City of Surrey

City of Surrey; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 179,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking municipality as the Director of Development Planning, where you will lead a talented team in shaping the future of one of Canada's most dynamic cities. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to manage complex land development applications and contribute to innovative urban planning initiatives. You will be at the forefront of developing a new downtown entertainment district and enhancing urban centres, all while fostering a collaborative and solution-oriented planning culture. If you're passionate about creating inclusive and sustainable communities, this is your chance to make a real impact in a vibrant and fast-growing urban environment.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Pay for Performance Cash Incentives

Sick Leave Gratuity

Generous Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Flexible Work Model

Qualifications

• 10+ years of municipal planning experience, with 5+ years in management.
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on collaboration and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of planners and designers in managing complex land development applications.
• Guide projects through the development review process and shape departmental policy.

Skills

Collaborative Leadership

Municipal Planning Experience

Regulatory Integrity

Creative Problem-Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Passion for Sustainable Communities

Education

Eligibility for Canadian Institute of Planners Membership

Job description

Location: Surrey, British Columbia
Salary Range: $179,115 – $210,723
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Be part of building the future of one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most dynamic cities.

The City of Surrey is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking leader to join its Planning and Development Department as Director, Development Planning. This is a pivotal role in a municipality undergoing remarkable transformation, including the development of a new downtown entertainment district and growing urban centres across Surrey. The role offers exposure to a diverse range of development contexts, including agricultural and rural lands, established suburban neighbourhoods, and emerging high-density urban areas. It is an exceptional opportunity for a planning leader seeking professional challenge, variety, and meaningful impact.

Reporting to the General Manager, Planning and Development, you will lead a talented team of planners, urban designers, and technical professionals in managing a high volume of complex land development applications. You will help guide projects through the development review process, from intake to Council, and contribute to shaping policy and culture in a department that values innovation, service, and excellence.

As one of two Directors, you will also support the integration of a newly unified division, help foster a solution-oriented, facilitative planning culture, and lead process improvements that support Surrey’s continued growth.

The ideal candidate brings:

• A progressive, collaborative leadership style
• Strong municipal planning experience (10 years or more), with at least five years in a management role
• Eligibility for membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners
• Proven ability to balance regulatory integrity with creative problem-solving
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• A passion for helping shape inclusive, sustainable communities

The City of Surrey offers competitive compensation, pay for performance cash incentives, sick leave gratuity, generous benefits, professional development opportunities, and a hybrid work model with flexibility. You will join a high-performing, collaborative team in a city where you can make a real impact. As one of the most progressive and innovative municipalities in Canada, the City of Surrey provides an environment where forward-thinking professionals can thrive and help shape the future of a vibrant, inclusive, and fast-growing urban centre.

Apply Today
To apply online, please submit your resume and cover letter in confidence at the link: bit.ly/3Er0gW4.

We look forward to meeting you and learning more about your background, leadership approaches, and passion for municipal development.

To learn more about the City of Surrey, please visit www.surrey.ca.