General Manager of Operations

Purpose: 

The General Manager (GM) of OCC Operations is responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership and execution of OCC functions, ensuring that Council priorities, portfolio mandates, and governance initiatives are effectively implemented. 

Reporting to the Director, the GM translates strategic direction into coordinated operational delivery, overseeing human resources, financial management, and internal systems that support the Council of Chiefs. 

This role plays a critical function in managing the assignment, coordination, and execution of portfolio work, ensuring that files are actively managed, progressed, and aligned with Council priorities. The GM maintains direct oversight of key portfolio initiatives, ensuring accountability, continuity, and timely advancement of deliverables.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & OCC Management 

• Oversee the daily operations of the OCC, ensuring efficient, consistent, and high-quality service delivery to the Council of Chiefs.  
• Provides direct supervision to the OCC Advisory Staff, including guidance, performance, and day-to-day oversight.   
• Implement operational policies, procedures, and internal systems to support governance functions.  
• Establish and maintain operational standards, reporting mechanisms, and workflow processes.  
• Ensure alignment between OCC administrative functions and governance priorities set by the Director. 

Portfolio Work Assignment & File Oversight 

• Lead the operational coordination and assignment of portfolio work across OCC staff, ensuring balanced workload distribution and alignment with organizational capacity.  
• Ensuring continuity across staff, portfolios, and leadership changes. 
• Be assigned key portfolio files for direct management, ensuring hands-on oversight, continuity, and accountability for their progression and successful delivery. 
• Ensure all portfolio work is:  
  • Properly scoped  
  • Assigned to appropriate staff (Strategists, Coordinators, etc.).  
  • Actively progressing with clear deliverables and timelines. 
• Work closely with the Director to ensure portfolio priorities are translated into clear operational work plans.  
• Coordinate with portfolio leads, Strategists, and internal units to ensure integration and avoid duplication. 

Project & File Management Oversight 

• Track and monitor all OCC projects and portfolio initiatives to ensure timelines and deliverables are met.  
• Establish and enforce project management practices and tracking tools (e.g., Monday.com, trackers).  
• Provides direction and support to staff responsible for project execution.  
• Identify operational risks and escalate issues to the Director where required.  
• Ensure consistent documentation, reporting, and record management of all portfolio files.  

Human Resources & Team Leadership 

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and development of OCC staff.  
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to ensure a high-performing team.  
• Ensure clear role clarity, accountability, and workload management across the team.  
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented, and professional work environment.  

Financial & Resource Management 

• Prepare, manage, and monitor OCC operational budgets.  
• Ensure effective allocation of financial and human resources across portfolio work.  
• Support financial tracking of projects and initiatives tied to portfolio mandates.  
• Work with Finance to ensure compliance with MCK financial policies.  

Governance & Council Support 

• Support the operational coordination of Council of Chiefs activities, including:  
  • Meeting preparation.
  • Briefing materials.
  • Follow-up actions.  
• Ensure continuity and coordination between Council decisions and operational execution.  

Cross-Organizational Coordination 

• Act as the primary operational liaison between OCC and other MCK departments.  
• Collaborate closely with the General Manager of Kanien’kehá:ka Rights and Research (KRR) and the OCC administrative leadership team to ensure coordinated delivery of work in support of Council priorities and portfolio mandates.  
• Establish and maintain effective manager-to-manager working relationships, recognizing shared responsibility across OCC and KRR functions.  
• Coordinate the operational interface between OCC, KRR, and OCC administrative functions, ensuring:  
  • Alignment of research, advisory, and operational work  
  • Timely flow of information across teams  
• Work collaboratively with peer managers to:  
  • Align priorities, timelines, and resource allocation  
  • Identify and resolve overlaps, gaps, or duplication  
  • Support cohesive execution of portfolio and governance initiatives  
• Partner with the OCC administrative team (Executive Assistants, Meeting Administrators, Coordinators) to ensure:  
  • Effective administrative support to portfolio files  
  • Coordination of meetings, documentation, and follow-ups  
  • Consistency in operational and governance support processes  
• Promote a “one OCC/KRR team” approach, fostering collaboration, communication, and shared accountability across units. 

Continuous Improvement & Systems Development 

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and governance support systems.  
• Implement tools and processes to enhance tracking, reporting, and accountability.  
• Support the evolution of the Portfolio System through operational improvements.  

Leadership & Organizational Representation 

• Represent OCC in internal and external meetings as required.  
• Lead or support special projects and organizational initiatives.  
• Act as a problem solver and escalation point for operational challenges. 

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field, plus five (5) years of relevant experience. 

OR 

• High School Diploma plus five (10) years of relevant experience. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Deep understanding of MCK governance, administrative procedures, and Council structures. 
• Knowledge of policy development, operational management, and team leadership. 
• Ability to manage staff, resolve conflicts, and coach performance. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 Suite and digital project tools. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Understanding of Kanien’kehá:ka cultural principles and the Great Law. 
• Demonstrates professionalism, discretion, and courtesy when interacting with internal and external clients, fostering positive and respectful working relationships. 
• Maintains confidentiality. 
• Adhere to MCK Employment Policies and Kanien’kéha Language initiatives. 
• Ability to communicate in the Kanien’kéha and French languages is an asset. 
• The willingness to learn the Kanien’kéha language.

Working Environment:

• Five-day work week is performed in an office environment. 
• Occasional travel and overtime may be required. 
• High productivity pressure and competing deadlines. 

Requirements:

Please address your application to MCK Human Resources. Forward your complete application via e-mail only to:   Applications@mck.ca

• Ensure complete applications are submitted, including Letter of Intent and Resume. Incomplete applications may not be considered. 
• Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.
• When adding attachments, please use PDF format. Any other formats may be blocked from our system.

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE THE DEADLINE FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED.