Director, Recreation & Culture

The City of Mississauga is seeking a strategic and experienced leader to oversee the delivery of city-wide Recreation and Culture Services. This role leads a multi-disciplinary team across diverse service areas-including aquatics, fitness, golf, arenas, arts and culture, and community programs-supported by central teams in business planning, client services, and community development.

You’ll be responsible for divisional business planning, performance measurement, and operational excellence, while ensuring alignment with Council direction, corporate policies, and legislative standards. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring strong financial acumen (117 million operating budget), stakeholder engagement, and workforce management expertise.

• Advance Council direction through reports, presentations, and constituent engagement.
• Represent the City in public forums and respond to community concerns.
• Manage operational issues, emergencies, and facility interruptions.
• Develop annual business plans and budget submissions for operating and capital needs.
• Lead policy development, quality standards, and operational guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with corporate and legislative requirements.
• Lead a team of seven direct reports and 2,500 full and part-time employees reporting across all the recreation and culture service areas.
• Drive strategic workforce planning and performance management.
• Foster innovation through industry networks and professional development.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, partners, and community organizations.
• Oversee operational planning and divisional budgeting.
• Approve divisional expenses and prepare reports for senior leadership and Council.
• Safeguard confidential client information in accordance with City policies.
• Manage a varied workforce, including seasonal staff and affiliated community groups.
• Oversee contractual relationships with partner organizations.

• University degree in Recreation & Leisure, Sport Administration, Business, or equivalent.
• 10+ years of progressive management experience in recreation and culture services.
• Strong operational experience and industry network.
• High proficiency in budget development, business planning, and policy implementation.
• Expertise in community development and public sector engagement.
• Experience in short- and long-term financial planning.
• Proven Human Resources management skills across varied staff types.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and standards: TSSA, ESA, OHSA, Day Nursery Act.
• Familiarity with safety standards across diverse facility types and programming.