Director, Highway Operations in Vaughan

The Director, Operations is an on-site leadership role based at 407 ETR's Woodbridge office providing strategic and operational leadership for the maintenance, safety, incident response, winter operations, tolling operations, and contractor management activities across Highway 407 ETR. The role is accountable for ensuring operations are delivered safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively while maintaining compliance with the Concession and Ground Lease Agreement (CGLA), applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, and corporate objectives. The Director, Operations oversees operational planning, resource management, emergency preparedness, contractor performance, continuous improvement initiatives, and the development of high-performing teams. The role requires a visible field presence during critical events and operational activities to provide leadership, support effective decision-making, and ensure a coordinated response.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, technical guidance, and operational oversight for all highway maintenance, patrol, and tolling operations, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with operational requirements.
• Establish and oversee the Safety Control Plan, ensuring compliance with the Concession and Ground Lease Agreement, applicable legislation, industry standards, and corporate safety objectives.
• Lead the development and presentation of operational performance reporting, providing insights on key achievements, service levels, operational effectiveness, and cost performance to support executive decision-making.
• Serve as the primary Operations representative for internal, external, and regulatory audits, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, contractual obligations, and corporate governance requirements.
• Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of annual Operating and Capital budgets, establishing priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring expenditures align with business objectives and operational requirements.
• Direct the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Summer and Winter Operations Programs, ensuring operational readiness, resource optimization, regulatory compliance, and effective deployment of personnel, fleet, and materials to maintain safe roadway conditions and tolling technology.
• Establish governance and oversight for work activity permits, lane closure approvals, and traffic management activities, balancing operational, maintenance, construction, customer, and safety requirements.
• Oversee the resolution of complex customer concerns and operational issues, ensuring timely responses, continuous improvement, and protection of the organization's reputation.
• Represent the organization in legal proceedings, discoveries, claims, and litigation matters related to highway operations, providing subject matter expertise and operational leadership.
• Provide leadership during major incidents, emergencies, and business continuity events, ensuring effective coordination of resources, stakeholder communications, and timely resolution of operational impacts.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, law enforcement, municipalities, industry associations, and external stakeholders, advancing organizational objectives and supporting the safe and effective operation of highway infrastructure.
• Administer and oversee vendor contracts, including tender development, contract negotiations, amendments, extensions, performance monitoring, and ensuring contractual provisions protect the corporation's interests.
• Oversee fleet lifecycle management, including maintenance, replacement planning, technical specifications, and evaluation of new technologies, pilot programs, and operational equipment improvements.

Qualifications

• University degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and extensive operational leadership experience may be considered.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in highway operations, infrastructure maintenance, transportation, construction, or a related field, including significant experience in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of freeway operations, maintenance standards, safety regulations, and legislative requirements governing high-volume urban freeway environments.
• Demonstrated success leading large, multidisciplinary teams and developing high-performing leaders within a complex operational environment.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including experience managing operational budgets, resource planning, vendor relationships, and performance metrics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and operational management systems, including asset management, maintenance management, and reporting platforms.
• Exceptional judgment, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex and time-sensitive situations.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively engage executives, government agencies, emergency services, contractors, and customers.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Proven planning and organizational skills, with the ability to establish priorities, manage competing demands, and execute long-term operational strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in high-pressure environments, including emergency response and critical incident management.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and integrity.
• Valid driver's license and ability to respond to operational requirements as needed.

We are actively seeking to fill this role as it is a current vacancy.

About 407 ETR

Highway 407 ETR is an all-electronic open-access toll highway located in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. The highway spans 108 kilometres from Burlington in the west to Pickering in the east.

At 407 ETR, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We value the unique perspectives and backgrounds of all individuals, and we firmly believe that our individual differences make us stronger as a whole. Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond recruitment and encompasses an inclusive workplace culture through raising awareness, ongoing training, and encouraging feedback. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment where all employees can thrive. Accommodation for disabilities or other grounds protected by human rights legislation are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the employment selection process.