Project Manager, Development

Municipal Buyers Guide; Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kingston seeks a Project Manager, Development to oversee technical reviews of development applications. This role involves liaising with various stakeholders, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills and a background in planning policy.

Qualifications

• Strong background in development regulations and planning policy.
• Experience in technical review and oversight of development applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical review of development applications for Planning Services.
• Manage contracts with external parties and consultants.
• Facilitate discussions and resolve conflicts with stakeholders.

Skills

Technical Analysis

Negotiation

Communication

Job description

Opening Statement

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

Under the general direction and support of the Manager, Development Engineering, the Project Manager, Development is responsible for the technical review and oversight of development applications on behalf of the Planning Services group. This position will act as a subject matter expert on the technical review process and content for all development applications to support the broader development team and will lead the development review of complex files including those related to intensification and large-scale redevelopment.

The Project Manager, Development leads and supports all processes associated with the technical development review process including the updating of development guidelines, technical standards, and related policies to adhere to Provincial policies and the City’s strategic policies and goals. The Project Manager also provides strategic planning and oversight to major departmental projects, and all will oversee the Development of Project Charters, Project Scope Statements, and Project Plans including work breakdown structure, timeline, risk management plan, and budget. The project manager will also monitor activities of project resources and control changes to ensure adherence to project plans, schedules, budget and acceptable level of quality and provide updates to the department management team.

With a strong background in development regulations, technical analysis, and planning policy and approvals processes, this position acts as a liaison, negotiator, and facilitator with all other City departments, Utilities, and Community stakeholders participating in the technical development review process. This position provides expertise and functional leadership in the technical review, and coordination of development applications and reviews and directs the work of staff and consultants.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee and directly lead where required the technical review and commentary of development applications on behalf of Planning Services and City

Provide oversight and technical comment on designs, guidelines, technical reports and estimates for pre applications, official plan amendment, consent, site plan control, subdivision, minor variance, zoning by-law amendment, site alteration, heritage, building plot plans, lot grading certificates and others as required utilizing the City’s guidelines and applicable federal and provincial standards and regulations.

Directly lead technical review of complex development applications, particularly as it pertains to intensification and large-scale redevelopment

Develop, update, and review policies related to development and technical review

Act as the liaison, negotiator, and facilitator throughout projects, working in tandem with other City departments and in alignment with various city and/or community plans and strategies

Responsible for meeting statutory requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act, Planning Act, and other relevant legislative requirements

Develop and manage contracts with various external parties and consultants

Organize and prioritize daily activities of the development review process for Planning Services and assist in the supervision and management of other areas of the division and department as required

Delegate assignments to staff within the division processing development applications

Oversee subdivision performance for compliance to City standards and agreements.

Manage and respond to technical inquiries from the City’s Planning department for development applications and policy review

Facilitate discussions and resolve conflicts involving developers, contractors, members of the public and other stakeholders

Analyze resource and budget allocation to ensure efficient ways of completing work are investigated and implemented where possible

Collaboration and communication with stakeholders

Investigate inquiries and provide written and verbal responses to inquiries from Council and members of the public on matters relating to the City’s development review process

Establish processes for and lead development team in communications with stakeholders as required on City matters

Provide written and verbal responses, project and or budget reports, communications and others as needed to inquiries from Council and members of the public

Build and maintain effective relationships by collaborating with employees, consultants, developers, engineers, contractors, and other partners to best achieve the City’s strategic priorities and long-term goals

Assist with the preparation of budgets, schedules, reports, and public consultations

Act as subject matter expert and provide technical support to department/City on development matters

Provide professional opinion, advice and guidance to Council, committees, senior management and other City departments on the projects, policies, programs, and services related to development and technical review

Identify potential engineering or servicing issues and collaborate on resolution strategies
Ensure project risk assessments are completed and that developments conform to relevant codes, bylaws and policies


Coach and develop staff, provide mentoring to staff to develop skills and competencies in policy review, and develop standards and guidelines for team members to use to deliver programs and support development review

Other duties as assigned