Building Division Manager

City of Highland Park, IL; Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IMRF Pension

Job summary

City of Highland Park, IL is seeking a qualified Building Division Manager to oversee plan review, inspections, enforcement, and customer service. The role leads staff and coordinates with Planning, Public Works, Fire, and Finance to ensure high-quality building services and code compliance.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3–5 years in building inspection with supervisory experience, along with ICC certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3–5 years of experience as a building inspector or in a related construction field, plus 3–5 years of supervisory or managerial experience.
• Municipal or governmental experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license; ICC certifications required; CBO preferred; LEED AP desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage the operations of the Building Division, including plan review, field inspections (including Fire Prevention services), enforcement, and customer service.
• Oversee third-party contracts and ensure accurate recordkeeping for all permits and inspections.
• Maintain quality control for compliance with codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Supervise staff performance, including hiring, training, evaluating, and coaching.
• Provide technical advice and interpretation of building and property maintenance codes.
• Coordinate Building Division activities with the Planning Division and other City functions.
• Attend meetings, prepare reports, and support board and commission activities as needed.

Skills

Building codes

Plan review

Inspections

Staff supervision

Customer service

Code enforcement

Interpersonal communication

Microsoft Office

Database systems

GIS

Education

Bachelor's degree (related field)

Tools

Inspection management systems

Microsoft Office

GIS

Job description

Department:

Community Development

Division:

Building

Primary Purpose:

Manages the operations of the Building Division, including permitting, plan review, inspections, and property maintenance enforcement. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal building codes and ordinances; provides technical expertise and customer service to developers, contractors, and residents; and leads staff and third-party vendors to deliver efficient, consistent, and high‑quality building services in accordance with industry best practices.

Supervision Received:

Reports directly to the Deputy Director of Community Development with general supervision from the Director of Community Development

Supervision Exercised:

Directly supervises the Senior Plan Examiner/Inspector and Senior Inspector, and Customer Service Supervisor. Provides oversight of plan review, permitting services, customer service, and third-party contracts related to plan review, inspections, and permitting. Provides detailed information or guidance to staff in the delivery of service and resolution of problems.

IMRF pension eligible. Expected hiring range $113,042.84 - $141,303.55 dependent on qualifications. Range max of $169,564.26.

Manage the operations of the Building Division, including plan review, field inspections (including Fire Prevention services), enforcement, and customer service. Oversee third-party contracts and ensure accurate recordkeeping for all permits and inspections. Maintain quality control for compliance with codes, regulations, and ordinances.

Supervise staff performance, including hiring, training, evaluating, and coaching. Develop staff goals and objectives, conduct evaluations, and address performance issues. Promote professional growth and continuous improvement in service delivery. Develops and coordinates appropriate ongoing staff training.

Provide technical advice and interpretation of building and property maintenance codes. Advise architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and City staff. Exercise sound judgment in interpreting and enforcing code provisions and resolving disputes.

Coordinate Building Division activities with the Planning Division and other City functions, including Public Works, Fire, and Finance. Oversee compliance with specialized ordinances, including sign, design review, historic preservation, drainage and floodplain, zoning and steep slope regulations. Develop and recommend amendments to building, property maintenance, and related codes.

Prepare reports and studies, participate in public meetings, and contribute to the development and monitoring of the division budget. Serve as Zoning Administrator as delegated. Attend meetings, conferences, and seminars to maintain certifications and remain current with industry best practices. Provide support to staff advising land use boards and commissions, as needed. Serve as Zoning Administrator as delegated, and provide board and commission support, as needed.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience:

Three to five years of experience as a building inspector or in a related construction field, plus three to five years of supervisory or managerial experience. Municipal or governmental experience preferred.

Certification or License:

Valid driver’s license. Relevant International Code Council (ICC) certifications required; Certified Building Official (CBO) preferred. LEED AP certification desirable.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies:

• Strong knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and related ordinances.
• Ability to review plans, interpret codes, and enforce requirements firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Broad technical expertise in plan review and building inspection.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with residents, contractors, staff, and officials.
• Ability to identify solutions and alternatives in code compliance.
• Commitment to customer service and collaborative problem-solving.
• Proficiency in database systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a busy general office setting with frequent interaction with the public, commissioners, and staff across City departments. The office environment has a moderate noise level due to phones, equipment, and open workspace activity. Occasional field inspections may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noises, and active construction sites. Inspections may involve work at heights, use of ladders, or navigating uneven terrain. Evening meetings may be required.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Uses computers and software including Microsoft Office, permitting and inspection management systems, GIS, and digital plan review tools. Operates standard office equipment such as printers, scanners, copiers, and telephones. Uses field equipment such as ladders, measuring devices, and inspection tools. Operates a motor vehicle when conducting site visits.

Physical Demands:

While performing duties, frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. Regularly uses hands to handle documents, operate computers, and manage inspection tools. Occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel, or crawl during inspections. Must occasionally lift and move materials up to 40 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.