Job Details

Reporting to the Director of Operations/CAO the Director, Capital Projects, Assets & Infrastructure provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership across WFN’s engineering, utilities, public works, housing, property management, and infrastructure portfolios. This role oversees the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and programs related to the operation, maintenance, and construction of sewer, water and storm utilities, roads, buildings, housing, fleet vehicles, and other capital assets.

Candidates require ten years of progressive senior leadership experience in municipal engineering, guiding complex capital projects, infrastructure and public works, and demonstrated success in fostering collaborative relationships. Previous experience working in a First Nation and/or local government environment is strongly preferred. A willingness to understand Indigenous governance, colonial impacts, and intergenerational trauma, and how these shape the workplace, is imperative.

To learn more about this opportunity, please email: westbank@alexanderwhitehead.com

Job Description

The Opportunity | Director, Capital Projects, Assets & Infrastructure

Location Westbank, British Columbia

Reporting Relationship Director of Operations/Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Direct Reports Direct: 3 | Indirect: 30+


Reporting to the Director of Operations/CAO and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team,
the Director, Capital Projects, Assets & Infrastructure (the Director) provides strategic direction,
operational oversight, and leadership across WFN’s engineering, utilities, public works, housing, property
management, and infrastructure portfolios. This role oversees the development and implementation of
policies, procedures, and programs related to the operation, maintenance, and construction of sewer, water
and storm utilities, roads, buildings, housing, fleet vehicles, and other capital assets. In collaboration with
WFN’s leadership team, Council, and community members, the Director also leads capital budget
planning, risk management, and funding strategies to ensure projects are completed on time, within
budget, and in accordance with WFN’s strategic objectives.

Candidates require ten years of senior leadership experience in municipal engineering, guiding complex
capital projects, infrastructure and public works, and demonstrated success in fostering collaborative
relationships. Previous experience working in a First Nation and/or local government environment is
strongly preferred. A willingness to understand Indigenous governance, colonial impacts, and
intergenerational trauma, and how these shape the workplace, is imperative. Previous knowledge of local
government and Indigenous community planning processes are required as is a strong awareness of
culturally respectful collaboration with Indigenous communities.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Leadership and People Management

• Providing strategic leadership and oversight of engineering, utilities, public works, housing, and
property management teams, ensuring alignment with WFN’s strategic priorities, laws, policies,
and community plans.
• Leading the planning, prioritization, and delivery of capital and infrastructure projects in
collaboration with the senior leadership team, Council, and community.
• Overseeing internal engineering and technical services, asset management strategies, preventative
maintenance programs, and engineering standards.
• Directing and providing input to the preparation and revision of Master Servicing Plans, the
Comprehensive Community Plan, zoning laws, servicing agreements, and other planning and
engineering-related documents or laws.
• Supervising and supporting managers (Engineering, Utilities, Housing & Property Management),
providing mentorship, technical development, and performance evaluation.
• Ensuring compliance with HR policies and practices, including hiring, mentoring, performance
management, and conflict resolution.
• Providing leadership in establishing and maintaining a strong health and safety culture, ensuring
compliance with relevant laws and actively managing workforce safety and well-being.

Capital Projects and Infrastructure Management

• Overseeing a wide range of capital projects from conception and design through funding
applications, tendering, implementation, and completion reporting.
• Ensuring all projects meet WFN objectives, land-use designations, zoning, environmental
protections, sustainability goals, and community benefit requirements.
• Facilitating post-project reviews and continuous improvement initiatives to refine practices.
• Maintaining and improving WFN’s project management framework, including standardized
processes, tools, templates, and reporting systems.
• Through contract review and analysis, ensuring infrastructure capacity meets current and future
growth and development needs.

Collaboration and Engagement

• Building strong relationships across departments, Council, senior leadership, and community
members to align projects with WFN’s strategic priorities and cultural values.
• Communicating project plans, progress, and results clearly to leadership, Council, and
community.
• Navigating both formal and informal organizational structures to foster collaboration and
consensus.
• Building and maintaining external relationships with adjoining communities, local governments,
and agencies to explore partnership opportunities.
• Seeking funding opportunities through external agencies in support of operations and
infrastructure expansion.
• Representing WFN on regional committees, including Transportation of Central Okanagan and
Regional Westside Wastewater Stakeholder Committees.
• Participating as a member of the Emergency Operations Centre.

Procurement, Contract and Risk Management

• In collaboration with the Procurement team, the Director oversees procurement processes for
capital projects, including contracts, permits, and insurance.
• Resolving issues with contractors, suppliers, and project teams as required.
• Identifying, evaluating, and mitigating project risks while seeking opportunities to enhance
project success.

Financial Management and Accountability

• Overseeing and monitoring capital and operating budgets for all areas of responsibility.
• Participating in WFN’s budgetary process, monitoring expenditures, and providing accurate
financial reporting.
• Preparing annual business plans and ensuring each department has an aligned work plan.
• Coordinating with Finance to inform the annual capital budget and support funding strategies,
including grant applications.
• Ensuring effective cost control and financial stewardship across all projects and programs.

Defining Success

Critical success factors within the first 12 months include:
• Developing a deep understanding of the Westbank First Nations, its operations, the Capital
Projects, Assets & Infrastructure department, and the internal culture of the Organization.
• Building a trusting relationship and partnership with the WFN’s Senior Leadership Team,
Council, and community members.
• Developing a strong understanding, appreciation and awareness of the team, while demonstrating
an ability to champion the WFN’s decentralized leadership model that is rooted in consensus,
prioritizing collective decision-making and communal stewardship.
• Leading the development and evolution of the water use and wastewater master plan to
completion, including presenting and gaining approval of the plan to Council.
• Creating a strategic capital deployment plan that incorporates a three-to-five-year vision that
supports the WFN community needs.
• Demonstrating a leadership philosophy that supports collaboration, empowerment and cultural
sensitivity.

Professional Experience and Qualifications

Candidates require over ten years of progressive senior leadership experience in municipal engineering,
guiding complex capital projects, infrastructure and public works, and demonstrated success in fostering
collaborative relationships. Familiarity with Indigenous cultural values, including culturally respectful
employee engagement practices, is required. Specific skills and experience required include:

• Proven experience managing staff at all levels, including coaching, mentoring, retention, and
performance management.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing project management frameworks, tools,
and processes.
• Strong experience reporting to senior management and elected officials and working within risk
management and occupational health and safety programs.
• Extensive knowledge of local government and Indigenous community planning processes, with a
strong track record of collaboration and cultural awareness.
• Experience in a First Nation and/or local government environment at a senior level.
• Strong knowledge of engineering, planning, design, construction, infrastructure maintenance,
utility operations, and public works programs.
• Expertise in capital project delivery, infrastructure planning, asset management, and project
management methodologies.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including long-term budget development and monitoring.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership abilities with a collaborative, diplomatic, and team-focused approach.
• Exceptional communication skills, including report writing, public presentations, and stakeholder
engagement.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with Indigenous communities.
• Proficiency in engineering, planning, and project management software (e.g., MS Project).

Professional and Personal Characteristics

• A professional and structured communicator, with strong verbal and written communication
skills. Experience establishing and communicating clear expectations; using effective tools to
measure and monitor performance and a clear accountable system to track and report actions.
• A high standard for health and safety and an excellent understanding of sustainability best
practices and environmental policy.
• The ability to consider all factors and stakeholders when making decisions and assess the impact
on each stakeholder.
• Strong leadership skills and a high degree of cross-functional cooperation, with the ability to
influence without relying on the use of positional authority.
• Exudes high integrity and strong ethics; pre-disposed to the WFN’s core values and culture.
• Ability to create and maintain strong relationships both with internal and external partners,
suppliers, employees, government representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities (often with time constraints and in emergency situations)
while maintaining poise in difficult situations.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS

Academic qualifications include an undergraduate degree in civil engineering or a related technical
degree and a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) or Applied Science Technologist (AScT) designation. A
graduate degree in their field of discipline, project management, or business administration is preferred
but not required. Certifications such as PMP or CMP are considered an asset. Equivalent combinations of
education, training, and experience may be considered.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package is provided, including base salary, comprehensive benefits and a
pension plan. The final compensation profile is commensurate upon the qualifications of the successful
candidate with the median salary targeted at $160,000 CAD.