Summary of Duties

Reporting to the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, this position is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction, overall management and leadership of the Planning and Development Division.  The Planning and Development Division is responsible for the long range planning and development of the City, and in shaping a City that is exciting, exceptional and connected.  From the development of policy and the growth management framework to the final approval and inspections of site plans associated with development and redevelopment, the Planning and Development service area provides planning advice, recommendations, implementation and development approval across the full spectrum of the growth and development in the City.

As a Senior Leader with the Corporation, the Director, Planning and Development fosters an enterprise-wide approach to ensure consistency and collective delivery in support of the strategic priorities of the Division, Service Area and Council’s strategic plan.

Areas reporting to this position:

Long Range Planning, Research and Ecology: provides policy development, research, and environmental planning services. 

Community Planning, Urban Design and Heritage: helps to shape the development of the City though the preparation of Secondary Plans and redevelopment plans for specific areas of the City and the development of City-owned lands, and for the review and comment of heritage and urban design matters. 

Current Development: reviews and makes recommendations on all official plan, zoning and site plan matters. This area also provides administrative review and approval for site plans, and inspection and clearances on site plan conditions. 

Subdivisions and Condominiums: processes and makes recommendations for subdivision and condominium applications, and provides inspections and clearances for subdivision and condominium conditions.

Work Performed

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives for the Planning and Development Division to meet Council’s strategic plan and effectively deliver the business responsibilities of the unit.
• Direct the planning, management, and administration for Planning and Development Division; develop and maintain comprehensive policies, programs, procedures, and protocols.
• Provide advice to Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development on strategic priorities with responsibility to operationalize those goals and strategies.
• Provide professional advice, and information to the Senior Leadership Team, Committees and Council on policies, programs, and services as required.
• Identify and develop internal controls in the form of policies, procedures, practices in relation to the general and specific risks of the Corporation; ensure internal controls are implemented and adhered to within the Division.
• Oversee a team of experienced Managers in the management of the Division; delegate authority and accountability for the delivery of services and programs including, but not limited to: Long Range Planning, Research and Ecology; Community Planning, Urban Design and Heritage; Current Development, and Subdivisions and Condominiums. 
• Lead and encourage Divisional employee participation and commitment to organizational objectives. Actively mentor, provide development opportunities and build team performance with direct reports; ensure managers within the division are providing the same among their direct reports.
• Direct the Planning and Development team, including hiring, coaching, administration, and performance aspects of reporting employees. Respond to sensitive and confidential human resource issues as required.
• Build and encourage employee commitment to a high level of performance in all areas of customer service and delivery.
• Create and maintain a culture of enterprise-wide collaboration. Seek opportunities to work across Divisions and Service Areas in support of the strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrate commitment to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and Human Rights through interactions with stakeholders, employees and individuals and ensure that policies, programs and protocols reflect this commitment.
• Champion commitment to Health & Safety legislation and programs; demonstrate commitment to the Corporation’s culture of safety.
• Prepare or delegate the preparation of written reports and correspondence as required to advise Council and Committee; seek direction from Council and Committee on related issues as required.
• Implement proactive progressive change in redesign and implementation of business processes; support organizational change-management projects, communications, and transition plans.
• Provide direction, guidance, processes, and tools needed to increase efficiencies and improve the effectiveness of services provided by the Division.
• Build capacity across the Division for evidence-informed decisions supported through strong data analytics and stakeholder engagement.
• Adhere to the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy; includes the responsibility of delegation of procurement initiation approval authority and delegation of approval authority for professional consulting services as per policy amounts.
• Establish, administer, forecast, and monitor the annual operating budget for the Planning and Development Division.
• Ensure that the expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget; manage and promote stewardship of financial and organizational resources.
• Represent the Division on the various boards and committees of external organizations and government partners to promote the City of London as a leader, share best practices, build relationships, and recommend solutions.

• Liaise with respective unions on issues that affect bargaining unit employees. Promote and foster constructive working relationships with employees and bargaining units and monitor collective agreement compliance.
• Administer provisions of various collective agreements to promote resolution of grievances and provide representation at mediation and arbitration proceedings.
• Attends hearings of the Local Planning Approvals Tribunal to give evidence on planning matters.
• Meets with and advises potential investors, developers, and their professional consultants.

Qualifications/Experience

• Completion of a Degree in Planning or an equivalent; preferably with a professional planning designation; ten years progressively responsible land use planning, land development and managerial experience or an equivalent combination of education and related professional and lived community experience.

Specialized Training & Licenses

Skills and abilities in the following areas are necessary:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the above identified areas of accountability with an in-depth understanding of the Division’s programs and services.
• Demonstrated ability to co-create a vision for the Division aligned with strategic priorities, build common purpose and direction, and deliver outcomes to strengthen overall organizational performance.
• Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long-term visioning and big-picture thinking.
• Demonstrated successful experience in a management role; positive and proactive leadership capabilities, adept at leading a diverse group of employees, contracted services, and consultants; demonstrated commitment to developing high performance teams.
• Ability to be a trusted advisor and/or advocate in sensitive and/or emotionally charged situations.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire the people they lead through, productive and honest dialogue, with personal integrity and actions.
• Ability to skillfully communicate complex issues clearly to a wide and varied audience including facilitation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills; Political acumen to identify and manage issues.
• Proven ability to establish purposeful relationships and work effectively with senior leaders, elected officials, representatives of other levels of government, bargaining units, management, peers, employees, business community and the general public.
• Strong financial management skills and accountability for operating and capital budgeting.
• Proven commitment to the safety of employees with knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations as it relates to the position.
• Ability to provide a high level of attention to detail, make sense of data and solve problems.
• Ability to understand the vital importance of internally and externally focused service delivery and develop and implement initiatives that support customers in a timely and effective way.

Compensation and Other Information

$143,247 to $188,599

Our hiring process is in accordance with the  Mandatory Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Administrative Policy

As an inclusive employer, we are committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. Please contact us at any time during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible supports you may need.