Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for one full-time, permanent position of Manager Planned Growth with Planning & Development.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Projects, the Manager, Planned Growth provides leadership and supervision to a team of professional and technical staff in a regional office.

The Manager, Planned Growth oversees a multidisciplinary planning team, ensuring the management of complex, anticipated planning projects. The team’s focus is centered on projects within areas dedicated to expected growth within the Regional Centre and master planned communities elsewhere within the municipality, and to ensure the approvals, reports and recommendations for those projects further the vision, goals and objectives of the organization. The team also provides leadership on other strategic projects as directed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accountable to the Director of Strategic Projects for the effective administration, direction and management of the Planned Growth team
• Accountable for performance of staff and ensuring work programs implement corporate and departmental strategies.
• Acts as Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) in application of the HRM Charter, Heritage Property Act, Municipal Planning Strategies, Land Use By-Laws and Subdivision By-Law including a clear understanding of their interrelationships
• Maintains knowledge base on best practices and develops processes and tools that support good planning & design emphasizing regulatory mechanisms.
• Develops and fosters the vision of the Regional Planning framework, clearly articulating the goals and objectives through the urban and rural application programs
• Ensures consistent, fair and reasoned interpretations of municipal land use policies and bylaws related to the review of Land Development and Subdivision applications
• Perform specific duties including active involvement in community planning processes, report preparation and formulating recommendations related to planning strategy amendments/reviews, re-zonings, land use by-law amendments, development agreements, permits, inspections, implementation and special projects
• Negotiates with affected parties on land use planning and development matters
• Ensure legislative and corporate procedures as well as processes related to public consultation for development or discretionary approvals are followed
• Participates with the Director and other division operation managers in the preparation and implementation of strategic action plans and business process initiatives to ensure that the services provided meet the goals and objectives of the business unit
• Resolves conflicts resulting from business unit activities (i.e. interpretive and procedural disputes with client, between other groups of divisions, non-compliance, etc.)
• Responds professionally and appropriately to media enquiries (print, radio and television), as authorized by the Director, in relation to specific projects within respective program area
• Directs the development of, in partnership with all stakeholders, policy options and analysis on complex development issues for the Business Unit and/or organization
• Develops annual work program for the program area, ensuring that it reflects corporate and departmental strategies and priorities. Responsible for budgets, deliverables, resources and related schedules.
• Provides input into short and long term business plans for the unit
• Maintains standard operating procedures within the programs areas
• Works with program managers in P&D and managers of other business units to achieve departmental and corporate outcomes
• Collaborates in the development of the strategic direction for the division
• Sets priorities on the delivery of services and ensures service level standards are met
• Facilitates change to enhance effectiveness and efficiency
• Leads through integrity, credibility and by example
• Challenges the status quo and champion new initiatives
• Ensures employees have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities
• Sets goals through consulting others with a vested interest and provides a supportive environment to achieve deliverables
• Leads and develops standards for managing program risks.
• Oversees the development, management and the implementation of the operating & capital budget and monthly projections for the program area
• Manage operational aspects of the operating budget by reviewing and authorizing travel expense reports, purchasing (office supplies and furniture) within prescribed guidelines.
• Manages external consulting projects as requested by the Manager
• Monitors and evaluates service delivery/ plans and implements improvements.
• Develops and leads a high performing team of professional staff
• Coordinates, assigns and monitors work performance
• Provides direction, support and coaching to employees in achieving service deliverables
• Recruits and makes effective hiring decisions based on Human Resource Policies
• Monitors and holds staff accountable for their behavior and performance
• Evaluates employee performance and take corrective action, including disciplinary action, as required
• Makes effective recommendations with regards to termination of employment
• Effectively administers collective agreements
• Responsible for training and development plans, performance objectives and review of the section staff; sets and recommends benchmarks and performance measures for the staff and department
• Provides leadership in the development of a positive work environment and promotes professional behaviour in relationships
• Mediates conflicts between employees and between employees and clients;
• Provides on-going leadership by motivating, coaching, and empowering staff to advance operational objectives; accountable for staff awareness and adherence to all corporate policies
• Rewards and recognizes the contributions of staff
• Ensures HRM Human Resources policies are followed.
• Responsible for implementing and complying with HRM Corporate Occupational Health and Safety policies, Business Unit (BU) specific safety policies, the NS Occupational Health & Safety Act and the safety regulations applicable to the work activity;
• Accountable and responsible for work safety environment of the division by: ensuring that equipment, machines, facilities and materials are maintained in a safe operating condition; reporting accidents, incidents and near miss events to the BU Director and the HRM Corporate Safety Group, ensuring workplace hazard assessment processes/procedures are carried out and that documents is completed which can be used to track/identify and monitor unsafe conditions as per established procedures and by taking appropriate corrective measures as needed and required;
• Supervises and advises staff on actual and/or potential workplace hazards for the development, implementation and monitoring of safe work procedures and practices and that appropriate training is available and required;
• Promotes and encourages staff participation, involvement and cooperation with management and the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) in the development of effective safe work procedures and practices resulting in a successful HRM Occupational Safety Program that is appropriate to HRM and any work activity that is unique to a specific Business Unit;
• Seeks advice from the Corporate Safety Group as required.
• Leads and supervises professional, technical and support staff in the fulfillment of their assigned duties; coordinate work assignments, and preparation of staff reports and recommendations to Councils;
• Ensures employees provide reliable and timely advice to clients, members of Council and the public relative to processes and procedures and the content of proposed development agreements and amendments to municipal planning strategies and land use by-laws;
• Leads special projects as required by the Manager (i.e.: process reviews, urban design projects, major land use policy reviews, etc.);
• Establishes and implements procedures to ensure overall efficiencies among development, engineering inspections and other approvals in the review of planning application;
• Monitors regulatory/policy changes within HRM and by other agencies which may have implications on development project approvals. Communicate changes to appropriate staff and provide training and coaching as required;
• Manages established performance measures of the development approval programs and insures that standards are met;
• Establishes and maintains positive and effective relationships with the public, development industry, and industry clients, other municipal and provincial staff and Council, in support of business unit goals and objectives;
• Makes recommendations to the Manager regarding changes to municipal land use policy and the implications of provincial legislation with respect to land use planning programs and policies;
• Through oversight, ensures staff performance meets corporate standards and those of the Licensed Professional Planners of Nova Scotia and the Professional Standards Board and Committee.
• May perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• University Degree in Planning or a degree related to land development
• Must be Licensed Professional Planner of Nova Scotia
• Minimum eight (8) years of related professional planning experience, including supervisory experience, in an urban municipality.
• Proven planning experience in a rapid growth environment is preferred
• Must have proven progressive leadership experience
• Demonstrated labour relations experience in managing both union and non-union work forces is considered an asset.
• Graduation from HRM's Aspiring Leaders Program is considered an asset, and completion of the program is equivalent to one year of leadership experience.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strategic thinker with ability to relate areas of responsibility to corporate and departmental strategies and produce work programmes, policies, and standards to implement said strategies.
• Advanced knowledge of planning practices and community design and theories and principles achieved through education or experience or a combination of both.
• Knowledge of municipal zoning by-laws and standards.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to seek out information from disparate sources and authorities. Ability to create viable plans, policies and standards based in research findings.
• Knowledge of secondary plan preparation with related experience, preferably in a municipal environment.
• Knowledge of organizations, organization dynamics, supervision and human resources administration.
• Extensive and practical knowledge of planning theories and practices related to urban and rural development.
• Demonstrated ability to balance multiple assignments based on agreed upon priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound, independent, judgement and reach appropriate conclusions both from broad policies and guidelines and from research.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of management, staff, applicants, public, development community, elected representatives, community representatives, consultants and media.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop strategically-focused work programs with deliverables within prescribed time limits.
• Excellent communication skills, especially in written and oral forms with good public presentation skills.
• Ability to influence all levels of management and politicians through presentation of sound, fact-based materials & plans
• Broad knowledge of federal and provincial legislation, standards and protocols, HRM Charter, municipal by-laws, and regional planning principles and plan preparation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups within an organization with integrity and enthusiasm while demonstrating trust and mutual support
• Experience in conflict resolution and facilitation.

**Security Clearance Requirements:**Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical & job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

**COMPETENCIES:**Communication, Conflict Management, Decision Making, Managing Change, Developing Others, Valuing Diversity, Values & Ethics

**WORK STATUS:**Permanent Full Time Position

**HOURS OF WORK:**Monday to Friday,8:30am to 4:30pm for 35 hours per week.Flex options to work outside of these hours & hybrid may be available

**SALARY:**NU 08:$89,570 – $115,920.Salary will be determined based on relevant experience & qualifications related to the specified pay band and job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications,such as those with exceptional experience,specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role.This ensures fair and consistent compensation practices across the organization

**WORK LOCATION:**3rd floor Duke Tower(5251 Duke Street, Halifax)

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on Sept 15, 2025

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position.Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted

To ensure a fair & equitable hiring process,candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance.The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration

During the recruitment process,applicants have the right to request an accommodation.Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) & who require an accommodation,should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process.For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(position #78627629)