Business Manager - Public Works and Mobility

About the role

Lead the operations behind the services that keep Missoula moving. As the Business Operations Manager, you'll provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Public Works & Mobility Department, ensuring people, processes, technology, and resources are aligned to achieve organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Director on organizational performance and operational effectiveness.
• Lead implementation of departmental strategic plans, initiatives, and organizational priorities.
• Cook up work across engineering, transportation planning, utilities, streets, cemetery, and administrative functions.
• Facilitate executive leadership meetings and monitor progress toward departmental goals.
• Lead organizational change management efforts.
• Direct departmental administrative and business operations.
• Develop and improve business processes to increase efficiency, accountability, and customer service.
• Establish and monitor operational policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Oversee and manage contracts, including maintenance and security; assist management and human resources with coordination of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
• Cook with City Risk Management to ensure business continuity and emergency preparedness planning.
• Develop and maintain department performance measures and operational dashboards.
• Monitor organizational performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and process redesign.
• Cook up annual work planning and performance reporting.
• Manage department-wide initiatives spanning multiple divisions.
• Cook with technology improvements and operational modernization.
• Support innovation and implementation of best practices.
• Provide leadership and supervision to administrative, safety and risk management, facilities, communications, and other assigned staff.
• Foster collaboration and communication across divisions.
• Support leadership development, succession planning, recruitment, retention, and workforce development.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership, City administration, and elected officials.
• Represent the Director in meetings and projects as assigned.
• Cook responses to high-priority organizational issues.
• Lead special projects requiring cross-departmental coordination.
• Perform other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to seven (7) years of progressively responsible management experience in local government, utilities, or a comparable organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational improvement, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional teams, including supervisory experience.
• Preferred qualifications include higher education and/or certifications in project management, organization administration, management, public administration, or other closely related field.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of business and public administration principles and practices, including organizational management, strategic planning, operations management, performance management, project management, organizational development, and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, public sector administration, including collective bargaining agreements, risk management, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures affecting municipal operations.
• Knowledge of employee supervision and organizational leadership, including workforce planning, coaching, performance management, team development, change management, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing workplace culture.
• Knowledge of project management principles and business process improvement methodologies, with the ability to manage department-wide initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Knowledge of workplace safety principles and risk mitigation practices, with the ability to promote and ensure compliance with departmental and City safety policies.
• Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365, and the ability to learn job-specific applications and equipment.
• Skill in managing multiple projects with shifting priorities and timeline demands.
• Skill in organization, time management, and prioritizing with the proven ability to have keen attention to detail and accuracy in performing work with adherence to strict deadlines.
• Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating organizational policies, procedures, business systems, and operational strategies for improving efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and service delivery.
• Skill in executing excellent interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation, and communication skills, including the ability to build productive relationships; resolve conflicts; respond effectively to public inquiries and concerns; and communicate clearly with diverse groups and individuals, including employees, elected officials, executive leadership, partner agencies, and the public.
• Ability to conduct organizational, operational, and cost-benefit analyses; evaluate alternatives; and develop data-driven recommendations to support executive decision-making.
• Ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives, build consensus, manage competing priorities, and influence outcomes across diverse technical disciplines.
• Ability to maintain and foster a culture of professionalism, adhere to departmental and City standards and specifications, and support a positive team environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information, adapt to changing organizational needs, remain current on emerging trends and best practices, and interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to learn departmental and City of Missoula practices and procedures.