Director of Planning and Development

Town of Grimsby; Grimsby; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A local municipal government in the Niagara Region seeks a Director of Planning and Development to provide strategic leadership in planning and development services. This role involves overseeing economic development, guiding sustainable land use, and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in municipal planning and hold a relevant degree and professional certifications.

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressive experience in planning and development services within a municipal or regional government.
• At least 8 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of relevant provincial/municipal legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for the Planning and Development Department.
• Oversee development applications and land-use planning.
• Lead the Town's economic development efforts.

Skills

Strong knowledge of planning and development principles

Exceptional communication skills

Relationship-building skills

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Post-secondary degree in Urban, Regional, or Rural Planning and Development

Registered Professional Planner (RPP)

Job description

Overview

The Town of Grimsby is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and visionary leader to join our Corporate Leadership Team as the Director of Planning and Development. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, this position provides leadership for planning, development, and economic development services that shape the Town’s long-term growth and prosperity.

As Director, you will play a central role in guiding sustainable land use, ensuring high-quality development, protecting environmental integrity, and fostering economic vitality through business attraction, retention, and investment strategies. You will advise Council and senior leadership on emerging opportunities and challenges, while building strong partnerships with the community, business sector, and other levels of government.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for the Planning and Development Department, ensuring alignment with Council’s Strategic Priorities and community goals.
• Oversee development applications, land-use planning, and heritage conservation, ensuring balanced and sustainable growth.
• Lead the Town’s economic development efforts by attracting and retaining businesses, encouraging investment, and promoting Grimsby as a community of choice.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with developers, investors, residents, regional partners, and government agencies.
• Support Council by providing objective, evidence-based advice and recommendations on planning, development, and economic development matters.
• Foster a culture of innovation, service excellence, and accountability within the department, ensuring staff are supported, engaged, and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Manage departmental budgets and seek innovative approaches to achieve operational efficiency while maximizing community benefit.

What We Are Looking For

• A post-secondary degree in Urban, Regional, or Rural Planning and Development, or a related field.
• Professional designations: Registered Professional Planner (RPP), Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP); CAHP membership is an asset.
• Ten (10) years of progressive experience in planning and development services within a municipal or regional government, including at least 8 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of planning and development principles, economic development practices, and relevant provincial/municipal legislation.
• Proven ability to navigate complex issues, balance diverse stakeholder interests, and provide sound strategic advice in a political environment.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative and innovative leader who fosters high performance, staff development, and positive workplace culture.