Operations Manager

Are you an experienced leader passionate about fire protection services and public safety? The Ministry of the Solicitor General is seeking dedicated Operations Managers to join our dynamic team. With a commitment to excellence and community service, we invite you to apply for this pivotal role in enhancing fire safety and regulatory compliance across the province.

As an Operations Manager, you will play a crucial role in overseeing fire protection services and ensuring compliance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. You will lead and support a team of advisors, manage day-to-day operations, and maintain strong relationships with municipalities and fire services throughout the province. This position requires a solid understanding of fire protection services, exceptional leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering a respectful and efficient workplace.

Please note: As this is a hybrid position with the requirement to be onsite 3 days per week. This position also requires frequent travelling. Additionally, this competition may be used to fill various future vacancies within the Midhurst and Sudbury areas.

About us:

The primary function of theOffice of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is to minimize the loss of life and property from fire by assisting municipalities and fire departments to improve fire protection and fire prevention services. By administering the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA), the OFM supports the functions of municipal fire departments through a variety of advisory, training and instructional programs. The OFM also advises the Ontario government on standards and legislative developments that relate to fire protection and fire prevention. The OFM distributes a variety of publications for use by the Ontario Fire Service, i.e. Ontario Fire Service Messenger and the Fire Marshal's Communique. The OFM administers an awards program for Ontario firefighters and presents annual fire safety awards to citizens, firefighters and organizations under the sponsorship of the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council.

The Field and Advisory Services section are a team that are dedicated to assisting fire services across the province meet their regulatory requirements as set out in the FPPA.

The North Team services the municipal fire departments across the North portion of the province providing advise and assistance.

The South Team services the municipal fire departments across Southern Ontario providing advise and assistance.

The Regulatory Compliance Unit assists fire services across the province with complex issues in the FPPA and the Ontario Fire Code Compendium, as well as conducting monitoring and reviews of fire protection services.

Our Program Development and Analytics Team develop internal and external products, manage special projects, as well as collect and analyze provincial standard incident reporting data.

Why join us?
•Impactful Work: Contribute to the safety and well-being of communities across Ontario by enhancing fire protection services.
•Professional Growth: Opportunities for leadership development and career advancement within the Ministry.
•Supportive Environment: Work in a respectful and collaborative workplace that values diversity and inclusion.
•Travel Opportunities: Engage with various municipalities and fire services across Southern Ontario, ensuring a diverse and dynamic work experience.

Leadership in the Ontario Public Service
A leadership career in the Ontario Public Service offers meaningful opportunities to lead impactful projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and shape policies, programs and services that positively influence the lives of millions of Ontarians, all within a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our leaders enjoy comprehensive benefit plans, a robust pension program, and challenging and rewarding work that will keep you motivated and fulfilled.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is an innovative, responsive and accountable public service that works hard to be diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable. Diversifying leadership is a top priority for the OPS. Our goal is to achieve parity with the Ontario labour force by 2025 for the most under-represented groups (Indigenous, racialized and persons with disabilities) on our leadership teams.

The OPS invites all interested individuals to apply. As an organization that promotes equity and diversity, the OPS encourages applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized individuals, and persons with disabilities.

The OPS is an accessible employer and we offer accommodation in all aspects of employment, including the recruitment process.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy, the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint, and the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion in the public service.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Create the Work Environment

In the Ontario Public Service, we hold our leaders to the highest standards, expecting them to embody authenticity, accountability, and courage in every action and decision. It will be your responsibility to create a work environment and team culture that ignites innovation, nurtures collaboration and champions inclusivity by creating a diverse, anti-racist and accessible workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. By aligning your choices with these values, you will create a vibrant work environment where every individual can thrive.

Deliver on Business Goals and Priorities

Your leadership will be crucial in guiding the team towards the achievement of their business goals. It will be your responsibility to inspire and motivate your team to deliver their best performance and align the team's daily actions with the strategic vision of the ministry.

As the Operations Manager, Program Development and Analysis you will:
• Manage a team responsible for delivering field and advisory services in fire prevention, and fire protection along with overseeing team performance, development, collaboration to achieve program goals, and effectively planning and managing program budgets.
• Generate products for OFM and develop communication materials and directives.
• Create and maintain internal training materials and organize training symposiums.
• Maintain standard incident reporting and analyze statistics for fires across the province to support quality assurance efforts in data and analytics related to fire incidents.

As the Operations Manager, FAS North and Operations Manager FAS South you will:
• Directly manage and oversee fire protection services, including supervision of a team of advisers providing daily support to fire services and municipalities.
• Ensure strict compliance with the Fire Protection Prevention Act by interpreting legislative requirements accurately and providing guidance accordingly.
• Maintain adherence to legislative provisions in all operational activities.

As Operations Manager of Regulatory Compliance Unit, you will:
• Directly manage and oversee a team of specialists that assist with complex matters related to the FPPA and Fire Code.
• Oversee the monitoring and review activities of municipalities and fire services.
• Ensure that reports delivered to municipal councils from monitoring and review operations are accurate and concise and align with legislation.
• Lead a team to assist with potential solutions for compliance with regulations.

How do I qualify?

Leadership and management experience:

• Experience in managing teams and fostering an engaged and inclusive work environment.
• Support the growth and development of team members through guidance, coaching, and mentorship.
• Provide constructive feedback and mentorship to help team members grow and improve.
• Skill in ensuring organizational standards and operational goals are met through succession planning, performance standards establishment, and regular performance management reviews.
• Ability to provide advice and expertise to senior ministry management on program directions, issues, and risks impacting government training program commitments.
• Capability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in managing work activities where past practices may not exist.

Communication and stakeholder relationship management skills:

• Proficient in managing external stakeholder relations, specifically within the fire service community, and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrates superior oral communication, consultation, and presentation skills to offer guidance and advice.
• Shows comprehensive understanding of Government/Ministry program and policy implementation processes.
• Exercises political acuity and integrity to handle complex situations.
• Possesses excellent written communication skills for preparing diverse materials and correspondence.

Technical knowledge and expertise:

• Comprehensive understanding of fire prevention, protection, emergency management, risk management, and business management principles.
• Leadership in integrated field and advisory program delivery across Ontario.
• Advanced knowledge of Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, and related legislation.
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement and advisory roles for fire protection, prevention, and emergency management.
• Understanding of government strategic directions, mandates, and initiatives related to community safety.

Judgement and accountability:

• Implements strategies for integrated program delivery and services under general direction.
• Provides consistent and quality advice on fire protection and emergency management across municipalities and communities.
• Reviews program effectiveness and recommends enhancements.
• Makes decisions during emergency operations and represents the province in media responses.
• Leads province-wide implementation of fire prevention, protection, and emergency management services.