Program Specialist, Industrial Lands

**Job Posting**
- Reporting to the Manager, Acquisitions, Disposals and Industrial Lands, the Program Specialist, Industrial Lands is responsible for program managing the implementation of the Halifax Industrial Employment Land Strategy, and that an adequate supply of industrial lands is maintained. This position generally deals with the business unit’s most complex land development and related transactions and, therefore, requires an in-depth knowledge of HRM’s real estate procedures, zoning, and land use bylaw requirements.**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Communicate effectively, establishes/maintains key relationships, liaising with various internal/external service providers and ensure clients are supported effectively
- Assists manager in: operational reviews, financial analyses, project charters, budgets/project costing, cost benefit and pre
- & post-project analysis, and process improvement assessment, the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets, ongoing sales forecasts for cashflow estimation, as well as preparing financial analysis and cost estimates of specific programs
- Negotiates & writes purchase and sale agreements, leases, licenses, etc.; project requirements, request-for-proposals, tenders
- Presents recommendations to Standing Committees, Community and Council as required
- Prepares and/or procures business case due diligence technical requirements including, but not limited to: real estate appraisals, environmental assessments, legal surveys, project charters and project management plans
- Coordinates preparation of Council and delegated authority approval reports; prepares business cases, management reports and presentations on municipal real estate matters
- Directs unionized Real Estate Officers and program support staff and provides input into professional training and development for employees
- Play a significant role in a program with revenues and expenditures of $10-20 million per year on average including both the sales of existing industrial park lot inventory as well as the full development of new lot additions/development including related streets and infrastructure
- Provides supported recommendations for industrial land pricing
- Makes effective recommendations with respect to employee performance planning and participates in annual performance evaluations and corrective and disciplinary actions, as required
- Participates and provides municipal representation on business park committees and business associations
- Collects and analyzes information and presents findings on complex issues, conducting or coordinating research as required and preparing reports
- Project manages the design and implementation of site development and lot preparation costs
- Verification and routing of charges and expenses

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Education and Experience**:

- Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Commerce, or related discipline
- Professional designation in real property appraisal (CRA or AACI) or a graduate degree in Business Administration or related graduate degree focused in real estate
- A minimum of five (5) years related experience, municipal or institutional environment preferred
- Proven record of progressive experience in real estate property development, management, sales, or leasing
- Experience in project managing complex projects, programs, or transactions
- Experience in supervising a team of professional staff is considered an asset
- Experience in construction contracts would also be an asset

**Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities**:

- A sound knowledge of the real estate industry, specifically the practices related to acquisition and disposal, leasing, property management and general realty services
- Knowledge of property agreements, purchase and sale agreements, contract agreements, contract development, legal/survey documentation
- A broad knowledge in the management of a wide variety of project management services, real estate services, including purchase/sale of property, property development, land suitability and resource administration
- Strong consensus building, organizational and project management skills
- Maintains current information and knowledge of property values and market trends
- Knowledge of HRM development bylaws and regulations and their implications for property transactions
- Knowledge of general real property law including expropriation law; real estate practices and principles, including leasing principles, appraisal techniques and negotiation procedures
- Knowledge of HRM policies and procedures, federal, provincial, and municipal legislation related to the acquisition and disposition of real property
- Knowledge of general site development & costs, landscaping, storm water management, site analysis, and concept planning.
- Highly developed negotiation and selling skills
- Demonstrated ability to provide mediation between competing interests
- General knowledge of municipal procurement policy