Manager of Planning Services

Town of Bracebridge; Bracebridge; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Muskoka District, Canada, seeks a Manager of Planning Services to oversee planning applications, manage staff, and contribute to long-range plans. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in Planning, RPP designation, and extensive supervisory experience in a municipal setting. This role mandates strong interpersonal skills, and a keen knowledge of planning legislation. Apply before 4:30 p.m. on January 12, 2026, via email with your cover letter and resume.

Qualifications

• Seven years of progressive, related experience in planning.
• Four years of recent and relevant supervisory experience.
• Thorough knowledge of the Planning Act and Municipal Act.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor staff in planning operations.
• Oversee development of the Branch capital and operating budget.
• Attend Council and Committee meetings, preparing reports.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Report writing

Customer service

Project management

Education

Post-secondary degree in Planning

Membership with CIP and OPPI

Registered Professional Planner (RPP)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Job description

Reporting to the Director of Planning and Development or designate, the Manager of Planning Services is responsible for supervising Branch staff, overseeing the processing of all planning applications, managing large-scale planning policy and regulation development and reviews, preparing long-range plans, providing expert advice and analysis, and streamlining practices while fostering excellence in customer service. The Manager of Planning Services is the key liaison for the Branch with Council, Town staff, other external agencies, and the development community.

Position Responsibilities

• Manages the operations of the Branch including directly supervising, coaching, mentoring and motivating staff. Accountable for recruitment and selection, planning work schedules, assigning and monitoring work, performance management, providing training and development opportunities, providing for a healthy and safe workplace, and interpreting and applying employment legislation, human resources policies and the collective agreement.
• Assists in the coordination of Department objectives in collaboration with the Director and Department management and supports implementation of the Town’s strategic plan and budgeting and business plan activities, serving as a champion of the Town’s mission and values.
• Regularly reviews, assesses, and reports on departmental objectives and performance and devises and recommends strategies for performance enhancement.
• Develops the Branch capital and operating budget, including forecasting staffing, equipment, materials and supplies, and monitors and approves expenditures.
• Attends Committees, Council, and other meetings as necessary, prepares and presents reports and recommendations, formal presentations, and responds to questions and inquiries as required.

Apply to this opportunity by 4:30 p.m. on January 12, 2026 with your cover letter and resume, quoting File 2025-E-040 and your first and last name to: [e-mail].

Qualifications and Experience

• Post‑secondary degree from an accredited university or college in Planning, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Full membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation.
• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive, related experience in planning required, including at least four (4) years recent and relevant supervisory experience, or related experience in progressively responsible roles, in a unionized environment, preferably in a municipal setting.
• Experience with developing and monitoring budgets.
• Experience developing and implementing procedures, policies, standards, or by‑laws, an asset.
• Standard First Aid and CPR‑C or willingness to become certified, an asset.
• Thorough working knowledge of the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement and contemporary planning principles and practices, Municipal Act, and any other applicable legislation; municipal government and municipal zoning by‑laws; the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and WHMIS 2015.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to exhibit courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with the public, department officials and other members of staff. Ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, customer service, organizational, analytical, problem solving, mediation, research and report writing, and time and project management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and SharePoint. Experience using geographical information systems (GIS) and application tracking systems is required.
• Ability to provide a current and acceptable criminal record check.
• Possess the physical ability to perform the essential duties of the job.
• A valid Class “G” Ontario Driver’s License in good standing with a current acceptable Driver’s Abstract and a reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.