Building and Engineering Development Manager

General Accountability:

The Building and Engineering Development Manager is one of seven positions reporting to the Development, Engineering, and Sustainability Director. The role is accountable for delivering services across both the Building Section and the Engineering Development Section, overseeing a team of approximately 17 staff.

Nature and Scope:

The following management positions report directly to the Building and Engineering Development Manager:

• Chief Building Official.
• Engineering Development Supervisor.

Within the Building Section, the Building and Engineering Development Manager ensures that all building permits are reviewed for structural adequacy and compliance with the Building Act, BC Building Code, applicable fire regulations, public health requirements, and municipal bylaws and regulations. The incumbent ensures, through delegation and direct involvement, that building applications are processed efficiently and effectively. They maintain ongoing communication with internal divisions, architects, contractors, engineers, and the public throughout construction.

Within the Engineering Development Section, the Building and Engineering Development Manager is responsible for ensuring the review of development concepts—including subdivision and municipal servicing components—submitted to the Development, Engineering, and Sustainability (DES) Department for compliance with City bylaws, policies, and regulations. Through oversight and direct involvement, the incumbent ensures appropriate departmental input and assessment of engineering, planning, and technical complexities needed for evaluations and policy recommendations. The DES Department makes the final decision to approve or reject development concepts.

Responsibilities:

• Establishes, reviews, maintains, and monitors internal processes, systems, and procedures on an ongoing basis.
• Maintains strong digital literacy and understanding of technologies, tools, and platforms relevant to the building industry.
• Actively explores digital solutions to improve workflow and productivity.
• Works with the Chief Building Official, Engineering Development Supervisor, and other sources as needed to resolve conflicts involving City divisions, contractors, architects, engineers, lawyers, and the public.
• Exercises broad discretion and independent judgment in approving projects.
• Evaluates highly technical and complex proposals within restrictive time frames and competing interests from builders, developers, and internal City divisions.
• Maintains communication with counterparts in other municipalities to stay informed of new industry techniques and developments.
• Maintains membership in appropriate professional associations, such as Engineers and Geoscientists BC or ASTTBC.
• Analyzes the needs of the private sector, the public, and the City to develop appropriate planning policies, strategies, and regulations.
• Undergoes performance measurement through annual reviews and feedback from the public, development community, DES staff, and industry representatives.
• Maintains detailed approval process records to support municipal practices and protect the City against liability claims.
• Participates in preparing and reviewing City bylaws and policies.
• Assists in coordinating the Tempest/Prospero program for the Building and Engineering Development Division and the broader DES Department.
• Works with the DES Director on updates to the Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw and the Amenity Cost Charges (ACC) Bylaw, maintaining statistics and records of local construction activity.
• Coordinates capital works projects and joint development opportunities where beneficial to the City.
• Selects consultants, manages engineering assignments, assesses consultant recommendations, and finalizes implementation procedures.
• Coordinates engineering and planning review functions to ensure efficient, consistent client service.
• Manages traditional leadership responsibilities including hiring, performance evaluation, addressing misconduct through progressive discipline, and resolving personnel issues.
• Conducts regular performance assessments, coaching, and grievance management.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Civil Engineering OR a two-year diploma in Building or Civil Engineering Technology.
• Certified or eligible for registration with Engineers and Geoscientists BC or ASTTBC.
• Minimum three years of design and field inspection experience related to municipal facilities (waterworks, sewerage, drainage, roads, structures).
• Seven to ten years of supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the BC Building Code, construction standards, and related regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal organizations, the Local Government Act, Community Charter, municipal bylaws, and relevant case law.
• Strong knowledge of current digital software and platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret BC Building Code requirements and maintain effective relationships with building owners, architects, engineers, solicitors, contractors, public officials, and the public.
• Ability to prepare clear reports and present evidence in court when required.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver customer-focused services through high-performance teams.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence.

Required Skills:

• Establish clear divisional objectives aligned with organizational priorities.
• Oversee technical plan review and inspections for a wide variety of construction projects.
• Manage the City's building and plumbing inspection functions, ensuring consistent inspection standards.
• Enforce the BC Building Code and City bylaws clearly and consistently.
• Ensure building approval processes, legislation, policies, and procedures remain current with changing legislation, Council direction, and economic factors.
• Engage consultants when needed for building and engineering-related matters.
• Provide guidance and technical advice to developers, designers, contractors, and the public to support compliant building permit submissions.
• Liaise with and maintain strong working relationships within the building industry, including the Canadian Home Builders Association – Central Interior (CHBA-CI), City departments, government agencies, Indigenous groups, consultants, and the public.