Program Lead, Service Support & Implementation (Planner III)

Up to 18 months

Are you a strategic leader driven by innovation, operational excellence, and impactful continuous improvement? The City of Edmonton is looking for a dedicated professional to guide strategic and operational projects which will elevate service delivery across the development, inspections and licensing functions.

Reporting to the Director of Development Approvals and Inspections, the Program Lead, Service Support and Implementation oversees the team who lead the delivery of strategic and operational projects within the Section. Projects consider operational efficiencies and customer experience, and the work requires input and support from across different corporate partners. As a key member of the Section’s leadership team, the role also co-leads on annual work planning and resource assignments. Key skills include people, time, and project management and the ability to see projects through to completion. By stewarding strategic initiatives and operational policy enhancements, you will ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery aligned with City plans and municipal bylaws.

What will you do?

• Manage a team delivering strategic initiatives, continuous improvement, Zoning Bylaw implementation, and change management
• Direct resource allocation across multiple simultaneous projects, establishing Memorandums of Understanding, policy and procedural documentation, and Service Level Agreements with internal partners
• Lead procurement processes and provide contract oversight for external consultants supporting section deliverables
• Evaluate operational procedures to introduce modernized, innovative practices that optimize service delivery
• Facilitate engagement with internal business units and external partners, including industry associations and community groups, to advance complex project goals
• Lead and support projects and reports addressing motions from City Council and Standing Committees
• Collaborate active solutions across shared service teams, including eServices, Service Innovation, Zoning Bylaw, and Communications
• Lead annual work planning, resourcing, and budget development for the Section, aligning projects with corporate strategies and municipal bylaws
• Oversee recruitment, day-to-day performance management, coaching, staff development, and attendance management programs
• Represent the Development Approvals and Inspections Section on cross-departmental and interagency project committees

Qualifications

:

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Business, Commerce, Innovation, Management, or a related field
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible related work experience in municipal planning and staff supervision
• Minimum of two (2) years of dedicated supervisory experience

Assets:

• Project Management, change management and municipal government experience (preferably in permitting, licensing or inspections)
• Knowledge in statistics, training, communications and process improvements

Skills required for success:

• Expertise in municipal planning legislation, regulatory frameworks, and Bylaw compliance and enforcement procedures
• Mastery of project management and change management principles to lead complex, multi-faceted deliverables in a fast-paced environment
• Skilled in team leadership, staff coaching, performance facilitation, and fostering collaborative work environments
• Strategic resource allocation and work planning techniques to manage competing priorities across shared service units
• Strong negotiation, diplomacy, and consensus-building skills when navigating challenging issues with diverse groups
• Exceptional written communication skills for authoring comprehensive reports, external messaging, and leadership presentations
• Analytical problem-solving techniques to assess project risks, dependencies, and operational workflows
• Facility in group facilitation, relationship management, and presenting complex information to varied audiences
• Proficiency with digital management software including Google Suite, POSSE, and emerging AI tools
• Self-directed initiative to independently make sound recommendations, establish project strategies, and challenge the status quo
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants may be tested

Work Environment:

• Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement, and the incumbent will be notified in advance
• This role works primarily in an indoor setting
• This is a public-facing role and requires engagement and interaction with diverse people from various backgrounds with different needs, expectations and emotional states

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

Up to 1 temporary full-time for up to 18 months in accordance with Article 18.02 of the Collective Agreement

This requisition is open to internal candidates only.

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $54.505 - $68.843 (Hourly); $113,806.440 - $143,744.180 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: JF/SO

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

Classification Title: Planner III

Posting Date: Oct 7, 2026

Closing Date: Oct 14, 2026 11:59:00 PM (MDT)

Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Temporary Full-time

Union: CSU 52

Department: Development Services

Work Location(s): 5th Floor Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue Edmonton T5J 0J4