Manager, Waste Collection & Diversion

The Role

Manages the development, implementation, administration, and monitoring of waste collection services, contracts, performance measures, citizen satisfaction, and waste reduction and diversion programs and policies. Manages communication strategies to educate and engage citizens and maximize program participation. Makes recommendations to the Director regarding emerging technologies, trends, challenges, and strategic issues. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises a Supervisor, Contracts and Services, a Supervisor, Policy and Programs, and a Supervisor, Program Administration and Performance. Indirectly supervises additional staff and students. 
• Manages contract administration for consultants and contracted waste collection. 
• Manages area municipal curbside waste collection and diversion programs and contracts (e.g., recycling, garbage, organics, multi-residential, large items, yard waste, garbage tags, exemptions). Develops contract specifications. Establishes policies and standards and resolves problems. Meets with area municipal staff and contractors to discuss impacts, gain support, and exchange information.
• Manages day-to-day contract administration, including compliance, customer service, contractor performance, and issue resolution. Administers financial penalties, negotiates amendments/ additions, and authorizes invoice payments. Collaborates with Legal to amend by-laws. 
• Establishes customer service policies, procedures, and standards. Manages divisional information, procedures, and standards used by the corporate service first contact centre. Manages and resolves escalated complaints.
• Manages the Division’s public relations, public education, and promotional programs. Approves educational and media materials for publication. Responds to media inquiries. 
• Manages the research, development, planning, implementation, and promotion of onsite educational activities, materials, and programs, and the operation and maintenance of the children’s environmental education centre.
• Manages program databases (e.g., contract administration, property records, applications/ exemptions, inventory management), including GPS and GIS for on-street collection. 
• Manages the implementation of multi-residential programs, including initial contacts, site assessments, building profiles, legal agreements, contractor negotiations and support to operations. 
• Manages project teams that research markets, systems, legislation, and technologies for waste initiatives. Implements projects, pilots, new programs, and administrative functions to support divisional and corporate environmental objectives. Develops related policies, procedures, and bans. 
• Represents the Division with intergovernmental waste management organizations to influence policies, initiatives, and trends. 
• Writes and presents reports to Council on planning, implementation, and program strategies, and implements directives. 
• Makes recommendations to committees regarding programs and policies. Resolves policy, administrative, technical, and legal concerns with senior management, and represents the Division on multi-divisional initiatives. 
• Provides/exchanges information and works with other divisional and departmental staff.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Participates in long-term strategic planning, including committees and project teams; recommending policy, program, and service level changes; strike contingency planning; cost reduction and process improvements (e.g., audits, negotiating contract amendments, fines). Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, including the Province. 
• Provides expertise, information, and guidance to other municipalities, waste associations, landlords, businesses, organizations, and the public.
• Manages operating and capital budgets. Administers garbage tag programs. Approves purchase requisitions and payments and holds a purchasing card. Researches, prepares funding submissions, and manages grant submissions and administration. Manages financial reconciliation for program sales.
• Manages an inventory of program supplies and equipment (e.g., carts, garbage tags). Ensures staff safely operate and maintain corporate vehicles.
• Backs up the Director as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are normally acquired through a university degree in a related field including but not limited to Business, Engineering, or Environmental Studies, plus progressively responsible related experience.
• Knowledge of waste collection, reduction, and diversion programs. 
• Knowledge and skill in contract management, budgeting, funding, and financial analysis. 
• Knowledge and skill in customer service, public and media relations, promotions, education, and advertising.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, collective agreements, regulatory requirements, standards, legislation (e.g., Environmental Assessment Act, Waste Free Ontario Act, health and safety, Ontario Compost Quality Standards, Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste, Municipal Act); and environmental management systems. 
• Analytical, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills.
• Leadership skills to manage, train, develop, motivate, and support staff.
• Communication, facilitation, negotiation, and public relations skills with political acuity to advance priorities and balance objectives in a high profile, political environment; represent the Region and maintain relationships; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to write clear, concise reports, documents, work plans, contracts, financial analyses, tender specifications, information packages, and correspondence. 
• Ability to develop and maintain efficient, cost-effective programs that satisfy multiple stakeholders and interests (political, municipal, business, individual, environmental).
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel within and outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.