PLANNING MANAGER

City of Surprise; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Surprise is seeking an inspiring Planning Manager to lead the Planning Division, guiding a team of Planners and coordinators to advance the City’s development goals. You will oversee planning applications, contribute to the annual budget, and develop policies related to planning, zoning, and the General Plan, while maintaining a solutions-oriented, customer-focused approach.

Standard hours are 8 a.m.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, or related field.
• Five years of municipal planning and admin experience, with 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Master’s degree preferred; AICP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and administer the Planning Division's strategic and daily operations.
• Assist with budgeting and staff/action plans for planning functions.
• Regulate policies on planning, zoning, development, and administration, including updates to General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
• Assist the development community and residents through the planning application process with a solutions-based, customer-oriented approach.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Project management

Communication

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning / related field

Master’s degree preferred

AICP preferred

Job description

The first review of applications will be November 20, 2026.

The City of Surprise Community Development Department is on the lookout for an inspiring, collaborative, and solution-focused leader to step into the role of Planning Manager! This position offers a vibrant and fast-paced environment, integral to advancing the City’s short- and long-term planning and development objectives. As Planning Manager, you will lead, mentor, and manage a team of Project Coordinators, Zoning Specialists, and Planners at various levels, including a Senior Planner.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive and adaptable leader with a growth mindset, capable of thriving in a dynamic setting. You’ll be working primarily in an office environment with standard hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, although some early morning or evening meetings may be required. Future schedule flexibility may be offered once the candidate is current on all aspects of the department’s operations.

We are looking for a leader with outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills, adept at project management, with exceptional communication and conflict resolution abilities. Experience in providing exceptional customer service and handling a diverse array of priorities efficiently and accurately is essential.

If you’re eager to make a tangible impact on community development and thrive in a role that supports the growth of a rapidly expanding city, we’d love to hear from you!

SUMMARY

The Planning Manager plans, coordinates, and administers the strategic and daily operational activities of the Planning Division, including the assisting with development of the annual budget, goals, and staff and division action plans. This position develops and regulates the policies and procedures related to planning, zoning, development, and administration, as well as oversees the updates and amendments to the City’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. This position assists the development community, business owners, and residents through the planning application process with a solutions-based, customer-oriented approach.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, or related field and five years of increasingly responsible municipal planning and administrative experience, either public or private; including three years of experience in a supervisory role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Additional education cannot be substituted for experience.

Master’s degree preferred.

CERTIFICATION

AICP preferred

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process to include panel interviews.

Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

• Fingerprinting
• Criminal Background screening
• Education and Experience Verification
• E-Verify

To view the full job description, including work environment and physical demands, click HERE

The City of Surprise is an EEO/ADA reasonable accommodation employer.