Hybrid Director of Planning – Chief Planner

at City of Hamilton, Ohio

• Job title: Director of Planning – Chief Planner
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: CA$164,700 - CA$205,875 per year
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Hamilton, Canada

About the role

• Chief Planner leading planning services for the City of Hamilton. Responsible for aligning divisional goals with city and provincial guidelines and managing resource allocation.

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the General Manager of Planning and Economic Development, the Chief Planner provides visionary leadership to a diverse team delivering high-quality planning services to the public and the development community.
• Set divisional goals, recommend policies, and ensure alignment with City and Provincial guidelines.
• Develop and manage the Division’s annual capital and operating budgets, ensuring effective use of financial and staff resources.
• Implement best practices and customer service improvements for efficient, high-quality service delivery.
• Direct key planning functions including community planning, urban design, development approvals, zoning reform, and development/business facilitation.
• Provide professional advice and reports to Council, committees, and stakeholders on planning initiatives and development applications.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of urban and regional planning, municipal administration, and relevant legislation, supported by a graduate degree and senior management experience.
• Full professional membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) and Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation.
• Proven leadership, strategic visioning, negotiation, and communication skills, with a track record of managing multidisciplinary teams, working across teams and delivering customer-focused services.