Career Center

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

Reporting to the Director of Planning and Development Services the Manager of Planning Services is responsible for staff leadership, and overall management of the Planning Division. This includes guiding development proposals through the municipal approvals process, conducting various studies and reports, liaise with provincial and regional government agencies, and to generate solutions to planning and development issues.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed are not meant to provide a description of each job performed but only those which represent the core functions of the job.

• Provide overall direction, management, and administration of the Planning Division.
• Advise the CAO, Director, Council and Departmental staff on policy and technical issues related to all Planning matters. Recommends changes where necessary.
• Participate in the implementation of the City’s Strategic Plan, the management of corporate goals, priorities, and objectives consistent with Council’s policies and in conformance with the Official Plan.
• Develop and administer the Planning and Development division budget.
• Review and monitor development activity and implements procedural changes to ensure compliance with the Official Plan and Regional Official Plan.
• Negotiate property acquisitions and City property sales.
• Prepare and submit applications to various Boards, Agencies and Ministries to solicit required funding, subsidy, allocation etc.
• Recommend the retention of consultants and the commissioning of studies to Council. Provides direction to consultants retained.
• Act as a liaison on City’s behalf with Developers, Public, Consultants and other levels of government on Planning matters.
• Address objections and appeals to City Policies and By-laws as it refers to Planning and Development matters.
• Provide expert evidence (testimony) before legislative committees, tribunals, and commissions as required.
• Evaluate development proposals and prepares reports to Council that include recommendations ensuring conformity with Official Plan and pertinent strategic priorities.
• Prepare Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Subdivider’s Agreements, Development Agreements, Pre-Servicing Agreements, Site Plan Agreements, authorizing By-laws, etc.
• Work in conjunction with Economic Development to develop potential opportunities for business investment and growth.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A University degree in Urban Planning, or related discipline, preferably at the Masters level.
• Eight (8) years’ experience in municipal planning and development of which four (4) years’ experience are in a leadership capacity.
• Current certification in the Province of Ontario as a Registered Professional Planner. Membership in OPPI/CIP is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive, collaborative relationships working with staff, management peers, elected officials, community partners, and government agencies.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to meet deadlines, function well under pressure, and respond to frequently changing demands.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports and the presentation of information to Council, the public and various government agencies.
• Possess a high skill level in supervisory and project management.
• Ability to understand and manage high profile, sensitive or controversial political situations.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of budgeting and finance.
• Ability to understand and manage high profile, sensitive or controversial political situations.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of budgeting and finance.
• Well-developed computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office Suite, work manager software applications and databases.