Job ID #32268: Director, Development Planning

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #32268: Director, Development Planning
• Union: Non-Union
• Job Description ID #: A13715
• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-cityby 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 21, 2026.
• Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy
• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
  

DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Director of Planning and Chief Planner in the Planning Division, Planning and Economic Development Department, provides strategic leadership, through subordinate management, to a multi-functional workforce engaged in development review and development approvals.

The Director of Development Planning is one of the City’s foremost city-builders, responsible for a range of services and functions related to managing and ensuring the city’s sustainable growth and development.

The role requires both a strategic, long-term outlook, as well as an ability to meet the demands of a fast-paced environment related to development approvals.

Recommends broad policies and long-range strategies with respect to ensuring the efficiency of the City’s development review process and to meet mandated goals and objectives.

Accountable for establishing and achieving Divisional goals and objectives, as established by the Director of Planning and Chief Planner, through the effective and efficient use of financial and staff resources.

Uses a "best practices" approach in developing and delivering quality services in a timely and cost-effective manner. Instills a customer service focus within the Development Planning Section of the Planning Division.

Pursues continual improvements to ensure that the City’s development review process is timely and efficient.

Evaluates and reports on the Development Planning Section's service, financial, administrative and staff performance against internal and external benchmarks. Designs and implements strategies to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Sets above average standards and leads by example.

Acts and behaves to demonstrate a strong leadership and guidance, customer focus, innovation / creativity, team building / team advocacy, staff delegation, empowerment and staff development and are results oriented.

Is a member of the Planning Division Management Team, providing strategic direction for the Division as a whole.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure excellence in the quality of new development in the City of Hamilton.

You will assume lead accountability and responsibility for the Development Planning Section within the Planning Division

Develop goals and objectives and ensure delivery of development review and development approvals, including but not limited to Official Plan Amendments, zoning approvals, subdivision/condominium approvals, and part lot control.

Ensure compliance with Provincial and Federal statutes and regulations and Municipal by-laws and policies.

Assist the Director of Planning and Chief Planner in responding to various Corporate, community, Provincial or Federal proposals for service initiatives, changes or enhancements.

Assist the Planning Division and the Planning and Economic Development Department in delivering on the City’s climate change objectives.

Assist the Planning Division and the Planning and Economic Development Department in delivering on the City’s objectives with respect to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Provide professional advice, including reports, to Council and its Committees.

Exercise delegated authorities for development approvals, as authorized by City Council, the General Manager of Planning and Economic Development, and the Director of Planning and Chief Planner.

Ensure cost effective delivery of services and provide regular tracking and reporting on revenues and budgets.

Provide leadership and support to staff, and implement engagement and recognition efforts, within the Development Planning Section.

The Director is accountable to the Director of Planning and Chief Planner for ensuring the development review and development approvals program is provided in accordance with City and Provincial guidelines and in the most effective and efficient manner consistent with the City of Hamilton’s and Department’s Mission, Vision and Values.

GENERAL DUTIES

Participate in strategic planning and direction of the Division as a member of the Division Management Team.

Provide coaching and advice to subordinate managers / supervisors to optimize performance.

Develop and monitor the annual Capital / Operating Budget for the Section.

Ensure compliance with Provincial and Federal statutes and regulations and Municipal by-laws and policies.

Respond to various Corporate, community, Provincial or Federal proposals for service initiatives, changes or enhancements.

Implement customer service improvement initiatives and create a customer-focused culture.

Effectively manage the approved financial and staffing resources of the Section.

Provide professional planning advice and consultation, including reports, to Council and its Committees, the business community and the public.

Establish and complete goals and objectives and initiate projects, including but not limited to those related to the following: community development, Official Plan Amendments, business facilitation, Development Review Team, Plan of Subdivision and Plan of Condominium approvals, Zoning By-law Amendments, Part-Lot Control, Cash-in-Lieu of Parking, Sign By-law Variances, Pits and Quarries, Committee of Adjustment application reviews, comments on Ministry of Environment (MOE) Permits, administration / review of Records of Site Condition, street addressing / street names, and preparation of information and educational materials related development processes.

Provides expert testimony to support the City’s position on planning issues at hearings of the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Attends public meetings and presents the city’s position/actions to the public, media and outside government bodies. Participates, and regularly acts as a public and media spokesperson for the work of the Section.

Direct and manage the general administration of the work areas in the Section by developing and recommending new policies and procedures and monitoring existing ones to maximize utilization of resources and improve customer service.

Establish criteria and priorities for annual work program and performance measures. Prepare work schedules, assign duties to staff, establish priorities, conduct staff hiring, monitor and evaluate staff performance, discipline and train staff, as well as assist in developing staff to their full potential.

Provide strong Corporate leadership by developing strategies to attract and retain more businesses, increase employment opportunities, and financially improve the City’s non-residential tax base.

Provide strategic advice and participate on numerous and various Corporate committees including chairing key committees to ensure financial growth, new development and to increase confidence in investment by the business community.

Ensures that employees are provided with and use the appropriate equipment, material and/or procedures required to perform the assigned duties. Ensures that all employees perform work in accordance with applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures. Ensures that appropriate action is recommended for those employees who do not work in compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.

Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the position.

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QUALIFICATIONS

1. Proven knowledge of urban and regional planning and urban design, corporate strategic planning, managerial principles, and municipal government administration normally acquired by a University Degree, preferably at a Masters level, in Urban or Regional Planning with progressive relevant work experience at a senior management level, in either the private or public sectors, preferably in the Ontario context.
2. Full professional membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) or related professional organization, and a Registered Professional Planner (RPP).
3. Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long-term visioning and big picture thinking.
4. Highly developed ability to articulate a vision, to lead and inspire others.
5. Highly effective leadership, facilitation, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills in a predominantly unionized environment.
6. Demonstrated mediation / dispute resolution and negotiation skills.
7. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a large multi-disciplinary staff in a results-oriented environment and in a predominantly unionized environment. Knowledge of collective bargaining process.
8. Extensive experience in designing and delivering customer-focused programs and services.
9. Proven ability to deal effectively with elected officials, media, other levels of government, management, peers, staff and the general public.
10. Thorough knowledge of Planning Law, Planning Act, Municipal Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Provincial Policy Statements, Zoning By-Laws, Official Plans and Ontario Heritage Act.
11. Thorough knowledge and understanding of statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting the Division.
12. Working knowledge of computer software applications.
13. Proven ability to effectively negotiate complex agreements and excellent facilitation skills in order to build consensus.
14. Must possess strong organizational and time management skills.
15. Possess a high level of personal integrity and is an excellent communicator.
16. Demonstrated knowledge of the Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations as it relates to the position.

SALARY: Salary Grade 10

HOURS: 35 per week

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.