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Job Title


Manager, Planning and Development Services


Company : City of Chestermere


Location : Chestermere, Alberta


Created : 2025-10-27


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Manager, Planning and Development Services Living the Life in Lake Country Position Summary As a member of the Community Growth and Infrastructure team, this position provides vision, strategic leadership and functional management of the current and longrange planning functions and management of projects in support of the municipalitys overall operations and development. This position provides business, technical and managerial expertise in the attainment of annual goals and initiatives within the broader framework of the City/Departments annual and threeyear Strategic and Business Plans. Key Result Areas 1. People Leadership The Planning and Development Services Manager builds cohesive interdependent teams that work to achieve their respective departmental objectives and, in collaboration with other departments, the overall vision of the City of Chestermere within the context of the Strategic Initiatives contained within the rolling 3year Strategic Plan. Main Responsibilities Provide management, supervision, leadership, and consultation to subordinate supervisors and staff, ensuring that staff are given appropriate latitude for creativity within the bounds of accountability, e.g., recruitment, selection, compensation and retention, staff scheduling, performance management, evaluation and development, mentoring and coaching. Provide staff with opportunities for training, career development, and execute a succession planning strategy. Build cohesive subordinate teams, e.g., provide opportunities so that team members know of and value each others expertise and skills, foster an environment where staff assume responsibility for each others professional development and growth, provide opportunities for staff to work across programs to optimize the use of resources and achieve results, encourage a passion for their work and a sense of team. Represent the Community Growth and Infrastructure team and act as a model of the desired values, attitudes, skills and behaviors that contribute to a safe, ethical work environment and healthy team functioning, often in the role of a champion of change. 2. Community Growth and Infrastructure Team The Community Growth and Infrastructure team represents the values and beliefs of the City of Chestermere, both internally and externally, and networks effectively with stakeholders, the community, other professionals and service providers. Community Growth and Infrastructure Services Leadership team members build leaders throughout the organization and the community. Main Responsibilities Represent Planning and the greater good of the City by providing input into the development and implementation of Development and Infrastructure priorities regarding trends and concerns affecting staff and citizens, gaps in service, and opportunities for new services and partnerships. Ensure a safe and healthy work environment for staff, visitors, the community and stakeholders, e.g., participate in workplace safety initiatives, participate in formal and informal worksite safety and environment inspections and audits, ensure compliance and accountability with the Citys Health and Safety Management System. 3. Financial and Administrative The Planning and Development Services Manager is responsible for monitoring and reporting the financial and operational activities of the department aligned to the Business Plan, and for exploring potential partnerships, efficiencies and funding sources that might serve to enhance municipal services. Main Responsibilities Manage the identification and development of mitigation plans regarding potential financial, operational, safety and environmental risks, ensure that policies and procedures are adhered to within own area of responsibility. Manage the development, monitoring and reporting of the annual budgets and participate in the annual Community Growth and Infrastructure Services budget process, e.g., ensure that all expenditures are tracked, all activities are within operational budgets, prepare quarterly reporting to funders, ensure any potential budget difficulties are communicated to the Director, and corrected in a timely manner. Participate in the exploration of forwardthinking partnership and funding opportunities, cost and operating efficiencies. 4. Planning and Development Services Manager Accountabilities Provide strategic, technical, project management, municipal and business expertise and advice in the conceptualization, development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of subordinate areas: Main Responsibilities Management of current and longrange projects Oversight of intermunicipal planning processes, e.g., TriAdministrative Team, Chestermere/Rocky View/Calgary InterMunicipal Development Plan, InterMunicipal Circulations Design, implementation and continuous improvement of the Citys statutory planning framework, e.g., Subdivision approvals, permit issuance Oversight of the analysis and review of development proposals and applications, e.g., Area Structure Plans, Municipal Plan, Land Use Bylaw amendments, rezoning requests, variance applications, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Provide planning advice to staff, developers and the general public regarding legislative changes, legal matters and new developments, e.g., Executive Leadership Team, Council, community consultation, address public inquiries, including complaints. Development services, e.g., provide advice, counsel and administration of the Development Permit processes. Manage the assessment of the current and future needs of the Planning and Development Services team, gathering input and feedback, utilizing evaluation tools, analyzing and reporting statistical and evaluative data. Develop collaborative partnerships with local, regional, provincial and federal subject matter experts and service providers, e.g., peers in other municipalities, intermunicipal committees, consultants, developers, maintain an awareness of best practices and opportunities. Represent Development and Infrastructure Services internally as a subject matter expert and champion of capacity building and excellence in planning, e.g., undertake studies and provide recommendations to the CAO and/or Council regarding the feasibility of policies, projects, and services; manage the prioritization of needs within and amongst departments regarding prioritization and sequencing of work. Participate in the enhancement and implementation of City and Department Policies and Procedures within legislative, regulatory requirements and best practices, e.g., Area Structure Plans, Municipal Plan, Land Use Bylaw, Land Use Redesignations, InterMunicipal Development Plan, Landscape Guidelines/Standards and Specifications, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. Represent Planning and Development Services on a variety of professional associations and organizations, e.g., Canadian Institute of Planners, Planning Commission, Subdivision Approving Authority, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, ad hoc planning committees. Participate in sensitive negotiations, contracts and agreements with service providers and partners. Provide support to the Director, Community Growth and Infrastructure Services on sensitive issues. Participate as a member of the Chestermere Emergency Response team in preparing and enabling the community to respond in the event of a local disaster or regional disaster. Required Education and Experience University Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related discipline. 10 years of related and progressive experience in a Planning environment including at least 2 years of supervisory experience. Previous experience in a municipal environment. Required Certifications and/or Documentation Full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) and/or Registered Professional Planner (RPP) Designation from Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI). Clear Criminal Record Check deemed satisfactory by the City. Valid Class 5 Alberta Drivers License and a Drivers Abstract deemed satisfactory by the City. Expected Skills and Attributes Extensive knowledge of Planning Law, including the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and relevant provincial and municipal planning statutes and plans. Comprehensive understanding of governance and policy development, including interpretation and application of municipal policies and procedures. Ability to review and interpret engineering plans, drawings, planning documents, and technical specifications. Proven leadership and project management capabilities, including staff motivation, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and development. Business acumen, including budget oversight, grant and contract management, and informed decisionmaking based on stakeholder input. Ability to empower teams and lead through change, using innovative approaches in dynamic environments. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with Council, staff, the public, and other stakeholders. Strong interpersonal, negotiation, mediation, and facilitation skills. Skilled advocate, balancing organizational needs with those of staff and external stakeholders. Preferred Skills and Attributes Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related discipline. Working knowledge of best practice managerial methods, techniques and practices. Working knowledge of preparing and implementing budgets. Experience working in a public sector environment with unionized and nonunionized employees is considered an asset. Apply at: #J-18808-Ljbffr