Director Development Services

Canada Job Bank; Coquitlam; On-site; CAD 184,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Coquitlam is seeking a Director Development Services to provide strategic leadership and direction for the Development Services Division. The role focuses on guiding development approvals, housing initiatives, and city-building projects in alignment with Council priorities and long-term goals.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s Degree in planning or related field, MCIP eligibility, and 10+ years of leadership experience in a complex municipal setting.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in planning, urban studies, public administration or related field.
• MCIP membership or eligibility is required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in planning or municipal development.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in complex municipal environments.
• Proven ability to navigate complex development approvals and housing initiatives.
• Experience advising elected officials and executives on public-interest matters.
• Experience driving organizational change and process improvement.
• Strong understanding of land use planning, growth management, and municipal governance.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Development Services Division.
• Lead development approvals framework and growth-related initiatives.
• Serve as trusted advisor to the General Manager, CAO, and Council.
• Provide executive leadership through complex development proposals and negotiations.
• Drive organizational transformation, process modernization, and continuous improvement.
• Build consensus with Council, industry partners, Indigenous communities, and agencies.
• Oversee divisional budgets, business planning, and resource allocation.
• Represent the City at Council meetings, hearings, and planning initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Change management

Team leadership

Education

Master’s Degree in Planning/Urban Studies/Public Admin/Business Admin

MCIP membership or eligible

Job description

City of Coquitlam is located at City Hall. The company is currently looking for applications for the role of Director Development Services. We are seeking a self-disciplined individual with exceptional interpersonal skills. The chosen applicant will be required to join and begin their duties as soon as possible. The role is offered on a regular full-time, exempt basis.

Employer Name: City of Coquitlam
Position: Director Development Services
Salary: $183,753 – $214,965 annually
Employment type: Regular Full Time (Exempt)
Location: City Hall

• The candidate will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for the Development Services Division while ensuring alignment with Council priorities, corporate objectives, housing initiatives, and long-term city-building goals.
• The candidate will be responsible for leading the City’s development approvals framework while guiding complex development applications and growth-related initiatives that support community objectives, housing supply, economic development, infrastructure planning, and environmental stewardship.
• The candidate will be responsible for serving as a trusted advisor to the General Manager, Chief Administrative Officer, and Council on development approvals, growth management, development finance, housing initiatives, and emerging planning issues.
• The candidate will be responsible for providing executive leadership in navigating complex development proposals, negotiations, and strategic initiatives with significant community, financial, and policy implications.
• The candidate will be responsible for leading organizational transformation, process modernization, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, transparency, customer service, and development outcomes.
• The candidate will be responsible for fostering a culture that supports proactive problem-solving, collaboration, accountability, innovation, and service excellence while advancing the City’s commitment to being a facilitator of development and city-building.
• The candidate will be responsible for leading and developing a high-performing team through coaching, mentorship, succession planning, and employee development.
• The candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining productive relationships with Council, development industry representatives, Indigenous communities, senior government agencies, regional partners, and community stakeholders.
• The candidate will be responsible for supporting strategic decision-making through the analysis of development trends, housing market conditions, growth forecasts, and development finance considerations.
• The candidate will be responsible for collaborating with Finance, Engineering, Parks, and other departments to align development activity with infrastructure planning, capital investments, and long-term growth objectives.
• The candidate will be responsible for overseeing divisional operating and capital budgets, business planning, performance management, and resource allocation.
• The candidate will be responsible for acting as one of the City’s Subdivision Approving Officers and ensuring development decisions align with legislative requirements, corporate policies, and long-term community interests.
• The candidate will be responsible for representing the City at Council meetings, public hearings, industry forums, intergovernmental committees, and regional planning initiatives.

Job Requirements

• The candidate must possess a Master’s Degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• The candidate must hold membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) or be eligible for membership.
• The candidate must have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in planning, development, growth management, or related municipal functions.
• The candidate must have significant experience leading multidisciplinary teams within a complex municipal, public sector, or comparable development environment.
• The candidate must demonstrate success managing complex development approvals, growth management initiatives, housing programs, and city-building projects.
• The candidate must have experience providing strategic advice to elected officials, executive leadership teams, and stakeholders on matters of significant public interest.
• The candidate must have demonstrated experience leading organizational change, process improvement, business transformation, or service modernization initiatives.
• The candidate must have a strong understanding of development approvals, land use planning, growth management, development economics, and municipal governance.
• Candidates with experience within a large urban municipality or high-growth community will be given preference.
• Candidates with experience working with complex mixed-use, high-density, transit-oriented, or multi-phase development projects will be given preference.
• Candidates with experience supporting housing acceleration initiatives, legislative implementation, or development process modernization will be given preference.
• Candidates with experience in development finance tools, including Development Cost Charges (DCCs), Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs), density bonus programs, and growth-related infrastructure planning, will be given preference.
• Candidates with experience leading permitting modernization, digital transformation, or organizational improvement initiatives will be given preference.
• Candidates with experience serving as a Subdivision Approving Officer or supporting subdivision approval processes will be given preference.
• The candidate should demonstrate strategic leadership with the ability to balance long-term goals and day-to-day execution.
• The candidate must understand the complexity of modern development services and manage competing priorities effectively.
• The candidate must build consensus and deliver meaningful results.
• The candidate must think strategically, communicate effectively, influence stakeholders, and lead organizational transformation.
• The candidate must demonstrate sound judgement, emotional intelligence, and integrity.
• The candidate must be a proactive leader who drives continuous improvement and organizational success.

Additional information

Security and safety

• The candidate must undergo and submit an acceptable police information check.
• The candidate will have the opportunity to lead initiatives that shape the future of one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing cities.
• The position offers the opportunity to influence major city-building, housing, and infrastructure initiatives that affect future generations.
• The candidate will work directly with Council, executive leadership, industry partners, and regional stakeholders on high-profile projects.
• The candidate will lead a talented and experienced team committed to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• The candidate will help transform development services and improve efficiency, responsiveness, and customer experience.
• The candidate will be part of a progressive and collaborative organization recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers.
• The candidate will join a municipality balancing ambitious growth with sustainability and community building.
• The candidate will enjoy opportunities for professional growth and executive leadership development.
• The selected candidate will have the opportunity to join a rapidly growing and diverse team dedicated to supporting the local community and participate in learning and development opportunities.
• The selected candidate will have the opportunity to participate in an earned day off/flex day program.
• The candidate will receive an attractive vacation and extended benefits package, including the ability to contribute to the Municipal Pension Plan.
• The candidate will work in an organization committed to creating an inclusive work environment that supports a growing and diverse workforce.