Are you a strategic leader with a passion for driving operational excellence across diverse business functions? The Huronia Historical Parks, Branch of the Ministry Tourism, Culture and Gaming is seeking a dynamic Senior Manager, Operations to lead and manage a wide range of corporate services including financial planning, human resources, IT, communications, and general administration. This role offers the opportunity to shape and implement strategic business plans, optimize program delivery, and provide expert advice on critical issues management. You'll be at the forefront of developing best practices, risk management strategies, and performance measures that support the ministry's governance and accountability initiatives.
As a key member of the leadership team, you will influence high-level decision-making and contribute to the ministry's long-term vision. You'll oversee multi-year budgeting, talent development, organizational design, and strategic planning, while fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This is a high-impact role for a seasoned professional who thrives in complex environments and is ready to lead transformative initiatives that enhance service delivery across the Ontario Public Service. If you're ready to make a meaningful difference and lead with purpose, we encourage you to apply.
About the Huronia Historical Parks:The ministry currently operates and maintains two historic attractions. Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Midland (1639-1649) is a reconstruction of the 17th century headquarters of the French Jesuit mission to the Huron people. It was the first European community in Ontario and home to six of the eight North American Jesuit martyrs. Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishene represents the period from 1817 to 1856 when the Royal Navy and the British Army maintained a naval dockyard and military garrison at this strategic defence station on Georgian Bay. Discovery Harbour is the home of replica vessels and the King's Wharf Theatre offers professional summer theatre.
Why Join Us:This is a unique opportunity to be part of something new and exciting — the first-ever posting for this role as Huronia Historical Parks. As a member of our team, you'll play a key role in shaping tourism programming that contributes to the rich cultural fabric of the area.
In addition to overseeing Discovery Harbour and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, you will also manage the revitalization and operations at the
Nancy Island Historic Site — a nationally significant location commemorating the War of 1812 and the heroic battle of HMS Nancy. Your leadership will ensure that this historically significant site continues to educate and inspire visitors while preserving critical pieces of Canadian culture and history.
You might be also interested in two additional managerial positions that we are recruiting for. You may find them by clicking on the following links:
- Manager, Nancy Island Operations, Job ID: https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Preview.aspx?Language=English&JobID=232812
- Program Supervisor, Job ID: https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Preview.aspx?Language=English&JobID=232815
About the job
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.
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 teams to deliver their best performance and align the team's daily actions with the strategic vision of the ministry. As the Operations Senior Manager, you will:
- Lead and manage a wide range of operational services including financial planning, human resources, IT, communications, procurement, and general administration.
- Develop and implement strategic business and work plans aligned with ministry objectives, including performance measures and change management strategies.
- Provide expert advice to senior leadership on critical issues, policy development, and operational improvements to enhance service delivery.
- Oversee financial resources, including multi-year budgeting, fiscal planning, and compliance with government directives and audit standards.
- Build organizational capacity through talent management, succession planning, recruitment, and labour relations.
- Foster partnerships and stakeholder engagement, representing the ministry in inter-ministerial committees and ensuring effective communication across executive offices.
What you bring to the team
Strategic and Operational Expertise
- Proven ability to lead strategic planning and business analysis aligned with ministry and government priorities.
- Experience developing operational policies, systems, and performance measures to optimize program delivery.
- Skilled in change management and continuous process improvement in response to legislative and policy shifts.
Financial and Controllership Acumen
- Strong knowledge of government financial protocols, audit principles, and multi-year budgeting processes.
- Experience managing fiscal resources, procurement, and contract services with accountability and transparency.
- Ability to establish benchmarks and risk management strategies supporting governance and accountability initiatives.
Human Resources and Organizational Leadership
- Demonstrated leadership in talent management, succession planning, and organizational design.
- Experience in labour relations, recruitment, and building inclusive, high-performing teams.
- Ability to mentor staff, set performance standards, and align HR strategies with ministry objectives.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Skilled in preparing and presenting strategic reports and briefing materials for senior executives.
- Experience managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including inter-ministerial committees.
- Strong communication skills to interpret and convey complex policy and operational issues effectively.
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
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.