Senior Urban Planner

Company Description

Welcome to a place where people are at the heart of everything we do.

Welcome to people with an inspiring vision and who seek stimulating challenges. At CIMA+, you'll find a place where you'll have many opportunities to learn and develop while working on engaging projects.

We are a firm 100% owned by its employees and we value a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset. You will have the flexibility to manage your work on your own terms and define what work-life balance means to you.

When you join CIMA+, we welcome you to a place that you can call home.

CIMA+ Urban Planning team, operating within B&A Studios, is a dynamic, future-focused, multidisciplinary collective of strategic problem-solvers dedicated to creating great places and spaces. With over three decades of experience shaping communities across Canada and beyond, our team delivers positive, high-impact planning, design, and engagement services. Supported by expertise in visualization, analytics, sustainability, and strategic communications, we bring best-in-class solutions to a wide range of project types—from complete communities and municipal planning to commercial, mixed-use, and business logistics centres. As a planner on the B&A team at CIMA+, you'll join a creative and collaborative studio that seamlessly integrates into multidisciplinary projects, working alongside experts across planning, design, engineering, and engagement disciplines.

We are currently seeking a Senior Urban Planner to join our team in the Greater Toronto Area, based at CIMA+'s Toronto or Mississauga office.

In this leadership role, you will be responsible for managing and delivering complex planning and land development projects across the GTA, supported by the B&A team. You'll work primarily with private sector clients — including landowners, developers, and real estate professionals — while also supporting projects with public and institutional partners. Your work will focus on development approvals, land use planning, and policy / municipal zoning interpretation. As a senior member of the team, you'll lead client relationships, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with multidisciplinary experts across CIMA+.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver complex land development projects, including Site Plan Approvals, Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, and Draft Plans of Subdivision.
• Lead the preparation and management of planning documents, including development applications, land use studies, policy documents, and urban design briefs.
• Represent clients at public meetings, council presentations, and stakeholder sessions, including testimony at Ontario Land Tribunal hearings where required.
• Conduct planning analysis and provide expert advice on development strategy, planning policy, and regulatory frameworks in Ontario.
• Manage business development activities, including identifying opportunities, cultivating new and existing client relationships, and supporting proposal development.
• Serve as a key liaison between clients, municipalities, approval agencies, and internal project teams in the GTA.
• Mentor and supervise junior and intermediate staff, providing technical guidance and support for professional growth.
• Collaborate with the B&A Leadership team on growth opportunities and develop a strategic growth plan.
• Coordinate with internal and external teams, including with other sectors of CIMA+, to ensure high-quality, timely project deliverables.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in urban planning, with a strong focus on land development, policy analysis, and regulatory approvals within Ontario.
• Bachelor's degree in urban or regional Planning. A graduate degree and/or a combination of education and experience in real estate development or related fields is considered a strong asset.
• Full membership or eligibility for membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP).
• Deep knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan, and local planning policies.
• Proven experience leading and managing complex development applications and multi-stakeholder planning processes.
• Strong client-facing and relationship management skills with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident presenter in public, political, and professional settings.
• Strong project management skills, capable of delivering on multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; familiarity with GIS or graphic design tools is an asset.
• Collaborative, strategic thinker with a strong interest in mentorship and studio leadership.

At CIMA+, we value diversity of talent and perspective. You think you can add value, but don't meet all the job requirements? We invite you to apply, because everyone has something unique to offer. The outstanding talents that choose to join us at CIMA+ soon realize that we go all out to encourage them to grow. We look forward to hearing how you can contribute to our success.

Why choose CIMA+? Because we offer you:

• A creative and inclusive work environment within a nationally recognized planning and design studio
• Comprehensive Group Benefits available from day one for all permanent employees working at least 20 hours per week
• Paid professional dues and association memberships (e.g., OPPI/CIP)
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) with up to 4% employer contribution
• As an employee-owned company, an annual opportunity to purchase shares for all employees
• Flexible work schedule in a hybrid work mode
• Work/Life balance policy across Canada
• 3-5 weeks of vacation, based on years of relevant experience
• Tailored training to improve your existing skills.

For more information, please contact Réna Chont.

#LI-Hybrid

At CIMA+, we recognize the richness and diversity of each individual's experience. Compensation for this role is therefore based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, while maintaining internal equity. The level and associated salary may vary depending on the candidate's profile.

CIMA+ uses an applicant tracking system that includes an automated match score feature. However, this score is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants. All hiring decisions are made through human review.

Ethics and integrity are fundamental values at CIMA+. That is why we are committed to ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for candidates, regardless of their identity (race, ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socio-economic status or background, etc.).​

In keeping with the principles of employment equity, we encourage all applications, including, but not limited to, those from women, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and visible minorities. We also encourage candidates to complete the self-identification form when applying for employment.​

Accommodations are available on request. Your Business Partner will process your request.

Find out about The CIMA+ advantage - CIMA+.