The City of Port Moody is a vibrant, growing community known for its natural beauty, strong sense of community, and commitment to sustainable development. As an organization, we value innovation, collaboration, and service excellence in supporting a high quality of life for our residents and businesses.
The City of Port Moody has an exciting opportunity for a Director of Development Planning to join our team. As a key member of the Community Development Leadership Team, the successful candidate will provide strategic direction and operational support to the Development Planning Division within the Community Development Department. This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing team in the review and processing of a wide variety of land development applications while helping to shape the future of our community.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the General Manager of Community Development, the successful candidate will bring strong leadership and technical expertise, providing creative solutions and sound advice across the organization. As a trusted advisor to the Senior Leadership Team and Council, this individual will play a critical role in advancing development initiatives and guiding decision-making processes.
In this role, this successful candidate will lead people, processes, and projects while applying their technical expertise to complex development matters and strategic initiatives.
The leadership responsibilities are to:
- Provide strategic direction, technical and operational support to the Development Planning Division.
- Lead a high performing team of planning professionals, mentoring and supporting the growth and professional development of team members.
- Provide advice and lead development applications and projects through liaising with staff, senior leadership, Council, City committees, community groups, members of the public, and external agencies.
- Work in collaboration with the Community Development Leadership Team including the Manager of Policy Planning, Manager of Economic Development and the Manager of Building and Bylaws.
- Foster a culture of proactive problem solving, continuous learning, and divisional/organizational teamwork.
- Create and maintain a positive and supportive team culture.
- Hold oneself and others accountable.
- Lead project and change management initiatives.
- Participate as a member of the City's Senior Management Team.
- Acts for the General Manager, Community Development, as required.
The technical responsibilities are to:
- Manage the development review and approval process for development applications.
- Participate as one of the City’s Designated Approving Officers in accordance with the Land Title Act.
- Oversee all notification requirements for development processes.
- Lead the development and subdivision processes ensuring alignment with the Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw and other regulations, as well as meeting sustainable community development and Corporate Plan objectives.
- Initiate and ensure effective development application processes and procedures, championing improvements and innovation.
- Prepare timely and effective reports, bylaw amendments, policies, and legal documents required in the development approval process.
To succeed in this role, the successful candidate will bring a combination of extensive municipal planning experience, leadership capability, and advanced technical knowledge. The successful candidate is a collaborative and solutions-focused professional with strong communication skills and the ability to navigate complex development issues and stakeholder environments.
The qualifications required of the successful candidate include:
- Master’s degree in planning, Urban Studies, or a related field.
- Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) designation.
- Full CIP and PIBC membership.
- Approving Officer Certification is desirable.
- A valid BC driver’s license.
The knowledge and experience required of the successful candidate include:
- Strong municipal planning experience of 10 years or more, including a minimum of 5 years in leadership and management role.
- Related professional experience in municipal planning, including extensive experience in development planning (planning policy experience would be an asset).
- Considerable knowledge of the policies, objectives and legislation related to land use development and control in British Columbia.
- Experience as an Approving Officer is preferred.
- Expertise in creating and applying urban design principles and guidelines to projects.
- Significant knowledge of and experience with economic, financial, environmental, and social considerations in the evaluation of development applications and planning projects.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
- Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Apply now to join the City of Port Moody as the Director of Development Planning to play a leadership role in shaping a vibrant, sustainable, and growing community.
Please note that employment with the City of Port Moody is subject to the receipt of a satisfactory police records check and a satisfactory driver's abstract.
The City of Port Moody strives to be an employer of choice and offers an excellent benefits package as well as professional development opportunities and, for some positions, hybrid work opportunities.
