Job ID #30973: Manager, Commerical Districts & Small Business
Apply NowCompany: City of Hamilton
Location: Hamilton, ON L8H 7T6
Description:
Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada's largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Director of Economic Development provides strategic leadership to a multi-functional workforce engaged in delivery of services to the public. Recommends broad policies and long-range strategies in the delivery of services to meet mandated goals and objectives.
Responsibility for an annual budget of approximately $5 Million ($1.8 million Operating, $3 million Capital). Manager roles do not typically have Capital Budget responsibilities.
Oversight and credit risk management of a mortgage loan portfolio in excess of $30 Million (with potential increase to $45 Million).
The position is accountable for downtown revitalization initiatives and Business Improvement Area affairs for relevant districts across the City. A primary goal of the division is to achieve revitalization and regeneration throughout the areas of jurisdiction by: attracting new investors who will build or improve commercial or multi-residential buildings; retaining and growing existing businesses; creating new living-wage jobs; promoting financial incentives to attract investment and redevelopment opportunities, and undertake initiatives that aim to revitalize the downtowns, commercial districts, and Business Improvement Areas. This includes overseeing the creation and updating of Community Improvement Plans.
Accountable for establishing and achieving Divisional goals and objectives through the effective and efficient use of financial and staff resources. Uses a "best practices" approach in developing and delivering quality services in a timely and cost-effective manner. Instills a customer service focus in the section.
Evaluates and reports on the Section's service, financial, administrative and staff performance against internal and external benchmarks. Designs and implements strategies to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Sets above average standards and leads by example.
Develops and maintains strict lending criteria, and ensures procedures are in place and effective, subject to the City's internal audit procedures.
Oversee the capital and operating budget for the division.
Oversee the small business activities and programs managed through the Hamilton Business Centre.
Possess a demonstrated record of strong leadership and guidance, customer focus, innovation/creativity, team advocacy, staff delegation, empowerment and staff development, and be results oriented.
Possess a high level of personal integrity and be an excellent communicator.
RESPONSIBILITIES
You will assume lead accountability and responsibility for the Commercial Districts and Small Business section and delivery of the Urban Renewal Programs and meet the growing needs of the residents and businesses of the City of Hamilton. Management of 15 professional staff in the Commercial Districts and Small Business section which includes a 7 person Hamilton Business Centre section.
The Manager is accountable for ensuring the Urban Renewal Programs are provided in accordance with City and Provincial guidelines with minimal disruption to the public and in the most effective and efficient manner consistent with the City of Hamilton Mission and Vision.
GENERAL DUTIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED)
Negotiation with potential investors (and investors already committed to Hamilton) and the preparation and delivery of investor presentations both locally and in the GTA.
Participate in strategic planning and direction of the Department as a member of the Division Management Team.
Create, market and administer "best in class" financial incentives as necessary to stimulate or maintain economic revitalization initiatives in many areas of the City, through the creation and use of Community Improvement Project Areas.
Oversee section's Business Analyst review of loan and grant applications (note: loans can be up to $4 million per project or $10 million per developer) to ensure that the City's interests are protected, projects will be completed and loan losses will not occur.
Oversee the development of annual capital/operating budget.
Oversee coordination and implementation of the 10-year Downtown Hamilton Revitalization Strategy.
Market the City's urban areas to new employers by building a compelling value proposition. Establish yourself as the primary point of contact with community leaders, other levels of government, academic partners, regulatory agencies and investors.
Promote the City through results driven local, provincial and national marketing campaigns.
Ensure compliance with Provincial and Federal statutes and regulations and Municipal by-laws and policies.
Respond to various Corporate, community, Provincial or Federal proposals for service initiatives, changes or enhancements.
Provide professional consultation, including reports, to Council and its Committees.
Develop goals and objectives by developing a vision and initiating projects dealing with all policy issues, development issues and land negotiations in the downtown areas including the Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).
Act as the main corporate point-of-contact for development in the downtowns and co-ordinate a multi-disciplinary team to proactively deal with issues and spark development.
Produce divisional strategies to encourage investment and revitalization.
Co-ordinate plans for downtown Business Improvement Areas and bring forward reports within the Business Improvement Area Sub-Committee to General Issues Committee for approval.
Direct and manage the Temporary Outdoor Patio Program.
Direct and manage the general administration of the work areas under his/her jurisdiction by developing and recommending new policies and procedures and monitoring existing ones to maximize utilization of Downtown Renewal resources.
Establish criteria and priorities for annual work program and performance measures. Prepare work schedules, assign duties to staff, establish priorities, conduct staff hiring, monitor and evaluate staff performance, discipline and train staff, as well as assist in developing staff to their full potential.
Implement customer service initiatives and create a customer focused culture.
Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
Lead an effective section management team, providing coaching and advice to optimize performance.
Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.
QUALIFICATIONS
Proven knowledge of Business Development, the Ontario Planning system including the approvals system, administration of loans and operations of Business Improvement Areas, normally acquired by a University Graduate Degree in a Business/Economics or related field and progressive senior management experience.
Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long term visioning and big picture thinking.
Senior level experience in Canadian commercial and real estate lending, with a proven track record of successful deals at the $1million and above level.
Experience in administering a commercial loan portfolio, including the monitoring and collection of problem loans.
Highly developed ability to articulate a vision, to lead and inspire others.
Private sector experience in the building, development or consulting industry, in order to be able to gain the respect of the private sector investors/employers.
This highly visible position demands superior presentation and communications skills and must be comfortable with traditional media as well as social media tools.
Highly effective leadership, facilitation, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills in a predominantly unionized environment.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a large multi-disciplinary staff in a results-oriented environment.
Specifically mandated to increase tax assessment in designated urban areas and formal suburban municipalities, and to create new living-wage jobs.
Extensive experience in designing and delivering customer focused programs and services.
Extensive experience with complex financial statements, business plans, and development costs.
Proven ability to deal effectively with elected officials, representatives of other levels of government, management, peers, staff and the general public.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting the Division/Section.
Working knowledge of computer software applications.
Proven ability to effectively negotiate complex agreements and excellent facilitation skills in order to build consensus.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
- Job ID #30973: Manager, Commercial Districts & Small Business
- Union: Non-Union
- Job Description ID #: 2232
- Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on April 23, 2025.
- Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Director of Economic Development provides strategic leadership to a multi-functional workforce engaged in delivery of services to the public. Recommends broad policies and long-range strategies in the delivery of services to meet mandated goals and objectives.
Responsibility for an annual budget of approximately $5 Million ($1.8 million Operating, $3 million Capital). Manager roles do not typically have Capital Budget responsibilities.
Oversight and credit risk management of a mortgage loan portfolio in excess of $30 Million (with potential increase to $45 Million).
The position is accountable for downtown revitalization initiatives and Business Improvement Area affairs for relevant districts across the City. A primary goal of the division is to achieve revitalization and regeneration throughout the areas of jurisdiction by: attracting new investors who will build or improve commercial or multi-residential buildings; retaining and growing existing businesses; creating new living-wage jobs; promoting financial incentives to attract investment and redevelopment opportunities, and undertake initiatives that aim to revitalize the downtowns, commercial districts, and Business Improvement Areas. This includes overseeing the creation and updating of Community Improvement Plans.
Accountable for establishing and achieving Divisional goals and objectives through the effective and efficient use of financial and staff resources. Uses a "best practices" approach in developing and delivering quality services in a timely and cost-effective manner. Instills a customer service focus in the section.
Evaluates and reports on the Section's service, financial, administrative and staff performance against internal and external benchmarks. Designs and implements strategies to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Sets above average standards and leads by example.
Develops and maintains strict lending criteria, and ensures procedures are in place and effective, subject to the City's internal audit procedures.
Oversee the capital and operating budget for the division.
Oversee the small business activities and programs managed through the Hamilton Business Centre.
Possess a demonstrated record of strong leadership and guidance, customer focus, innovation/creativity, team advocacy, staff delegation, empowerment and staff development, and be results oriented.
Possess a high level of personal integrity and be an excellent communicator.
RESPONSIBILITIES
You will assume lead accountability and responsibility for the Commercial Districts and Small Business section and delivery of the Urban Renewal Programs and meet the growing needs of the residents and businesses of the City of Hamilton. Management of 15 professional staff in the Commercial Districts and Small Business section which includes a 7 person Hamilton Business Centre section.
The Manager is accountable for ensuring the Urban Renewal Programs are provided in accordance with City and Provincial guidelines with minimal disruption to the public and in the most effective and efficient manner consistent with the City of Hamilton Mission and Vision.
GENERAL DUTIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED)
Negotiation with potential investors (and investors already committed to Hamilton) and the preparation and delivery of investor presentations both locally and in the GTA.
Participate in strategic planning and direction of the Department as a member of the Division Management Team.
Create, market and administer "best in class" financial incentives as necessary to stimulate or maintain economic revitalization initiatives in many areas of the City, through the creation and use of Community Improvement Project Areas.
Oversee section's Business Analyst review of loan and grant applications (note: loans can be up to $4 million per project or $10 million per developer) to ensure that the City's interests are protected, projects will be completed and loan losses will not occur.
Oversee the development of annual capital/operating budget.
Oversee coordination and implementation of the 10-year Downtown Hamilton Revitalization Strategy.
Market the City's urban areas to new employers by building a compelling value proposition. Establish yourself as the primary point of contact with community leaders, other levels of government, academic partners, regulatory agencies and investors.
Promote the City through results driven local, provincial and national marketing campaigns.
Ensure compliance with Provincial and Federal statutes and regulations and Municipal by-laws and policies.
Respond to various Corporate, community, Provincial or Federal proposals for service initiatives, changes or enhancements.
Provide professional consultation, including reports, to Council and its Committees.
Develop goals and objectives by developing a vision and initiating projects dealing with all policy issues, development issues and land negotiations in the downtown areas including the Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).
Act as the main corporate point-of-contact for development in the downtowns and co-ordinate a multi-disciplinary team to proactively deal with issues and spark development.
Produce divisional strategies to encourage investment and revitalization.
Co-ordinate plans for downtown Business Improvement Areas and bring forward reports within the Business Improvement Area Sub-Committee to General Issues Committee for approval.
Direct and manage the Temporary Outdoor Patio Program.
Direct and manage the general administration of the work areas under his/her jurisdiction by developing and recommending new policies and procedures and monitoring existing ones to maximize utilization of Downtown Renewal resources.
Establish criteria and priorities for annual work program and performance measures. Prepare work schedules, assign duties to staff, establish priorities, conduct staff hiring, monitor and evaluate staff performance, discipline and train staff, as well as assist in developing staff to their full potential.
Implement customer service initiatives and create a customer focused culture.
Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
Lead an effective section management team, providing coaching and advice to optimize performance.
Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.
QUALIFICATIONS
Proven knowledge of Business Development, the Ontario Planning system including the approvals system, administration of loans and operations of Business Improvement Areas, normally acquired by a University Graduate Degree in a Business/Economics or related field and progressive senior management experience.
Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long term visioning and big picture thinking.
Senior level experience in Canadian commercial and real estate lending, with a proven track record of successful deals at the $1million and above level.
Experience in administering a commercial loan portfolio, including the monitoring and collection of problem loans.
Highly developed ability to articulate a vision, to lead and inspire others.
Private sector experience in the building, development or consulting industry, in order to be able to gain the respect of the private sector investors/employers.
This highly visible position demands superior presentation and communications skills and must be comfortable with traditional media as well as social media tools.
Highly effective leadership, facilitation, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills in a predominantly unionized environment.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a large multi-disciplinary staff in a results-oriented environment.
Specifically mandated to increase tax assessment in designated urban areas and formal suburban municipalities, and to create new living-wage jobs.
Extensive experience in designing and delivering customer focused programs and services.
Extensive experience with complex financial statements, business plans, and development costs.
Proven ability to deal effectively with elected officials, representatives of other levels of government, management, peers, staff and the general public.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting the Division/Section.
Working knowledge of computer software applications.
Proven ability to effectively negotiate complex agreements and excellent facilitation skills in order to build consensus.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.