Chief Building Official

Job summary

The Chief Building Official oversees the building regulatory framework, ensuring public safety and advancing innovative building policies. This role leads a large, diverse team responsible for inspections, regulatory compliance, and policy development while collaborating with senior civic leaders and industry stakeholders.

Job details

Requisition ID: 47299 Organization Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents. With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication. The City of Vancouver is seeking an outstanding and visionary leader to serve as its Chief Building Official (CBO). This is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for overseeing Vancouver's building regulatory framework, ensuring public safety, advancing innovative building policies, and supporting the development of one of Canada's most dynamic cities. Reporting to the General Manager, Development, Buildings and Licensing, this role leads a large, diverse organization of professional, technical, and inspection staff, including oversight of teams responsible for building, plumbing, gas, and electrical inspections, building policy development, alternative solutions, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will work closely with senior civic leaders, industry stakeholders, professional associations, and government partners. Beyond technical expertise, we are looking for a visionary leader who can inspire teams, build strong partnerships, and drive continuous improvement in service delivery. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, industry representatives, professional associations, government agencies, and community stakeholders to advance the City's priorities. What We're Looking For We are seeking a seasoned executive with: A degree in Engineering or Architecture and eligibility for professional registration in British Columbia. Extensive experience in building regulation, construction, code administration, inspections, permitting, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience, including responsibility for large, complex teams and operations. Demonstrated success leading unionized and non-unionized workforces, regulatory programs, policy development, and organizational change. Expert knowledge of the National Building Code, BC Building Code, Vancouver Building By-law, and building regulatory practices. Mandatory Requirement To ensure candidates possess the depth of expertise required for this statutory leadership position, applicants must have: Previous Chief Building Official or Deputy Chief Building Official experience, OR be a Certified Professional (CP) in British Columbia. This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of Vancouver's built environment while leading one of the most respected building regulatory organizations in Canada. You will play a critical role in shaping public policy, advancing service excellence, and ensuring the safety and livability of a growing world-class city. A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position. Business Unit/Department: Development, Buildings & Licensing Affiliation: Exempt Employment Type: Regular Full Time Salary Information: Pay Grade 131: $164,419 to $216,330 per annum Application Close: October 18, 2026 At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).More about unceded traditional territories Before you click Apply now Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date. In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.

What you’ll do

The Chief Building Official oversees the building regulatory framework, ensuring public safety and advancing innovative building policies. This role leads a large, diverse team responsible for inspections, regulatory compliance, and policy development while collaborating with senior civic leaders and industry stakeholders.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a degree in Engineering or Architecture with eligibility for professional registration in British Columbia. A minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience is required, along with specific expertise in building codes and previous experience as a Chief or Deputy Chief Building Official or Certified Professional.

Listed skills

• Policy development · Preferred
• Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Building regulation
• Construction
• Code administration
• Inspections
• Permitting
• Leadership
• Policy development
• Regulatory compliance
• Strategic planning
• Stakeholder management
• Public safety
• Organizational change
• Team management
• National Building Code
• BC Building Code
• Vancouver Building By-law
• Influencing Skills
• Influencing Without Authority
• Organizational Change Management
• Urban Sustainability
• Policy Development
• Executive Leadership
• Organizational Leadership
• Ethical Standards And Conduct
• Reconciliation
• Building Codes
• Built Environment
• Regulatory Compliance
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Governance
• Innovation
• Plumbing
• Operations
• Public Policies
• Visionary

Job areas

• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Construction
• Engineering
• Chief Building Official
• Vice President of Engineering
• Manufacturing Managers
• Architectural and Engineering Managers