Director, Business & Support Services

Requisition ID: 43561

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Director, Business & Support Services leads the Business and Administrative functions within VFRS, including Supply Chain Management, time and attendance, budget oversight, contract liaison, data and business analytics. The position develops and implements policies and systems in coordination with the Fire Chief and executive leadership team and sets department goals and objectives to enhance Strategic planning and delivery of service to ensure timely, cost effective and safe day to day operations. The positions also provides strategic advice and direction regarding procurement, systems and processes, ensuring compliance to internal controls as well as to external regulatory requirements. Working with individual VFRS departments the Director, Business & Support Services manages budgets and Capital Projects, including submitting requests for Capital funding, as well as identifying and applying for grants and other government supports.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs all activities of VFRS' administrative division, including budgeting, financial reporting, office automation and information systems, contract management, personnel management (staffing levels and positions); evaluates subordinate personnel; coordinates disciplinary action as necessary.

• Develops departmental goals and objectives incorporating best practices and supporting the Department's and the City's strategic plans. Implements and monitors work plans to ensure that the goals and objectives are met within the target timeline. Develops, tracks and actions operational and service metrics to ensure ongoing productivity and service excellence and value for money.

• Develops and implements practical and sustainable departmental policies and procedures to ensure' requirements are met in an efficient, cost-effective and timely manner; participates in procurement and bids for the department.

• Provides vision, direction and oversight of the department's administrative functions. Develops performance management standards and measures performance and develops plans to ensure continuous improvement practices take place.

• Responsible for overall management of time and attendance systems within VFRS and is the liaison with City payroll and finance departments.

• Manages the development of business cases that determine decisions across the VFRS and support business transformation opportunities as part of this process.

• Champions Continuous Process Improvement and Lean Management techniques for fire department administration and operations.

• Coaches purchasing, warehousing and inventory staff on topics such as best purchasing and inventory management practices, bid processes including bid language, document formatting, evaluation criteria and methodology, and contract terms

• Develops and delivers training programs for City staff on topics related to purchasing and inventory management such as how to reduce costs, proper tendering practices; policies and procedures, laws of competitive bidding, service acquisition, and contract administration

• Addresses City Council regarding the fire department's operational oversight of budget, purchasing and administration as needed.

• Prepares reports for the senior executive at VFRS and recommendations on a variety of purchasing and material supply issues

• Prepares and updates operational procedures, policies and guidelines periodically to ensure alignment with leading practices

• Prepares and coordinates departmental items for City Council; prepares recommendations for consideration by the Fire Chief.

• Participates in collective bargaining.

• Oversees Accounts Payable (VFRS); approves all coded invoices and purchase orders; review monthly expense reports; maintains spending within approved budget amounts.

• Prepares, implements and monitors the department budget and human resources
• Conducts billing for services such as Fireboats. Mutual Aid, Canada Task force 1

• Provides leadership in EOC as needed

• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• A professional designation of CPA, CA, CMA or degree in Business Administration or similar
• A minimum of 10 years of experience at a senior management level
• Considerable experience developing and monitoring budgets, process improvements,
• Considerable experience using data, analytics and AI

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of a computerized materials system and integrated business processing system
• Ability to identify and implement innovative changes to acquire goods and services in a way that cost and/or administrative burden is reduced and/or service or product quality is increased
• Ability to create an effective business case for the change and drive change
• Ability to apply change management principles in effecting successful change
• Ability to deal with uncertainty and ambiguity as required
• Ability to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues
• Previous work as a CFO or Controller
• Proven track record of innovative and strategic decision-making, as well as experience in implementing change with new procedures and practices
• Ability to process large volumes of information, multi-task, and re-prioritize work based on evolving organizational needs
• Ability to deal with a wide range of people and to deal effectively in stressful situations
• Ability to lead a complete transformation program to enable efficiencies and generate significant savings
• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to identify priorities, set goals, analyze information and provide solutions
• Ability to motivate, lead, manage and create an effective team in a decentralized work environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts
• Ability to prepare a variety of reports and recommendations on purchasing matters
• Ability to communicate effectively in individual or group situations both orally and in writing
• Ability to deal with changing and competing deadlines within a multiple task environment
• Considerable skill in the use of word-processing and spreadsheet software programs
• Strong presentation skills
• Requires a valid drivers license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience at a senior management level in a large, unionized environment

• Considerable supervisory experience in a public sector

Business Unit/Department: Fire and Rescue Services (1600)

Affiliation: Senior Exempt

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: May, 2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-121: $136,537 to $179,642 per year

Application Close: April 2, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.