Senior Land Use Planner

Innovative Planning Solutions (IPS) is growing. After 20 years of sustained success in Barrie, Ontario, and the recent launch of our Vaughan office, we are seeking a Senior Urban / Land Use Planner to lead complex land use planning and development projects across Ontario.

At IPS, strong relationships are at the core of everything we do. Our hands-on, client-focused approach has earned us a reputation for delivering balanced, pragmatic, and context-sensitive land use solutions in both urban and rural settings.

The Opportunity – Senior Urban / Land Use Planner

You will play a key role in leading files, shaping development concepts, and mentoring our growing team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both the technical and strategic sides of planning and is comfortable being a primary point of contact for clients and municipal staff.

What You'll Do

• Lead and manage a full range of Planning Act applications, including: Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments; Draft Plans of Subdivision/Condominium; Site Plan Applications; and, Severances / Consents and Minor Variances
• Prepare and review planning directives, policy analyses, and Planning Justification Reports and related planning reports.
• Provide land use feasibility, acquisition, and strategic planning advice to landowners and developers.
• Support and, where appropriate, lead long-range planning work, including secondary plans, precinct plans, and special policy area studies.
• Lead stakeholder, agency, and community engagement, including open houses and public information sessions.
• Present at Council and Committee meetings, public forums, and the Ontario Land Tribunal.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary consultant teams (engineering, environmental, traffic, urban design, etc.).
• Mentor and guide intermediate and junior planners, providing quality control on their work.
• Support senior leadership with project status updates, growth strategy, and business development initiatives.

What We're Looking For

You are:

• A strategic land use planner and clear communicator.
• Client-focused, solutions-driven, and detail-oriented.
• Collaborative, curious, and motivated by achieving strong community and client outcomes.
• Comfortable taking ownership of files and representing IPS in public and professional settings.

You have:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning or a related discipline from an accredited university.
• Full membership in OPPI and CIP (or eligibility for full membership within a short timeframe).
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive professional planning experience in Ontario, with demonstrated experience independently managing and leading complex planning applications.
• Expert knowledge of Provincial, Regional/County, and Municipal planning policy and processes.
• The ability to interpret and comment on site plans, built form, and public realm design.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines at once.
• A valid Ontario G-class driver's licence.

Why Join IPS

• Competitive salary: $100,000 – $140,000 annually (based on experience and demonstrated ability).
• Hybrid work model and flexible hours to support work–life balance.
• Comprehensive benefits package, RRSP matching, paid time off, and support for professional development.
• Opportunities to grow into senior leadership and management roles as the firm expands (including our growing GTA presence).
• The chance to work on meaningful projects that directly shape communities across Ontario.
• Compensation will be commensurate with experience, with additional earning potential beyond base salary through our bonus program and future advancement.

If you're an experienced planner looking to take a leadership role within a growing, collaborative firm, we'd be pleased to hear from you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00-$140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vaughan, ON L4L 4G9