous learning through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.

Metrics and Performance:

• Establishes and monitors performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Leads regular reviews of processes, standards, and practices, incorporating technical expertise and lessons learned to support an evolving portfolio.

Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, or Business Administration plus considerable related experience as a project or program manager, leading multi-disciplinary teams through the various stages of complex projects and programs, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience (a minimum eight years of demonstrated experience preferred)
• Experience in managing, leading, motivating, coaching and sustaining highly effective teams made up of diverse members

• Registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer in British Columbia.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices, particularly in underground infrastructure, sewer, and drainage system design and construction.
• Strong understanding of municipal government operations, regulatory compliance, and capital and financial management.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies, standards, and policies.
• Knowledge of management practices, including recruitment, leadership, performance and attendance management, and working within collective agreements.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills; able to think innovatively and present complex solutions clearly.
• Strong leadership abilities with a talent for motivating, engaging, and mentoring staff.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Skilled at influencing others while navigating sensitive and politically complex environments.
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships across all organizational levels and with external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated discretion and tact in handling confidential and sensitive matters.
• Effective at organizing and managing cross-functional projects and programs involving multiple stakeholders and business processes.
• Capable of managing competing priorities and deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to lead innovation and implement change within the workplace.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work a hybrid work week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services (1300) 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: September, 2025 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-111: $125,619 to $165,280 per annum

Application Close: July 30, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.