Watertight Lining Solutions - WLS Operations Manager

At the PUC Group of Companies (PUC), were proud to play a vital role in the communities we serve across Ontario. Every day, out team works to keep the lights on, deliver safe and reliable drinking water, and manage wastewater treatment that protects our environment.

A nationally recognized leader in the utility sector, PUC is dedicated to supporting the communities we serve through curiosity, innovation, and growth. More than ever, our focus is on a sustainable PUC that is developing strategies to lower our carbon footprint, support community and economic development, and maintain exceptional customer service.

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

WHY YOU WILL LOVE WORKING AT PUC: We offer a competitive and comprehensive compensation package designed to support your long-term success. Our employee enjoy robust benefits, including extended health and dental coverage, travel insurance, and a defined benefit pension plan that helps you build financial security for the future. Beyond compensation, we are proud of our innovative, customer-centric and safety first culture. We believe in open communication, supporting each other's growth, celebrating achievements, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. When you join our team, you become part of a community focused environment , where your work truly matters.

PUC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), we welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the hiring process. If you require accommodation, please contact us at [email protected].

THE ROLE OF AI IN OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS: To help manage a high volume of applications efficiently and consistently, our recruitment process includes the use of AI-assisted tools to screen resumes. These tools help us identify qualifications that match the requirements of the role. All decisions regarding shortlisting and hiring are ultimately made by our leadership team, in consultation with the People & Culture department.