About the City of Sherbrooke

As Quebec’s sixth-largest city, Sherbrooke is a place where a spirit of collaboration shapes the future. Nestled in a bountiful natural setting and driven by a vibrant community, it shines as a hub of knowledge, culture, and innovation in the heart of the Estrie region. The City of Sherbrooke employs over 2,000 people and holds a prominent position among employers in the Estrie region.

Sherbrooke is:

• A microcosm of knowledge with 2 universities and 3 colleges
• A thriving economy with 5 industrial parks, 2 science parks, and 1 technology park
• An exciting sports and recreational scene
• An abundance of parks and green spaces
• An enriching and dynamic cultural scene
• A family and student life that is encouraged and supported in every borough of the city
• Access to sustainable and active modes of transportation

Today, as it rolls out its 2024–2030 strategic plan, Sherbrooke is seeking a visionary leader capable of supporting its various departments and mobilizing the talent that shapes its evolution. Someone who wants to support a dynamic organization committed to creating sustainable living environments and providing quality services to its community.

 

City Values

The city’s values can be summarized as follows: Compassion, a citizen-centered approach, collaboration, and innovation.

 

Description

Reporting to the Director General and serving as Assistant Director General, you will play a key role in guiding and coordinating initiatives related to territorial development, the environment, and Sherbrooke’s economic vitality. You will lead strategic initiatives in urban planning, sustainable development, mobility, ecological transition, and economic development, while ensuring an integrated vision.

You will support the departments and managers under your responsibility, fostering cross-departmental collaboration and the smooth success of strategic projects.

 

Main Responsibilities

• Guide strategies and initiatives and support the departments under your responsibility in advancing strategic projects.
• Ensure the integration and consistency of actions across the entire territory.
• Lead initiatives aimed in particular at:
  • Boost the local economy and support business growth.
  • Promote sustainable and integrated regional development.
  • Improve the accessibility and quality of municipal services.
  • Strengthen a high-performing organizational culture.
• Represent the City to external partners and develop strategic partnerships.
• Effectively manage resources, budgets, and cross-functional projects.

 

Required Qualifications

Education

• Hold a relevant university degree (public management, administration, planning/urban planning, economic development, environment, or equivalent)
• Hold a master’s degree (an asset)

Professional Experience

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant experience, including 5 years in a strategic role in a municipal setting or a comparable organizational context
• Proficiency in territorial and economic issues
• Comprehensive understanding of the municipal sector
• Ability to advise decision-making bodies, mentor managers, and lead cross-functional projects that align departments with clear strategic directions

Specific Skills

• Strategic vision and planning skills, supported by rigorous analysis of data and indicators
• Motivational leadership that fosters cross-departmental collaboration, accountability, and team performance
• Governance and political acumen: ability to support senior management and elected officials
• Innovative spirit and constructive thinking to advance practices and collaborations
• Citizen-centered approach: quality, accessibility, and inclusivity of services
• Tolerance for ambiguity
• Influential communication: clear, accessible explanation, active listening, and the ability to rally multiple partners
• Managerial courage: informed decision-making and resilience in the face of complexity

 

Main Challenges of the Position

• Aligning initiatives in urban planning, economic development, mobility, and ecological transition to ensure an integrated vision for the region.
• Simultaneously lead cross-functional strategic projects while meeting tight deadlines and working with limited resources.
• Oversee the development of the next urban planning plan.
• Optimizing resource allocation and ensuring rigorous budget management
• Maintain trust with elected officials and decision-making bodies while advocating for strategic directions.
• Effectively communicate with and influence internal and external partners on complex issues.
• Make informed decisions while managing ambiguity and complexity.

 

Why Join the City of Sherbrooke

• One of the most dynamic cities, focused on serving its citizens
• A key location for the city and its development
• A city brimming with transformative and promising projects
• Challenging and stimulating role
• A city recognized as a great place to live
• Values promoted by the organization
• An organization that puts citizens at the heart of its mission
• Very attractive working conditions:
• An annual salary of up to $221,932
• Up to seven weeks of vacation per year, depending on experience
• Year-end holidays between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Hybrid remote work
• A benefits package starting upon hire
• Enrollment in a defined-benefit pension plan

 

Primary Contact at TALINKO – Executive Recruitment

Elaine Martineau – Executive Director | Executive Recruitment – Tel: (514) 912-7679 (direct) – elaine.martineau@talinko.ca

 

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Only the people selected for an interview will be contacted. We support the principle of employment equity.

TALINKO is a recruitment firm of middle and senior executives also offering support in recruiting members of the board of directors or advisory committee. We operate in different business sectors.