General Manager, Infrastructure & Planning

Role overview

The Town of Edson is looking for a strategic leader to guide infrastructure and planning as the community continues to grow. In this senior role, you will help direct long-range development, capital planning, land management, asset stewardship, and municipal operations in a way that balances progress with long-term sustainability.

This opening exists because the current General Manager is approaching retirement, creating an opportunity to step into an established leadership position and help shape the next phase of Edson’s growth.

About the Town of Edson

Edson is a resilient and opportunity-rich community supported by a strong local economy tied to the region’s natural resources. It offers a lifestyle rooted in connection and balance, with outdoor recreation, an extensive trail network, and a vibrant local culture.

The Town’s workplace culture is built around Communication, Creativity, Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork. These values guide how the organization works together and serves residents.

Compensation

The annual salary for this position is between $145,500 and $179,100, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Generous vacation entitlement
• Comprehensive benefits coverage through Sun Life, including an annual flexible spending account
• Participation in the Local Authority Pension Plan (LAPP) and the APEX Supplementary Pension Plan

Application details

Applicants were asked to submit a resume and cover letter referencing Competition #EDSOM-202607 by July 5, 2026. The cover letter should describe the candidate’s leadership style, including how they build relationships, show accountability, take initiative, and use feedback to support growth and decision-making. Applications were to be sent by email to humanresources@edson.ca.

Only candidates selected for an interview would be contacted. The competition may remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Position summary

The General Manager is accountable for planning and development, capital project management, infrastructure and operations leadership, capital project planning, land development, and asset management. The role also provides strategic advice to the Chief Administrative Officer and Town Council and serves as a liaison with regional stakeholders.

Primary responsibilities

In this role, you will advise the CAO and elected officials on strategic objectives, policies, and programs for municipal service delivery. You will assess options and risks, recommend solutions, and provide technical support for operational and capital projects and emerging infrastructure issues.

You will work with other divisions to inventory infrastructure assets, support lifecycle cost analysis, complete condition assessments, and contribute to asset risk management for the Asset Management Plan. The role also includes leading the Town’s land holdings, including acquisition and disposal activities, and implementing divisional corporate initiatives and Council-approved policies.

You will oversee procurement documents, contractor selection, and contract administration, while also liaising with government agencies on regulations, policies, and funding. The position requires cross-divisional coordination to ensure alignment with policies and shared service needs.

You will be expected to comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and policy requirements, carry out other duties assigned by the CAO, manage your professional development budget within approved limits, support emergency response in the Emergency Operations Centre, and act as CAO when assigned.

Leadership and people management

You will provide visible leadership by setting an example, promoting a shared direction, challenging existing approaches, encouraging engagement, and enabling others to succeed.

The role requires you to foster a high-performing team culture built on dedication, collaboration, and excellence, while also creating an environment of integrity, trust, and respect.

You will coach, mentor, and develop staff, delegate effectively, support work-life balance, and handle interpersonal issues with tact and fairness. In partnership with Human Resources, you will be involved in hiring, employment terms, performance evaluation, discipline, and termination, and you will provide recommendations on divisional structure and staffing.

Financial, budget, and operational accountability

You will lead preparation of annual operating and capital budgets for the division. Procurement must be completed in line with approved budgets, purchasing policy, and all legal or policy requirements.

The position also calls for strong financial stewardship, efficient revenue generation, and active pursuit of alternate funding sources such as grants. You will have authority to approve purchases and accounts within assigned limits.

Health and safety

You are expected to follow Town policies, work procedures, safety directions, and the requirements of the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation, and Code.

The role includes promoting workplace safety, taking part in inspections and audits, and reporting incidents and near misses to the appropriate people.

Policy, planning, and administration

You will develop and carry out a long-range planning framework through 3-year operational plans, 5-year capital plans, and Council-approved master plans. You will also create and maintain effective policies and procedures for planning, operations, and engineering functions.

In addition, you will evaluate and introduce new services and programs, stay current with legislative changes and industry best practices, prepare reports for the CAO, Council, and other stakeholders, assist with the Town’s Strategic Plan, and protect organizational and staff confidentiality.

Public relations and stakeholder engagement

The role requires you to build and maintain positive working relationships with government bodies, private-sector partners, community groups, and residents. You will also develop practical engagement strategies and communication plans to strengthen public and stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications and competencies

Success in this role requires strong leadership and motivation, creativity, adaptability, and the ability to improve services and processes in changing circumstances and with limited resources.

You should have strong organizational ability to manage complex projects, competing priorities, and deadlines, along with excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills. Knowledge of municipal infrastructure management, capital and operations, AutoCAD, GIS, asset management tools, financial planning, business analysis, project management, and Microsoft Office is important.

The position also requires the ability to work flexible hours as needed.

Experience and education requirements

You should bring 8 to 10 years of senior-level leadership experience, along with an Urban, Regional, or Land Use Planning degree.

A Professional Engineer designation with APEGA is preferred. Certified Engineering Technologist accreditation with ASET may also be considered. Project Management Professional certification is also preferred.

Strong experience in municipal operations, systems thinking, strategic planning, organizational processes, government relations, policy analysis, facilitation, and project management is expected.

Demonstrated ability in long-term planning, visioning, and budgeting is required. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered if they clearly provide the necessary knowledge and skills.