Manager, Planning and Development Services

To serve as a key leader supporting the delivery of planning and development services within the community, including resident and investor confidence and satisfaction in those services.
To provide professional management of the Planning and Development Services Department, including its personnel, services (long range and regional planning, current planning, development and safety codes, and other services), projects, plans, policies, and processes. This position also provides expert advice to senior Administration, Council and the community ensuring risk mitigation and resident and customer satisfaction. The Manager also works closely with community, regional and provincial stakeholders, other municipalities and governments, other agencies, to deliver services and advice that reflects best practice, legislative requirements, and local interest.

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Leadership & Management (30%)**
- Act as a strategic advisor to other management and to leadership team to ensure that Council’s goals are met through effective land planning and development.
- Develops and reports on progress in relation to the annual departmental and corporate business plan, in alignment with Council’s Strategic Plan.
- Leads corporate initiatives, department projects, and strategic objectives by fostering engaged teams to successfully executive project deliverables, including championing a culture of collaboration and support to achieve high customer satisfaction.
- Provides leadership, vision, and direction to align with corporate strategies in order to maximize service delivery.
- Develops and manages operational plans and the longer-term direction for the function and activities of the department, as well as participates in the development of policies and standards, in accordance with the priorities of the organization. Sets annual and mid-term goals.
- Develops and prepares annual operating and capital budgets in accordance with the objectives and policies of Sturgeon County. Monitors and controls the expenditure of funds in accordance with the approved budgets.
- Undertakes process reviews, documents processes, and communicates processes with intent to achieve improved Operational Excellence. This includes:

- Customer service and customer experience assessment and improvements
- New or enhanced service delivery channels
- Process and policy development
- Best practice incorporation and environmental scanning
- Key performance indicators and measurement
- General service innovation opportunities
- Maintains effective public relations with public and presents a positive image.
- Ensures compliance with safety legislation and County Health and Safety Management System.
- Develops executive briefings, request for decisions, and presentations to leadership and Council.

**People Leadership (15%)**
- Acts as an internal role model for the desired organizational culture and provides direct leadership to department personnel.
- Creates an open, positive working environment to stimulate open discussion, which includes both in office, remote, or hybrid employees.
- Invests time in managing and developing people through career planning and professional development. Provides insightful, motivating, and constructive feedback, coaching, and guidance.
- Sets clear expectations, monitors, evaluates, and conduct annual performance reviews.
- Sets and delegates broad work responsibilities for direct reports, managing through general oversight of direct reports.
- Provides rewards and recognition in alignment with the County’s policies and procedures.
- Follows the HR policies and procedures when address performance or disciplinary or investigations and considerations.
- Measures and reports on capacity and diversity to meet current and future needs of County within departmental program areas.
- Makes hiring decisions within approved roles, working in collaboration with the HR team.
- Manages, oversees, and leads the planning and development team.

**Corporate, Committee and Client Communication (25%)**
- Shares expertise through timely reporting (divisional and corporate) and proactive recommendations to supervisor and at times other leadership members or Council. Provides clear and concise background and strategic recommendations.
- Represents the department and/or organization at the Subdivision Authority and Development Authority, public advisory committee meetings, industry meetings, regional committees, association meetings, and other forums as required.
- Provides advice, guidance and accurate response to the general public, consultants and other agencies regarding planning and development matters.
- Discusses new development plans and major proposals with representatives of the development industry.
- Discusses inputs on County land use plans and/or regulations with stakeholders and residents.
- Maintains awareness and interface into Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board matters of interest to the department