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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 and operation of the Building Services Division.  The Building Services Division is responsible for making data-informed decisions to ensure the efficient, accurate and timely processing of housing and other building related applications, ensure the health and safety of building occupants and undertake building related Zoning and Public Property Compliance. Other services provided by the area include sign permit processing, pool fence permit processing. and the issuance of business licenses and liquor licenses. The Building Services Division has also established a Business Hub where support and advice are provided to proponents of new businesses seeking help in navigating regulatory requirements.

As a Senior Leader with the Corporation, the Director, Building Services 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.

Work Performed:

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives for the Building Services Division to meet Council’s strategic plan and effectively deliver the business responsibilities of the unit.
• Direct the planning, management, and administration for the Building Services 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 opinion, and information to the Senior Leadership Team, Committees and Council on policies, programs, and services as required.  
• Lead a team responsible for the efficient, accurate and timely processing of housing and building related applications.
• Monitor key Building Services’ metrics against targets and make data informed decisions to ensure performance of the Building Services Division.
• Accountable for enhancing the customer experience on building permit applicants to facilitate new housing and development in London.
• Accountable for efforts to increase the Building Services Division’s innovative efforts with the goal of reducing approval timelines and increasing the construction of new housing and other building related applications in London.

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• 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 Building Services Division; delegate authority and accountability for the delivery of services and programs including, but not limited to: Plans Examination and Permit Issuance; Building Inspections; Plumbing Inspections; Property Standards directly related to Building Code matters; Zoning and Public Property Compliance.
• Lead and encourage Building Services 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 Building Services Division 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 community partners, employees and individuals and ensure that policies, programs, and protocols reflect this commitment.

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• 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 partner engagement.
• Adhere to the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy; includes the responsibility of delegation of procurement initiation approval and delegation of approval authority for professional consulting services as per policy amounts.
• Establish, administer, forecast, and monitor the annual operating budget for the Building Services Division. 
• Ensure that the expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget; manage and promote stewardship of financial and organizational resources.

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• Represent Building Services 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.
• Responsible for establishing operational policies for the enforcement of the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code.
• Co-ordinate and oversee the enforcement of the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code.
• Supervise the administration and enforcement of the Property Standards By-law with respect to Building Code matters, and of numerous other Municipal By-laws relating to property and protection for the public.
• As required exercise powers and perform duties the other duties assigned under the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code as Chief Building Official.
• May participate in the coordination of construction of municipal facilities.

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• Communicate and interact with legislative agencies for the Ontario Building Code Act and the Ontario Plumbing Code.  Communicate and interact with various technical associations and other branches of the Federal, Provincial, and other Municipal governments to further the standards and quality of service to the public as required.
• Participate in administrative hearings or tribunals related to the Building Services Divisions as required.
• Maintain an active working relationship with industry partners.
• Attend court to give evidence for prosecutions or to defend against lawsuits as required.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a University Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a three-year diploma in Construction, Architectural or Building Technology or a related discipline. Registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect in the Province of Ontario would be considered an asset; ten years progressively responsible managerial experience in building construction or building design, with at least two years in the building code field.
• Provincial Requirements:
  • Must have successfully passed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing examination on the Building Code Act, Ontario Building Code and powers and duties of the Chief Building Official.
  • Maintain qualifications as determined by Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
  • Must be qualified in the categories of General Legal/Process for Inspectors and Designers, Powers and Duties of Chief Building Officials and Registered Code Agencies, Building Structural, Complex Buildings or Large Buildings, and Small Buildings.   

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the above identified areas of accountability with an in-depth understanding of the Division’s programs and services.
• Must have an advanced working knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, Development Charges By-law, and other municipal bylaws directly associated with building permit and inspection processes.
• 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.

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• 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 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.
• Demonstrated successful experience in leading continuous improvement and change management initiatives and projects that shape culture and enhance service delivery.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, AMANDA and related software and database applications.

Compensation & Other Information:

$146,851 - $193,343

This posting is for one (1) permanent, full-time position.

Posting Close Date:

This posting will close on Thursday, April 11, 2024.