Director of Planning and Development

The Director of Planning and Development oversees the day-to-day operations of a municipal planning department in accordance with applicable legislation, bylaws, policies, and approved planning frameworks. Reporting to senior administration, this role provides leadership to staff, supports recruitment and retention, and helps manage budgets, workloads, and departmental priorities. The successful candidate will guide land development activity, advise leadership and elected officials on planning matters, and help shape both short-term initiatives and longer-range growth strategies. This position works closely with developers, landowners, external agencies, and other stakeholders to support balanced community growth and investment. It also requires the ability to assess community needs, resolve issues effectively, and maintain strong public confidence through clear communication and professional service. Key responsibilities include supervising planning operations, managing complex development files, maintaining planning bylaws and policies, and overseeing municipal planning documents and growth strategies. The role may also include representing the municipality in appeal or tribunal settings, reviewing subdivision matters for compliance, coordinating infrastructure and site-related requirements tied to development, and managing contracts or service agreements connected to planning functions. The ideal candidate is collaborative, strategic, organized, and adaptable, with proven experience in leadership, public presentations, stakeholder relations, and decision-making under pressure.