Manager, Planning and Development

Posted: December 22, 2025 Closing Date: January 12, 2026 at 4:30 pm EST Position Type: Permanent, full-time Location: Port Elgin, ON Saugeen Shores: Both city and town, wrapped in a village. Choosing to work and live in Saugeen Shores gives you an unparalleled choice of easy-going lifestyles, economic opportunities and nature at every turn. You can truly create your own village in this growing, diverse community of neighbourhoods and amenities. You can replace long commutes with easy lakeshore rides. You can choose to be as active or relaxed as you want to be. You can make all these great choices without sacrificing family life, schools, and even access to the wide world. Nestled on the shores of Lake Huron with forests and farms all around, Saugeen Shores is the promise of both cities and towns, wrapped in a village. The Team We take our team culture so seriously; we wrote a Team Saugeen Charter to celebrate and protect it. Our shared role is to keep Saugeen Shores safe, well-serviced, growing and vibrant in ways that respect the public and reflect our team. We develop careers from the inside first. We engage each other personally and professionally. We welcome change. we embrace new ideas. We do more than live with work processes; we seek to continuously improve them. And we have each other's backs - because that is what great teams do. The Position at a Glance As the Manager of Planning and Development, reporting to the Director of Development Services, you will support strategic growth through the management of long-range development of policies and plans; economic development initiatives and programs; and development reviews. You will act as a liaison with internal departments, provincial and federal governments, agencies, and stakeholders. You will oversee the Division staff (x4) and budget and assign projects and tasks to align with the Business Plan and Key Performance Indicators. What You’ll Do Strategic Leadership & Advisory: Serve as strategic advisor to the Director of Development Services, representing the division externally, supporting Council and Committees, and ensuring alignment with municipal procedures and statutory requirements under relevant legislation. Development of Policies and Plans: Lead and guide research, analysis and policy development projects pertaining to planning, including housing, environment, and cultural heritage priority areas. Planning & Performance Management: Develop and implement divisional and annual strategic plans, monitor progress towards business plans, prepare and deliver reports, and facilitate annual goal setting and performance reviews for staff. Team Development & Operations: Oversee the Planning and Development Division operations, promote staff development, manage recruitment and coaching, and encourage continuous improvement, corporate initiatives, and the adoption of new tools and opportunities. Financial Oversight: Prepare and manage divisional budgets, and communicate fiscal responsibility to staff. Policy & Health and Safety: Ensure regular review and development of policies, programs, and procedures, and promote Health and Safety initiatives division wide. Lead and guide research and analysis of the Town Official Plan and Zoning By-law to ensure that these documents and their implementation are aligned with the vision of Town Council and are current with Provincial legislation and policy directions. Lead update and implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan Develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations such as indigenous communities, Bruce County, the Conservation Authority and Provincial Ministries. Lead and guide the development, monitoring and execution of initiatives that advance the Town as a place to work, live, and visit. Identify key sector specific opportunities and provide the mechanisms that instill business attraction, retention and growth. Oversee planning and / or economic development support to other divisions and departments in advancing or coordinating Town priorities including but not limited to development charges, asset management, and communications / promotions. Develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations such as indigenous communities, Bruce County, major employers, and funding agencies. Ensure Town processes result in timely and relevant comments or reports that add value to development reviews and decisions. Oversee the Town’s Site Plan Control process, and ensure that the Zoning By-law is up to date and reflects the Official Plan. What We Offer You Salary: $117,571 to $133,603 per year (depending on qualifications and experience) Hours of work: 35 hours per week (8:30 am to 4:30 pm). The successful applicant will be expected to attend all Council and relevant committee meetings which typically occur outside of regular working hours. Vacation: A generous number of vacation days per year in addition to 10 paid personal days. Benefits: Comprehensive extended health and dental benefits, including an Employee and Family Assistance Plan and enrollment in the OMERS pension plan. Professional development: A passion for investing in our workforce through continuous learning and development. Application Process This posting is for an existing vacancy within the Planning and Development Division. The Town of Saugeen Shores is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Town of Saugeen Shores will make every effort to accommodate applicants with disabilities in its recruitment and selection process. Information received relating to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990 and will be used for the purpose of this employment opportunity only. If you require an accommodation to submit your resume for an employment opportunity, or for more information on accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources Coordinator at jobs@saugeenshores.ca or by phone at 519-832-2008 x.161. Education Post-secondary Degree in Planning, Economic Development, Geography, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Member in Good Standing of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) and/or Ontario Professional Planners Institute (RPP) and/or Member of the Economic Development Association of Canada or Economic Developers Council of Ontario is an asset.? Experience and Knowledge A minimum of 5 years of relevant progressive experience including 2 to 3 years of municipal management experience is preferred. Experience managing policy development or economic development projects. Experience in developing and implementing communication strategies and/or marketing and promotion campaigns is an asset. Thorough understanding of land use planning policies and the policy development process in Ontario and municipal context. Possess familiarity and knowledge of the Planning Act and the Municipal Act. Thorough understanding of municipal infrastructure, infrastructure planning, managing grants and multi-year operational budgets, considered as an asset. An understanding of the legislative process, government decision-making processes. Experience working within a public sector environment is considered a strong asset.? Skills and Competencies you bring to the role Change Management: A strong understanding of change management theory and proven ability to lead a change. The incumbent can anticipate and actively manage the barriers to change and maintain positive direction to achieve desired outcomes. Collaborative: Strong interpersonal skills and are effective at building relationships, networking, and facilitating and collaborating with others. Conflict Resolution: Excellent conflict resolution, negotiation, and facilitation skills. Communication: Effectively and confidently communicate with others and provide detailed reports that are professionally researched and suited to the needs of the audience. Planning and Leadership: Forward thinking with a proven ability to lead a diverse division toward an advanced model of service delivery and respond to emerging trends. Problem Solving and Decision Making: Passionate about solving problems, uncovering root causes, and proactively finding solutions to achieve organizational and departmental goals. Exhibit a strong understanding of corporate governance issues and the political environment in which you make decisions. Project Management: Highly skilled in planning, prioritizing, and executing projects from ideation to completion. Strategic Thinking: Effectively balance short and long-term planning and actions. Understand, analyze, plan, implement, and assess organizational strategy. #J-18808-Ljbffr