Overview
Are you a strategic leader who can transform parking from a municipal service into a catalyst for downtown vitality, economic development, and sustainable mobility? The City of Kitchener is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Manager, Parking to lead the City’s Parking Enterprise. Reporting to the Director, Transportation Services, this role is responsible for shaping the future of municipal parking services through strategic planning, infrastructure investment, technology innovation, and strong stakeholder partnerships.
The ideal candidate will bring a proven ability to inspire others, drive strategic initiatives and cultivate a collaborative, high‑performance culture. This role requires someone who can balance vision with execution, someone who actively listens, communicates with clarity, and leads with integrity. If you are passionate about empowering teams and shaping the future of mobility in Kitchener, we invite you to apply
Responsibilities
In This Role You Will:
- Manage the operation, maintenance and development of City owned parking facilities, including 5 parking garages, 20 surface lots, on-street metered parking and on-street free spaces (approximately 3900 spaces altogether).
- Champion parking related innovation through emerging technologies and customer-focused service delivery.
- Work with business leaders, developers, community partners, elected officials, and regional stakeholders on parking solutions to accommodate their needs.
- Lead, mentor and develop a dedicated team of 4 Parking Operations professionals, 1 Parking Operations Project Manager, 1 Parking Administrator and up to 35 part-time Parking Attendants while fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
- Make a meaningful impact on the future of downtown Kitchener and the broader transportation network.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Lead long-term planning, development and operation of municipal parking assets and services.
- Manage parking infrastructure projects, consultants and contractors.
- Develop business cases, parking strategies, policies and programs.
- Prepare and manage operating budgets and long-range capital forecasts.
- Lead and develop staff while fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
- Build partnerships with businesses, developers, agencies and community stakeholders.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for senior management and Council.
- Foster a culture of creativity, innovation, collaboration and accountability
- Provide mentorship and professional development within the team to build capacity and resilience across the team
Education
- Three-year degree or diploma in a related discipline.
Experience
- Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in parking operations, facilities management, transportation engineering or related field.
- Experience managing capital and operating budgets.
- Experience developing and mentoring others, with the ability to inspire people around a common vision, build consensus and motivate action, strong facilitation and mediation skills.
Skill Equivalency
- 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 project management, communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to quickly understand and navigate organizational systems, structures, culture and people to achieve results
- Exceptional communications judgement, a service mind-set and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues, stakeholders and the public.
- Deep understanding of municipal government and the issues and priorities in the local municipal context
- Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization
- Excellent problem resolution, organizational and analytical skills
- Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.