Senior Manager of Development Approvals

If you are currently employed with the City of Niagara Falls, please apply internally through the Workday Jobs Hub app of your Workday account in order for your application to be processed as an internal applicant. Closing Date (closes at 11:59 pm on date noted below): September 11, 2026 Job Type: Permanent Department: Current Planning Salary: $107,730.00 - $134,664.00 Hours per week: 35 Openings: 1 Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy. Note About Salary Range: Please note that the 2027 salary range for this position is under corporate review. Position Details: The following description reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the position identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in such classification. Position Summary: Reporting to the Director of Planning, the Senior Manager of Development Approvals provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the municipality's development approvals function. The position is responsible for ensuring the efficient, consistent, and customer-focused review of development applications while balancing community planning objectives, as well as legislative requirements. The position works closely with senior leadership, developers, consulting professionals, government agencies, and the public to facilitate responsible community growth. Responsible To: Director of Planning Supervises: Supervisor of Zoning Administration Senior Planner-Current Development Landscape Architect/Urban Designer Secretary Treasurer Committee of Adjustment Planner 2 (2) Planner 1 Planning Technician Responsibilities and Duties: Leadership and Supervision Coordinate, manage and track the efficient and timely review of planning and development applications, working closely with staff, internal departments, external review and approval agencies, and other stakeholders. Lead, manage and monitor the staff work program and operational work assignments of the division, to ensure high quality work is delivered on time and on budget. Identify, initiate and lead process efficiency improvements in the development approval and associated administrative functions, to address challenges and enhance service delivery and customer service. Mentor and lead by example, demonstrating sound planning knowledge and experience, a strong work ethic, and an aptitude for problem solving. Perform the acting duties of the Director of Planning, when required. Planning Expertise and Project Management Act as resource, interpret/advise on planning matters; develop solutions to identified issues; develop new policies and procedures; negotiate and resolve disputes. Provide technical advice and comments to the public, external agencies, developers, stakeholders, staff, municipal committees and Council. Lead discussion and negotiate with developers, property owners, applicants and/or their representatives on development matters. Provide technical expertise regarding official plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, subdivision plans, plans of condominium, parcel creation, minor variances, severances and site plans. Prepare request for proposals, terms of reference, contracts, agreements and perform project management and contract administration related to planning matters including preparation and revision of zoning by-laws and preparation of various studies. Process planning applications as required to assist the department in times of need, on an as needed basis. Responsible for the City’s comprehensive zoning by-law including updates, housekeeping amendments, revisions, and/or replacement. Prepare planning reports and recommendations to Council, as required. Attend City Council meetings as required and requested, and act as a representative at all other meetings related to the division. Serve as expert witness on behalf of the Corporation, as required, on planning matters before the Ontario Municipal Board, Provincial Tribunals and legislative committees. Community Liaison and Customer Service Respond to internal and external inquiries regarding development and planning matters. Liaise with senior government ministries and departments in advancing the City’s planning and development interests. Provide senior staff with pertinent information for the filing and submission of applications and assistance with provincial and/or federal jurisdictions. Administration and Efficiencies Participate in the formulation of policies to direct the growth of the City. Maintain the webpage for the division, maintain data on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), prepare and maintain Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) as required to guide operations. Position Requirements: Minimum of a four (4) year University degree in Planning or allied subject. Full Member in good standing with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and the Ontario Institute of Professional Planners (OPPI). Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible planning experience, with a thorough knowledge of planning legislation and the development review process. Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience, in a unionized environment. Sound knowledge of the Planning Act, Provincial Regulations, Municipal Act and working knowledge of environmental legislation. Key Competencies: Fostering positive relationships with residents, businesses, development community, community partners, agencies and City staff. Proven leadership in conflict resolution, problem solving, negotiations, facilitation and team building. Client/customer focused, provides superior service to both internal and external customers. Able to lead and work well with a wide range of individuals to provide support, coaching and direction. Ensure the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity at all times. How to apply: Please submit your application including a cover letter and resume through Workday using the apply button above. The City of Niagara Falls is dedicated to creating an accessible and inclusive organization and fostering a workplace culture which reflects the diverse nature of the residents we serve. In accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the City will accommodate the individual needs of candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 905-356-7521 ext 4317. Personal information is collected under the authority of The Municipal Act and will only be used to determine suitability for this position. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those advancing through the selection process will be contacted.

The Senior Manager of Development Approvals provides strategic leadership and oversight for the municipality's development application review process. They are responsible for managing staff, ensuring process efficiency, and facilitating responsible community growth through collaboration with stakeholders and Council.

Candidates must hold a four-year university degree in Planning or an allied subject and be a full member of the CIP and OPPI. The role requires at least seven years of progressively responsible planning experience, including three years of supervisory experience in a unionized environment.

• Customer servicePreferred
• Problem solvingPreferred
• Project managementPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Strategic leadership
• Development approvals
• Urban planning
• Project management
• Conflict resolution
• Negotiation
• Policy development
• Zoning by-law administration
• Team building
• Customer service
• Contract administration
• Technical reporting
• Stakeholder management
• Mentoring
• Problem solving
• Community Planning
• Zoning Administration
• Supervision
• Strong Work Ethic
• Administrative Functions
• Planning
• Housekeeping
• Customer Service
• Confidentiality
• Conflict Resolution
• Consulting
• Contract Management
• Environmental Laws
• Expert Witness
• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Legislation
• Project Management
• Operations
• Planning Permission
• Coaching
• Request For Proposal
• Strategic Leadership
• Team Building
• Filing
• Balancing (Ledger/Billing)

• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Consulting
• Administrative
• Approvals Engineer
• Director of Urban / Transportation Planning
• Town and Traffic Planners
• Urban and Regional Planners

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

5+ years

Apply by

Sep 12, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

35 hours per week