Executive Director, Develop Services

Henpen Corporation; Canada; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive municipality in Southwestern Ontario is seeking an experienced Executive Director for Development Services. This role involves leading all municipal development functions and collaborating with the Corporate Leadership Team to ensure integrated planning and sustainable growth. The ideal candidate will possess a university degree, RPP designation, and over 10 years of relevant leadership experience. This position offers a competitive compensation package and a commitment to professional development and work-life balance.

Benefits

Competitive executive compensation package

Comprehensive benefits

OMERS pension

Generous vacation and work-life balance supports

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in planning or municipal operations.
• Proven experience in long-range planning and strategy development.
• Strong negotiation skills with a record of leading diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership promoting innovation and high-performance.
• Oversee sustainable land-use planning and community development.
• Lead operational planning for Development Services functions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Team collaboration

Negotiation skills

Employee development

Education

University degree in Urban Planning or related field

Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation

Job description

Executive Director, Development Services
Location: Southwestern Ontario (Greater Windsor–Essex Region)

A dynamic and rapidly growing municipality in Southwestern Ontario is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Director, Development Services. Home to more than 40,000 residents and positioned within one of North America’s most competitive economic corridors, the community offers excellent quality of life, strong infrastructure investment, and sustained population and commercial growth.

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Executive Director will serve as a key member of the Corporate Leadership Team. This strategic, forward-thinking leader will guide all municipal development functions, ensuring integrated planning, streamlined development processes, and long-term sustainable growth aligned with the municipality’s strategic vision and Official Plan.

This is a transformative leadership opportunity for an executive committed to advancing modern service delivery, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, and shaping a complete, future-ready community.

Why This Opportunity is Appealing

• Competitive executive compensation package

• Comprehensive benefits beginning immediately

• OMERS pension

• Generous vacation and work-life balance supports

• Strong commitment to professional development and leadership growth

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide visionary leadership that promotes innovation, collaboration, and a high-performance culture.

• Partner with the Corporate Leadership Team to advance integrated development frameworks and streamlined service delivery.

• Lead, mentor, and develop departmental managers and professional staff.

Planning, Growth & Development

• Oversee policies, programs, and processes that support sustainable land-use planning and community development.

• Direct multi-department coordination to support economic development and ensure efficient, client-oriented services for residents and investors.

• Stay informed on emerging planning trends, legislation, and technologies impacting municipal development.

Operational & Departmental Oversight

• Lead operating and capital budget planning for all Development Services functions.

• Oversee procurement activities, including tenders, RFPs, and contracted work.

• Establish strategic objectives, performance targets, and long-term departmental plans.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, municipal by-laws, and health and safety standards.

Policy Development & Decision-Making

• Provide expert recommendations on strategic, long-range, and policy planning matters.

• Interpret or develop policies, regulations, and municipal by-laws as needed.

• Evaluate service efficiency and recommend operational improvements.

• Manage politically sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality.

People Leadership

• Lead an evolving department through modernization and transformational change.

• Oversee performance management, succession planning, coaching, and staff development.

• Support recruitment, workforce planning, and organizational design initiatives.

Financial & Project Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets with strong financial oversight.

• Contribute to corporate KPIs and municipal performance measurement systems.

• Support major municipal initiatives and capital projects with rigorous project management principles.

• Collaborate closely with Finance to monitor forecasts, variances, and long-term financial planning.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications

• University degree; preference for Urban Planning or a related discipline.

• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within planning, development services, or municipal operations.

• Proven experience in long-range planning, strategy development, and modernization initiatives.

• Strong negotiation skills and experience leading multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with government agencies, developers, and community stakeholders.

• Expertise in coaching, employee development, and organizational leadership.

Preferred Experience

• Leading cross-sector or interdepartmental initiatives.

• Knowledge of municipal growth management, sustainability, housing policy, and economic development.

• Understanding of legislation and regulations related to community planning, building, engineering, mobility, and infrastructure.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with strong political acuity.

Confidential Application Process

Qualified applicants are invited to confidentially submit their resume. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A detailed job profile is available upon request.

The municipality is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices in accordance with AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please advise if accommodations are required at any stage of the recruitment process.