Pickering's Chief Administrative Officer is appointed by City Council and is responsible for providing administrative leadership for the City.

As the key point of contact between Council, community and staff, the CAO is responsible for overseeing municipal operations, ensuring that Council directives are coordinated between departments and ensuring that corporate priorities are achieved.

The CAO's Office has direct responsibility for the following departments:

• City Development
• Community Services
• Corporate Services
• Economic Development & Strategic Projects
• Engineering Services
• Finance
• Fire Services
• Human Resources
• Operations

as well as City Administration, which includes the Customer Care Centre, Economic Development, and Public Affairs & Corporate Communications.