City of Richmond

The City of Richmond is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager for our Development Department. As an integral member of the department’s leadership team, the Program Manager, Development supports and implements the vision and direction of City Council and the Director of Development. The incumbent is responsible for providing technical advice and interpretation of the City's Zoning Bylaw and development application processes, ensuring consistent application of regulations and effective distribution of information related to development planning across the City. The role also includes direct leadership and financial accountability for a team of staff responsible for delivering key projects and objectives.

The Program Manager, Development will regularly demonstrate their deep knowledge of community planning theory, practice, and trends as they apply to the Canadian context, while providing expert-level advice, guidance, and direction on planning and development matters. The role will be a strong leader and mentor, managing and coordinating staff and/or contracted worker, and display their ability to work build and work within a team environment.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide leadership, daily management, and direction to staff, including hiring, assigning responsibilities, evaluating performance, coaching, career development, training, mentoring, and implementing progressive discipline as necessary. This includes selecting, managing, and evaluating auxiliary staff as needed.
• Train and orient Development application staff, develop new organizational procedures, and ensure consistent application of City bylaws and policies.
• Provide technical expertise and interpret the City's Zoning Bylaw, sign off on new land use bylaws, policies, and amendments to the Zoning Bylaw as required, and ensure supportive policies and procedures guide zoning bylaw interpretation.
• Guide and assist team members in processing complex development applications, including negotiation with applicants, agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Review Development Permit Panel reports to ensure procedural and technical acceptability, address development permit conditions, and facilitate permit adoption by City Council.
• Provide and prepare information, guidance, briefings, and updates, and respond to inquiries.
• Prepare and present development reports at Committee and Council meetings.
• Represent the City on development-related initiatives on internal and external committees as required.
• Provide guidance and direction to staff in preparing reports, communications, presentations, and research for City Council and senior management. Review and interpret confidential and sensitive information, including issues, personnel matters, contract negotiations, and Closed Council material.
• Act as one of the City’s Approving Officers.
• Develop, prepare, and review departmental policies, strategies, and plans by assessing and analyzing confidential personnel and labour relations information, including material related to discipline and discharge, collective bargaining, attendance, budget and finances, and employee health and welfare.
• Collaborate with City departments, advisory committees, government and community agencies, and the general public to ensure sound information, services, and advice are provided, and the City’s interests are professionally and effectively represented.

Qualifications & Education

The ideal candidate will have completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Architecture, or a related discipline, with a Master’s degree in Planning being preferred. They should have 10 years of experience in municipal planning or development planning, with specific relevant experience in land use planning, bylaw preparation, and legal document preparation and review, particularly a working knowledge and understanding of various provincial government Acts and regulations is essential. Experience leading and managing a professional team is also preferred.

Additional skills include strong conflict resolution abilities, the capacity to work collaboratively and build relationships with other levels of government, community members, and organizations, and the ability to demonstrate sound judgment, diplomacy, and an understanding of the organization’s strategic priorities. Excellent communication skills are essential, including high-quality written work, drafting public consultation material, and delivering presentations. The candidate must maintain a high degree of confidentiality, handle sensitive information with discretion, and possess excellent decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical skills. The ability to work independently, deliver results, and exercise independent judgment within a political and regulatory environment is crucial.

The successful candidate should be eligible for membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), Planning Institute of BC or the Architectural Institute of BC.

Please APPLY here: https://tre.tbe.taleo.net/tre01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=TRQS8M&cws=37&rid=2024