Manager, Planning

**Join Our Team as our new Manager, Planning and Development**

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for planning and development? Do you thrive on building community, fostering collaboration, and making a lasting impact on the region? Lethbridge County is looking for a forward-thinking leader to take on the role of Manager, Planning and Development.

**Why Lethbridge County?**

We provide municipal services that have a direct impact on people every day, like road maintenance, customer service, land use planning, bylaw enforcement, ag programs and much more. This is a duty we do not take lightly. Our employees are dedicated to fostering an environment where our citizens and businesses can thrive.

We find creative solutions to challenges and work as a team to overcome obstacles. We embrace change and innovation because we believe we can always be better than yesterday. We value our people and believe in supporting our employees at all levels of the organization.

**What You’ll Do**

As the Manager of Planning and Development, you’ll lead the County’s planning functions, ensuring they align with our strategic vision. As the County’s expert for technical, procedural and statutory planning, you’ll be at the forefront of regulatory compliance and intermunicipal collaboration, and your work will support our goals organization-wide. You’ll not only support responsible growth but also ensure that we’re building a future-focused, sustainable community.

**Core Responsibilities**

Leadership and Strategic Oversight
- Provide leadership to the Planning and Development team, including the Coordinator and Technician roles.
- Develop and implement statutory plans and municipal bylaws related to land use, development and intermunicipal agreements.
- Lead the creation of municipal growth strategies, including residential, commercial and industrial development plans.

Planning Administration
- Serve as the development authority, overseeing permit processes, bylaw creation/amendments and compliance management.
- Prepare technical recommendations, planning reports and draft bylaws, ensuring alignment with County policy and the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
- Lead Development Review meetings and coordinate planning activities across County departments.
- Manage development agreements, road closures and land use amendments, preparing reports, sketches and presenting recommendations to Council.
- Provide clear, engaging presentations at Council meetings, showcasing data-driven insights and innovative solutions.

Intermunicipal and Contracted Services
- Coordinate with Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) for subdivision processing and related planning services.
- Oversee the contract with Park Enterprises to ensure safety codes permits meet quality standards.
- Act as the Quality Management Plan (QMP) Manager, ensuring compliance with the Safety Codes Accreditation and maintaining open communication with the Safety Codes Council.
- Facilitate Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDP) and Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) meetings, collaborating with neighboring municipalities to achieve shared goals.

Legislative and Compliance Support
- Participate as a key representative in subdivision appeal board hearings.
- Issue Certificates of Compliance and review Real Property Reports to ensure accuracy and adherence to regulations.

Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with neighboring municipalities through planning sessions and open houses.
- Build positive relationships with landowners, developers, surveyors etc. to foster community trust.
- Act as the County’s point of contact for external agency referrals, intermunicipal inquiries and public concerns, delivering clear, responsive communication.

Policy, Governance, and Budgeting
- Prepare and manage the annual Planning and Development department budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
- Oversee the review and update of statutory and non-statutory planning documents, coordinating public consultation processes and collaborating with external contractors when needed.

**Why You’re the Right Fit**
- You’re a visionary leader who is passionate about planning and community development.
- You excel at building relationships and fostering collaboration among diverse teams.
- You value integrity and transparency, and you’re committed to making ethical, community-focused decisions.
- You’re results-oriented, always aiming for positive, practical outcomes that benefit the County and its residents.
- You believe in empowerment and support your team in making decisions that impact the community positively.

**What You Bring**
- A University degree in Planning or a related field, with 5-10 years of progressive experience in planning and development, including subdivision and development administration.
- Full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners/Alberta Professional Planners Institute is preferred.
- Strong leadership and project management skil