Job ID #31814: Manager, Sport Services

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

• Job ID #31814: Manager, Sport Services


• Union:  Non-Union


• Job Description ID #: A5797


• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on April 1st, 2026. 


• Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy.


• 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.
  
  

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Director, Recreation, the Manager, Sport Services is responsible for the leadership, strategic direction, management and delivery of the sport portfolio across the City.  Utilizing a proactive systems thinking/holistic approach, provides oversight to a broad range of sport activities and the provision of community-based sport, recreation programs and services through community/rural/urban associations and other strategic partnerships. The Manager will provide expertise to the development and innovative strategies to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, associations and partners, placing a priority on increasing community capacity and participation in sport and recreation opportunities.  Provides expertise in the development and implementation of a wide range of techniques to support capacity building, organizational development and leadership development for a diverse range of stakeholders. The Manager also provides leadership to the services that support sport delivery including food services in recreation operated amenities and sport event guidance and implementation. 

Participates in H&SC emergency preparedness planning, development and training.  Responds to all municipal emergencies as requested.

GENERAL DUTIES

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Develop the goals and objectives for the Sport Services portfolio, consistent with the Recreation Master Plan.

Provide professional advice to Recreation Leadership Team on initiatives related to sport development programming and services.

Provide direction, leadership and co-ordination of teamwork; motivate and encourage Sport Services staff to achieve high levels of performance and productivity; foster a work environment which supports a positive customer experience and progressive innovative ideas.

Lead, oversee and is accountable for day-to-day operations of the Sport Services teams including maximizing utilization of human resources through prioritization and delegation of workload, coaching, monitoring and evaluating individual performance as well as the effectiveness of the section’s goals to maintain and improve service.

Prepare, manage, monitor annual operating budgets; prepare variance and forecast reports; direct frontline staff in budget planning, training, and monitoring of operating budgets based on corporate policies and guidelines.

Prepare corporate reports, briefing documents and correspondence for Director, City Council and Committees ensuring effective briefing, strategic advice, options and recommendations.  

Perform public relation activities and presentations on behalf of the division as required.

Liaise with internal departments in creating and refining divisional processes and policies related to creating, partnering and evaluating sport development programs and represent the division on cross departmental committees related to sport.

Liaise with relevant Provincial, Regional and local agencies ensuring that industry standards and expectations are adhered to.  Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and legislation including City policies and bylaws.

Manage and develop responses to public, media, staff and elected officials’ inquiries, issues, concerns and complaints, resolving matters, including participation in decisions or actions taken.

Act as a stand in Director on a rotating basis with other members of the Divisional Leadership Team.

Represent the Division in Labour Relations issues including participating in Labour/Management meetings, assisting in negotiations for collective agreements, negotiates grievance settlements, interviews and appoints applicants to staff vacancies.

SPORT SERVICES

Develop, manage and oversee Division strategies related to sport and manage the implementation of new initiatives.

Lead the management of the municipal golf courses through effective stewardship of golf infrastructure, operations and program-based golf services that are reflective of the municipal environment. 

Manage key sport development initiatives by integrating sport programs with local sport associations, schools, community organizations, service groups and special interest groups as well as integrating recreation and leisure services with other community agencies, neighbourhood partners, volunteers and organizations.

Responsible for the overall development and implementation of sport allocation policies.  Administer and oversee service level and contractual agreements with service providers.

Make recommendations for future requirements in playing fields, sport amenities including golf course and other facility development as they relate to sports activities through the lens of the Recreation Master Plan.

Provide direction, expertise and advice in sport development including research working with diverse populations, program standards, program evaluation and performance measures and budget management.

Work proactively to facilitate sport and recreational opportunities that promote safe and healthy active lifestyles.

Conduct research and facilitates focus groups to assess community needs, increase community capacity and participation and provide recommendations on sport development opportunities.  Align strategic initiatives with future service demands through trends analysis and program reviews focusing on high priority needs.

Ensure that employees are provided with and use the appropriate equipment, material and/or procedures required to perform the assigned duties.  Ensure that all employees perform work in accordance with applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton department and corporate policies and procedures.  Ensure that appropriate action is followed for those employees who do not work in compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.

Work 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.

Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in, sport/recreation/facility management, business administration with progressively responsible experience in recreation, sports programming and administration at the Supervisory and Manager level or a combination of education and related extensive work experience.


2. Demonstrated knowledge and extensive experience in a range of core functions of the recreation portfolio, including sport development, recreation administration, sports programming and management, revenue generation and building community capacity.


3. Experience in motivating, training and supervising staff in a service oriented, politically sensitive environment.


4. Previous experience working with volunteers and voluntary groups/associations.


5. Excellent research, planning, report writing, marketing, financial, administration, revenue generating, supervisory, project management, communication and facilitation skills.


6. Excellent communication skills with ability to communicate to all levels of staff, stakeholders and the general public.


7. Ability to build and manage partnerships in complex, changing environments with stakeholders from various sectors.


8. Ability to direct the delivery of recreation business planning, programs and services for the City by making use of management and leadership skills complemented by an innovative and results-oriented approach.


9. Strong interpersonal skills including an ability to establish and build effective relationships with staff, cross functional corporate teams, partner organizations and voluntary groups; ability to liaise effectively with the public and elected officials.


10. Ability to plan, prioritize and manage workloads of personal work and various teams, experience working in a highly unionized work environment.


11. Demonstrated supervisory, coaching, leadership and team-building skills along with demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills dealing with challenging situations.


12. Extensive computer experience in a Windows environment utilizing MS Office software with a strong focus on financial analysis and economic justification.


13. Thorough knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations as it relates to the position.


14. Must possess a Class “G” Driver’s Licence valid in the Province of Ontario and be able to maintain same.


15. High Five Principles of Healthy Child Development Certification considered an asset.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS “G” DRIVER’S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED AFTER HIRE.

HOURS: 35 per week

NOTE 1: Given the nature of sport operations and the availability of community sport groups, evening and weekend work will be required.

NOTE 2: As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain, satisfactory to the City of Hamilton, a Criminal Record & Judicial Matters (CRJM) Check at their own expense prior to beginning work in this position.

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.

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.