Watertight Lining Solutions - WLS Operations Manager

Watertight Lining Solutions (WLS) is part of the PUC Group of Companies and specializes in the rehabilitation of watermains as a fast and cost-effective alternative to replacement. The WLS Operations Manager is a key member of WLS’s leadership team, responsible for overseeing mobile field operations and ensuring crews are effectively trained, equipped, and supported to rehabilitate watermains throughout Ontario, with the possibility of expansion into other areas.
As a PUC employee seconded to WLS, the Operations Manager will oversee field operations and safety, as well as client coordination, and construction performance. This role serves as the primary operational link between clients, field personnel, contractors, and company leadership, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in alignment with client expectations.
Given the seasonal nature of WLS operations, the successful candidate may also support PUC projects and initiatives during periods when WLS field operations are reduced or not feasible. These assignments will be performed in a non-union, management capacity and may include operational, project, field, technical, or other duties aligned with organizational needs.

Extensive travel to project sites throughout Ontario and other jurisdictions is required.
Key Responsibilities:

Planning, coordinating, and overseeing field work for WLS projects.
Development and management of department budget
Developing project schedules, resource plans, and work execution strategies.
Ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with client expectations.
Support the preparation, development and submission of tenders and bids
Managing project risks and resolving operational challenges in real time.
Providing regular updates to senior leadership regarding safety, progress, challenges, and successes.
Leading, coaching, and developing field crews and project personnel.
Supporting recruitment, retention, performance management, training, and workforce planning.
Fostering a strong culture of safety, accountability, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Ensuring compliance with all applicable health and safety legislation, company policies, procedures, and safe work practices.
Conducting site inspections, crew visits, audits, and safety reviews.
Maintaining quality assurance standards throughout project execution.
Acting as the primary operational contact for clients during project delivery.
Coordinating with municipal staff, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
Managing equipment utilization, maintenance planning, inventory, project budgets, and operational expenditures.
Identifying opportunities to improve productivity, cost efficiency, service delivery, and operational performance.
Providing technical leadership across WLS operations and supporting broader organizational initiatives as required.


Qualifications:

Post-secondary education in construction management, civil engineering technology, or a related field.
A designation as a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.), Certified Technician (C. Tech) or Professional Engineer, (P.Eng.), or equivalent, which is achieved through four years experience supervising in watermain lining processes.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in field operations, construction, infrastructure rehabilitation, water/wastewater, municipal services, utilities, or a related operational environment.
Demonstrated experience supervising, leading, coaching, and developing field crews, contractors, or project teams.
Strong project coordination and execution skills, including experience with scheduling, resource planning, budget monitoring, risk management, and operational problem-solving.
Practical knowledge of health and safety legislation, policies, procedures, and safe work practices applicable to field, construction, utility, or municipal operations.
Experience working with contractors, subcontractors, municipal clients, consultants, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to provide clear direction, prepare reports, communicate project updates, and manage client expectations.
Demonstrated ability to promote a culture of safety, accountability, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing operational needs, and make sound decisions in a field-based environment.
A valid Class G driver’s licence in good standing.
Ability and willingness to travel extensively to project sites throughout Ontario and other jurisdictions, as required.
Ability to work flexible hours as required to support project schedules, field operations, emergency issues, client needs, and seasonal operational requirements.


Assets:

Experience in trenchless technology, infrastructure lining, watermain rehabilitation, cured-in-place pipe lining, municipal infrastructure renewal, or related rehabilitation methods.
Knowledge of drinking water systems, wastewater systems, public health considerations, and municipal utility operations.
Experience managing project budgets, equipment utilization, inventory, maintenance planning, and operational expenditures.
Experience supporting business development, estimating, client relations, or operational planning in a technical or field-services environment.


Core Competencies:

Safety-focused leadership
Operational judgment and problem-solving
Team leadership and employee development
Client service and stakeholder management
Planning, organization, and accountability
Technical aptitude
Adaptability and flexibility
Continuous improvement mindset