City manager wanted: Council posts job to replace Simon Farbrother

The city of Edmonton has officially put out the call for a new manager.

The city posted the job to replace former manager Simon Farbrother, who was let go in September after taking responsibility for problems with the Metro LRT line.

The posting said the city is looking for strong leadership skills, and someone who is "recognized for getting things done."

• Simon Farbrother, Edmonton city manager, let go: Iveson

• Metro LRT delays: City manager Simon Farbrother takes 'full accountability'

Edmonton is not the only major Canadian city looking for a new top bureaucrat. Ottawa and Vancouver are also looking to replace their city managers.

The city contracted Boydon, an executive headhunting firm, to search for candidates. Boydon is doing the same work for Ottawa.

Despite the competition, Mayor Don Iveson said he's confident Edmonton will have a good pool of applicants to choose from.

"I think the word is leaking out across Canada about neat things happening in Edmonton, so there's a lot of interest across the country, I understand, in the position," Iveson said.

He said the fact that Edmonton is still growing in the face of economic challenges could be a draw for potential candidates.

"Many people have come forward informally who are interested," he said.

Farbrother earned about $400,000 a year, including benefits. The new city manager will be in charge of about 12,000 employees.

Council will meet again to discuss the recruitment on Jan 18.