Director of Planning Services
About the role
Job Description
Division: Planning Services
Department: Planning and Growth
Initial Reporting Location: Tom Davies Square
Job Status: Permanent position
Affiliation: Non union
Range of Pay: Group 17 $159,442.29 to $187,724.25 per annum
The start date will follow the selection process.
Main Function: The position reports to the General Manager of Planning and Growth and is accountable to drive the strategy and implementation of the Corporation’s land use planning related policies and initiatives; environmental initiatives; geographic information systems; surveys and mapping by leading the Planning Services Division in the successful accomplishment of quality customer service outcomes and the annual Business Plan.
Division of time by area of accountability: develop and oversee delivery of core mandate 70%; participate in enterprise leadership 30%.
Duties:
- Prepare and execute an annual Business Plan covering all mandated services of the Planning Services Division in concert with the budgeting process. The Plan will detail service goals, expected service/performance outputs, resource inputs required to achieve the outputs, and the performance measures used to assess the Division’s performance against the goals.
- Provide direction and overall co-ordination of the following functional areas: development approvals, development engineering, community and strategic planning including the Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-Law, climate action and environmental planning initiatives, land restoration initiatives, lake water quality initiatives, Earthcare initiatives, geographic information, surveys and mapping.
- Act as principle planning advisor and spokesperson for City of Greater Sudbury (CGS) before Planning Committee and Council, and other Committees and Boards on planning matters, prepare submissions and represent the City at LPAT as required, and represent the Division on other local or provincial general or special purpose committees as well as before the general public on planning services related issues.
- Provide leadership in community planning and development by identifying, analysing, developing, obtaining approvals and funding to implement strategic projects and initiatives, which foster quality growth and development of CGS or address key issues.
- Direct and review the development of various planning studies, reports, official plans, community improvement plans and their implementation by-laws, and present the same to appropriate authorities, key stakeholders and the general public.
- Provide information, advice and recommendations to developers, investors, consultants, government agencies and Council with respect to development applications, implementing by-laws and documents, and formally liaise with the development sector through the Development Liaison Advisory Committee.
- Monitor existing planning policies which guide community growth and development and propose new policies or revisions to existing planning documents where appropriate. Direct and supervise the implementation of all policies and directives on planning matters adopted by Council, and co-ordinate the implementation activities with other Departments and outside agencies.
- Facilitate broader public input, consultation and consensus building activities on planning matters and foster the establishment of meaningful community partnerships.
- Manage the financial, human and physical resources of the Division in alignment with CGS’s vision and values and in accordance with the annual Business Plan.
- Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of CGS's Safety Manual and the applicable Provincial Legislation listed therein.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications:
Education and Training:
- University degree in Planning or a related discipline from a recognized University.
- Registered Ontario Professional Planner and full membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
- Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is an asset.
- Obtain IMS 200 within the first year of employment and participate in regular training as required.
- Additional educational initiatives to update and expand competencies.
Experience:
- Minimum of ten (10) years directly related planning and development experience at a senior management level in a large unionized, and highly diversified public or private sector organization, including four (4) years managing a similar function.
- Municipal experience desirable.
Knowledge Of:
- CGS’s priorities.
- Applicable legislation and related regulations particularly the Ontario Planning Act.
- Current and emerging management issues within CGS as they affect the Planning Services Division.
- Community planning and development research, methodologies, analysis, and implementation tools.
- Best practices within areas of responsibility.
- Horizontal linkage to other relevant government agencies and services (particularly Ontario Ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources, Environment, Transportation, Northern Development and Mines and Agriculture) as well as the private sector.
Abilities To:
- Understand and meet the needs of customers.
- Prepare operating and capital budgets for the Division.
- Translate CGS’s vision for others both within and outside CGS.
- Build the values of CGS into Divisional programs, services and policies.
- Prepare an effective Business Plan for the Division.
- Set and achieve high standards for the Division.
- Align systems to facilitate better service for the citizens of CGS.
- Successfully negotiate planning and development applications.
- Co-ordinate a large technical/professional staff with senior responsibilities.
- Link programs, services and policies of the Division to broad policy objectives of CGS.
- Create enthusiasm and motivation for employees within the Division to pursue CGS’s targets.
- Create and respond appropriately to a continuous learning environment.
- Balance conflicting demands from stakeholders.
- Anticipate and manage the financial, human and physical resources of the Division in a collaborative manner.
- Manage conflict; mediate disputes; assist in reaching consensus.
- Respond quickly to emerging opportunities or risks.
- Share power horizontally and vertically.
- Provide a stabilizing influence within the Division.
Personal Suitability:
- Mental and physical fitness to perform essential job functions.
Language:
- Excellent use of English; verbally and in writing.
- French verbal skills highly desirable; written skills an asset.
Other Requirements:
- May require the use of a personal or CGS vehicle on CGS business. Must be physically capable of operating a vehicle safely, possess a valid driver’s licence, have an acceptable driving record, and personal insurance coverage.
Competencies: Competency Library - Level 3 Proficiency
This job is also being posted as a development opportunity. Should there be no fully qualified candidate for this position, a candidate who can be expected to meet the required qualifications within a reasonable period of time may be considered for this position as a development opportunity.
Development opportunity range of pay: $148,790.88 to $175,227.57 per annum. The successful candidate will be paid at the reduced range until the minimum qualifications have been met.
How To Apply
If you are viewing this job posting through a website other than the City of Greater Sudbury's, please visit www.greatersudbury.ca/jobs to apply online.
We must receive your resume before 11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025. For those providing a French language resume, please also include an English version.
- Follow the step by step application process.
- Ensure you attached a cover letter and resume. Acceptable file types are:
- .doc
- .docx
- .txt
- .rtf
- Upon submission of your application, you will get a confirmation on the screen that your application has been successfully submitted. You will also receive an e-mail confirmation to the e-mail address on your profile.
All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted, and you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process you must advise the Hiring Manager.
Live outside Canada or new to Canada?
The City of Greater Sudbury is dedicated to maintaining a fair, inclusive, and equitable work environment and our City welcomes qualified applicants from anywhere. To learn more about working in Canada, visit this webpage: Applicants Living Outside of Canada (greatersudbury.ca)
Contact Us:
For technical difficulties, issues, questions or accommodations with an application made online email myJOBS@greatersudbury.ca
#LI-DNI
About Greater Sudbury
Welcome to the City of Greater Sudbury, a growing community recognized for innovation, leadership and a great northern lifestyle.
As an employee of our municipality, you get to enjoy working as a part of a team which enhances the quality of life for our residents. We provide a great employment experience which leads to a great resident experience. If you are passionate about our community, its people and its future, join our team and we can work together for an even better Greater Sudbury.
Our work is service driven and there are hundreds of technical, professional and operational roles that provide service to residents and businesses in our community. Local government provides an unparalleled environment to see your work transformed into a positive contribution to your city.
Director of Planning Services
About the role
Job Description
Division: Planning Services
Department: Planning and Growth
Initial Reporting Location: Tom Davies Square
Job Status: Permanent position
Affiliation: Non union
Range of Pay: Group 17 $159,442.29 to $187,724.25 per annum
The start date will follow the selection process.
Main Function: The position reports to the General Manager of Planning and Growth and is accountable to drive the strategy and implementation of the Corporation’s land use planning related policies and initiatives; environmental initiatives; geographic information systems; surveys and mapping by leading the Planning Services Division in the successful accomplishment of quality customer service outcomes and the annual Business Plan.
Division of time by area of accountability: develop and oversee delivery of core mandate 70%; participate in enterprise leadership 30%.
Duties:
- Prepare and execute an annual Business Plan covering all mandated services of the Planning Services Division in concert with the budgeting process. The Plan will detail service goals, expected service/performance outputs, resource inputs required to achieve the outputs, and the performance measures used to assess the Division’s performance against the goals.
- Provide direction and overall co-ordination of the following functional areas: development approvals, development engineering, community and strategic planning including the Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-Law, climate action and environmental planning initiatives, land restoration initiatives, lake water quality initiatives, Earthcare initiatives, geographic information, surveys and mapping.
- Act as principle planning advisor and spokesperson for City of Greater Sudbury (CGS) before Planning Committee and Council, and other Committees and Boards on planning matters, prepare submissions and represent the City at LPAT as required, and represent the Division on other local or provincial general or special purpose committees as well as before the general public on planning services related issues.
- Provide leadership in community planning and development by identifying, analysing, developing, obtaining approvals and funding to implement strategic projects and initiatives, which foster quality growth and development of CGS or address key issues.
- Direct and review the development of various planning studies, reports, official plans, community improvement plans and their implementation by-laws, and present the same to appropriate authorities, key stakeholders and the general public.
- Provide information, advice and recommendations to developers, investors, consultants, government agencies and Council with respect to development applications, implementing by-laws and documents, and formally liaise with the development sector through the Development Liaison Advisory Committee.
- Monitor existing planning policies which guide community growth and development and propose new policies or revisions to existing planning documents where appropriate. Direct and supervise the implementation of all policies and directives on planning matters adopted by Council, and co-ordinate the implementation activities with other Departments and outside agencies.
- Facilitate broader public input, consultation and consensus building activities on planning matters and foster the establishment of meaningful community partnerships.
- Manage the financial, human and physical resources of the Division in alignment with CGS’s vision and values and in accordance with the annual Business Plan.
- Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of CGS's Safety Manual and the applicable Provincial Legislation listed therein.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications:
Education and Training:
- University degree in Planning or a related discipline from a recognized University.
- Registered Ontario Professional Planner and full membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
- Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is an asset.
- Obtain IMS 200 within the first year of employment and participate in regular training as required.
- Additional educational initiatives to update and expand competencies.
Experience:
- Minimum of ten (10) years directly related planning and development experience at a senior management level in a large unionized, and highly diversified public or private sector organization, including four (4) years managing a similar function.
- Municipal experience desirable.
Knowledge Of:
- CGS’s priorities.
- Applicable legislation and related regulations particularly the Ontario Planning Act.
- Current and emerging management issues within CGS as they affect the Planning Services Division.
- Community planning and development research, methodologies, analysis, and implementation tools.
- Best practices within areas of responsibility.
- Horizontal linkage to other relevant government agencies and services (particularly Ontario Ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources, Environment, Transportation, Northern Development and Mines and Agriculture) as well as the private sector.
Abilities To:
- Understand and meet the needs of customers.
- Prepare operating and capital budgets for the Division.
- Translate CGS’s vision for others both within and outside CGS.
- Build the values of CGS into Divisional programs, services and policies.
- Prepare an effective Business Plan for the Division.
- Set and achieve high standards for the Division.
- Align systems to facilitate better service for the citizens of CGS.
- Successfully negotiate planning and development applications.
- Co-ordinate a large technical/professional staff with senior responsibilities.
- Link programs, services and policies of the Division to broad policy objectives of CGS.
- Create enthusiasm and motivation for employees within the Division to pursue CGS’s targets.
- Create and respond appropriately to a continuous learning environment.
- Balance conflicting demands from stakeholders.
- Anticipate and manage the financial, human and physical resources of the Division in a collaborative manner.
- Manage conflict; mediate disputes; assist in reaching consensus.
- Respond quickly to emerging opportunities or risks.
- Share power horizontally and vertically.
- Provide a stabilizing influence within the Division.
Personal Suitability:
- Mental and physical fitness to perform essential job functions.
Language:
- Excellent use of English; verbally and in writing.
- French verbal skills highly desirable; written skills an asset.
Other Requirements:
- May require the use of a personal or CGS vehicle on CGS business. Must be physically capable of operating a vehicle safely, possess a valid driver’s licence, have an acceptable driving record, and personal insurance coverage.
Competencies: Competency Library - Level 3 Proficiency
This job is also being posted as a development opportunity. Should there be no fully qualified candidate for this position, a candidate who can be expected to meet the required qualifications within a reasonable period of time may be considered for this position as a development opportunity.
Development opportunity range of pay: $148,790.88 to $175,227.57 per annum. The successful candidate will be paid at the reduced range until the minimum qualifications have been met.
How To Apply
If you are viewing this job posting through a website other than the City of Greater Sudbury's, please visit www.greatersudbury.ca/jobs to apply online.
We must receive your resume before 11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025. For those providing a French language resume, please also include an English version.
- Follow the step by step application process.
- Ensure you attached a cover letter and resume. Acceptable file types are:
- .doc
- .docx
- .txt
- .rtf
- Upon submission of your application, you will get a confirmation on the screen that your application has been successfully submitted. You will also receive an e-mail confirmation to the e-mail address on your profile.
All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted, and you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process you must advise the Hiring Manager.
Live outside Canada or new to Canada?
The City of Greater Sudbury is dedicated to maintaining a fair, inclusive, and equitable work environment and our City welcomes qualified applicants from anywhere. To learn more about working in Canada, visit this webpage: Applicants Living Outside of Canada (greatersudbury.ca)
Contact Us:
For technical difficulties, issues, questions or accommodations with an application made online email myJOBS@greatersudbury.ca
#LI-DNI
About Greater Sudbury
Welcome to the City of Greater Sudbury, a growing community recognized for innovation, leadership and a great northern lifestyle.
As an employee of our municipality, you get to enjoy working as a part of a team which enhances the quality of life for our residents. We provide a great employment experience which leads to a great resident experience. If you are passionate about our community, its people and its future, join our team and we can work together for an even better Greater Sudbury.
Our work is service driven and there are hundreds of technical, professional and operational roles that provide service to residents and businesses in our community. Local government provides an unparalleled environment to see your work transformed into a positive contribution to your city.