Development Planning Department Manager

City of Kelowna; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 179,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kelowna is seeking a Development Planning Department Manager to lead current planning initiatives, oversee permits, rezonings and development projects, and act as Chief Planner for planning matters.

You will manage the department's budget, direct staff, and provide strategic guidance to Council and external partners. Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills are required.

Qualifications

• A professional degree in Community or Regional Planning and at least 10 years of municipal planning experience.
• Track record of planning accomplishments and knowledge of sustainable planning policy and smart growth.
• Excellent verbal and written communications, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and lead current planning initiatives including development permits, subdivisions, rezonings and phased/comprehensive projects.
• Manage department operations, budget and act as Chief Planner for development planning issues.
• Advise Council and coordinate with developers, public, and external stakeholders to align with City objectives.
• Develop and implement policy and procedural changes and oversee staff reports, bylaws and legal documents for Council.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Negotiation

Public service mindset

Political astuteness

Education

Professional degree in Community/Regional Planning

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please attach copies of your education/membership(s) as “Education/Certificates”.

Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number CK54233P

Position Title

Position Title Development Planning Department Manager

No. of Staff Required

No. of Staff Required 1

Position Type

Position Type FT

If Term position, enter length of Term in months

If Term position, enter length of Term in months N/A

Position Groups

Position Groups Management and Exempt

Division

Division Planning, Climate Action & Development Services (DV144)

Department

Department Development Planning (DP147)

Department Name

Branch

Branch Development Planning (BR147)

Organizational Information

Purpose of your Position - Non Union

The Development Planning Department Manager directs and leads current planning initiatives for the City including the issuance of development permits, subdivisions, rezoning applications, and phased or comprehensive development projects. Under the framework of governing federal, provincial and local laws, and policies establish by City Council, the Manager exercises considerable latitude and independence in the organization and direction of the department as well as in performing individual activities. The Manager organizes and oversees the overall operations of the Development Planning Department, including budget and administration and acts as Chief Planner for development related issues. It serves as a key advisor to City Council, acts as a City liaison with developers and property owners, and serves as a principle representative of the City in coordinating with the public, community groups and external stakeholders.

Classification Summary - Union

Duties - Union

Results and Activities - Non union

1. Oversees the recruitment, employment, development, evaluation and release of staff and contract personnel and supervises the Development Planning Department either directly or indirectly through reporting managers:

• 2 Direct Manager Reports, 2 Direct Administration & Support Staff, 16 Departmental Staff and Contract Personnel

2. Develops and implements department-wide goals, objectives, policies and procedures and oversees operating budgets.

3. Manages the overall development application review process including file circulation, review by internal and external stakeholders, and negotiations with applicant to achieve project conformity with City objectives and policies.

• Advises and provides recommendations to Council on file applications.
• Delegated Council authority for approval and issuance of Development Permits (Environment, Hazard Areas, Agricultural and Minor Form & Character Development) and Minor Heritage Alternation Permits.
• Acts Deputy Approving Officer for the statutory decision-making authority and independence as per the Land Title Act, Strata Property Act and Real Estate Development Marketing Act.
• Exercises knowledge of policies, regulations, legislation and legal frameworks that guide the review of development application proposals. Lead successful negotiations, make value decisions in a complex regulatory environment with many competing interests & priorities and be able to persuade, guide and negotiate with a wide variety of clients, professional groups and internal departments.
• Attends substantial number of evening Council Meetings and Public Hearings.

4. Provides sound planning advice to Council, senior management, committees/agencies, departments and the public.

• Develops, recommend, & implement policy and procedural changes and review/approve staff reports, policy amendments, bylaws and legal documents for Council’s consideration.
• Responsible for developing effective working relationships with senior government agencies, advisory committees, the general public & development community.
• Operating Budget: To be determined.
• Responsibility: Primary X Contributory Shared
• Final spending authority: Divisional Director, Planning and Development Services

Knowledge - Non Union

The position requires a professional degree in Community or Regional Planning or a related field with an extensive (min. 10 years) and progressive level of planning experience in a municipal setting. A track record of planning accomplishments, demonstrating knowledge of the principles of sustainable planning policy and smart growth is required.

Skills & Abilities - Non Union

Excellent verbal and written communications skills, proven leadership skills, and a track record of working effectively in a public-oriented and collaborative working environment. Proven ability to deliver high quality customer service. Effective facilitation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Well-developed rapport with the development/business community, & political astuteness.

Posting Text

Physical Demands

Special Instructions to Applicant

Please attach copies of your education/membership(s) as “Education/Certificates”.

Additional Hiring Information

The annual salary for this position ranges from $179,100 to $208,800, depending on qualifications and experience. Most candidates can expect to start in the lower to mid-range of this scale, with opportunities for salary growth based on performance and tenure. We offer progressive employment practices and a great work environment. This is an exempt position that offers a competitive salary, employer-paid comprehensive benefits package, an earned day off program, paid vacation and one of Canada’s top pension plans.

The City of Kelowna is committed to being an organization that values and reflects its community’s diverse population, and to fostering an equitable, inclusive and progressive work environment where everyone can be their authentic self and feels a sense of belonging.

Pay Rate

Pay Rate $179,100 to $208,800.00 annually

Posting Date

Posting Date 08/12/2026

Closing Date

Closing Date 09/07/2026

Days of Work

Days of Work Monday to Friday

Standard Hours per Day

Standard Hours per Day 7

Hours of Work

8am-4pm Mon-Friday

Work Location

Work Location CITY HALL

Specify Work Location

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Education / Certificates

Optional Documents

• Other Document 1
• Other Document 2
• Other Document 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How many years of experience do you have working and liaising with planning consultants and developers?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 to 2 years
  • 2 to 4 years
  • More than 4 years
• * How many years of experience do you have evaluating development proposals?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 to 2 years
  • 2 to 4 years
  • More than 4 years
• * How many years of municipal planning experience do you have?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 to 2 years
  • 2 to 5 years
  • 5 to 10 years
  • More than 10 years
• * Are you a member of the Planning Institute of British Columbia and/or a Registered Professional Planner (RPP)?
  • Yes
  • No
  • In Progress