Manager of Planning

The Municipality of Central Elgin; Amherstburg; Hybrid; CAD 117,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Canada is seeking a Manager of Planning to lead the establishment of an in-house planning department. This role involves developing innovative strategies to guide growth, providing professional planning advice, and engaging with the community. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in municipal planning, strong knowledge of relevant legislation, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary and a flexible work arrangement.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

OMERS pension

Flexibility with up to 40% remote work

Leadership development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years' experience in municipal planning at a management or supervisory level.
• Experience in preparing and delivering planning evidence at Ontario Land Tribunal hearings.
• Understanding of public sector management accountability frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement planning strategies that balance growth with sustainability.
• Lead planning team in the review of development applications.
• Provide professional planning advice to Council and public.

Skills

Leadership

Land use planning principles

Public policy knowledge

Strong knowledge of Planning Act

Stakeholder relations

Communication skills

Education

University degree in Urban or Rural Planning

Registered Professional Planner (RPP)

Job description

Overview

The Municipality of Central Elgin is establishing an in-house planning department to support future growth and align planning decisions with the community's vision. The Municipality seeks experienced professionals to fill roles that will form the foundation of the planning team, including the Manager of Planning, Senior Planner, and Planning Technician.

This is an opportunity to help shape Central Elgin's future by providing professional planning guidance, developing policies, and guiding development reviews and approvals in line with legislative requirements and the community's strategic priorities.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

This is a management role focused on growth and community development, including building and leading a planning team to deliver effective planning services.

Manager of Planning

You will contribute to the Municipality's strategic vision through innovative leadership and by managing the planning services team you build. Reporting to the Director of Infrastructure and Community Services, you will provide professional planning advice and direction to the Municipality, craft policies aligned with regulatory requirements, drive major planning initiatives, and oversee development reviews and approvals. You will collaborate with stakeholders, engage the public, and support Council’s strategic initiatives to ensure sustainable, future-focused growth.

We are looking for a leader who thrives on growth and is excited by building a team to help Central Elgin reflect the needs of today and the aspirations of tomorrow.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement planning strategies that balance growth with economic prosperity, community well-being, and environmental sustainability.
• Lead a small but high-impact planning team in the review of development applications, mentoring and enabling excellence while fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Oversee Official Plan reviews, development of secondary plans, complex development applications, zoning by-laws, Community Improvement Plans, development charges, long-range plans, policy initiatives, and special studies as required.
• Provide professional planning advice and interpretation on planning matters to Council, Committees of Council, external agencies, the development sector, and the public.
• Engage with community members and stakeholders, facilitate public consultations, and translate feedback into actionable policies.
• Monitor and forecast urban/rural development trends to position the Municipality as a leader in progressive planning practices.
• Collaborate across departments to align with economic development, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental strategies.

Ideal Experience

• Leadership: Minimum of five (5) years' experience in municipal planning, preferably at a management, Senior Planner, or supervisory level.
• Planning: Extensive knowledge of land use planning principles; experience in preparing and delivering planning evidence at Ontario Land Tribunal hearings.
• Public Policy: General knowledge of public policy, practices, and current issues affecting local government with an understanding of public sector management accountability frameworks.
• Legislation: Strong knowledge of the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, the Municipal Act, and other provincial legislation and policies affecting land use planning and development.
• Stakeholder Relations: Ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate effectively with staff, external agencies, the development community, and the public.
• Communication Skills: Ability to convey complex information clearly, often in public forums, and to facilitate conflict resolution among competing interests.
• Education: University degree in Urban or Rural Planning, Environmental Studies, or closely related discipline; Registered Professional Planner (RPP).

What we Offer

• Compensation and Benefits: Competitive salary ($117,603.68-$140,004.38), plus comprehensive benefits and OMERS pension.
• Work-Life Balance and Hybrid Policy: Flexible work arrangement with up to 40% remote work.
• Growth Opportunities: Leadership development and mentorship with potential career progression within the municipality.
• Influence and Impact: Opportunity to shape policies and major community-building initiatives.
• A Community That Cares: Live and work in a vibrant community with engaged citizens and a shared commitment to progress.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity, please apply via email as soon as possible to the contact provided by the municipality. If you wish to speak to our Executive Recruiter or receive a detailed position description, please contact the listed representatives in the job posting.

Note: This is an open requirement; we are actively seeking to staff this role. If the advertisement remains up, we are still accepting applications. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.