Manager, Planning Services (TFT) (NU 10.26)

Located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Norfolk County is where big vision meets unlimited potential.

As one of Ontario’s largest single-tier municipalities and home to over 70,000 people, Norfolk is bold, diverse, and proudly local - a municipality that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and connection. Here, you’ll find endless opportunities to grow your skills, expand your ideas, and shape your career.

As the Manager, Planning Services, you’ll lead Norfolk County’s planning and heritage functions, guiding complex development applications from start to finish. You’ll shape responsible growth, ensure legislative compliance, and provide expert planning advice that supports well‑designed, thriving communities.

Big vision. Real opportunities. Unlimited potential. That’s Norfolk.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership mentorship that aligns with strategic County objectives, provincial requirements, and operational goals for the for the review and analysis of development applications.
• Manage and supervise all activities of staff of the Planning and Heritage functions, including reviewing needs and recommending changes, recruiting and selecting staff, and managing performance and developmental requirements.
• Oversee the development planning processes and policies including applications and submissions from the beginning of the process, including inquiries and pre-consultation meetings through to public hearing committee meeting and recommendation reports to Council, drafting of bylaws, and completion / review of development agreements. Ensure compliance with all applicable statutory-prescribed requirements under the Planning Act, and responsible for monitoring and reporting of same.
• Provide professional advice to staff, Council, Committee and agencies for the full range of development planning items including plans of subdivision/condominium, official plan and zoning amendments, site plan control, large/complex developments, consents and minor variances in both urban and rural environments.
• Review reports of Planners, and prepare reports as necessary, including Committee of Adjustment, Public Hearing Committee and Council in relation to development planning matters, ensuring good land use planning and consistency, while maintaining positive relationships with the public.
• In collaboration with the Director of Planning and Realty Services, act as Chair to the Site Plan Review Committee and for Pre-consultation Meetings.
• Assist in final determination of requirements for complete applications.
• Assist Planners to prepare as expert witness interpretation as required at the Ontario Land Tribunal and able to provide expert witness testimony as required.
• Manages budget and assists in preparation of budget projections and annual reporting for the Department.  Manage the Securities and Deposits for various Agreements (e.g., site plan agreements) and to work with the Agreement Coordinator to facilitate their completion.
• Assist with policy development and strategies to guide the growth of the municipality, ensuring compliance with the Planning Act, Ontario Heritage Act, Official Plan, zoning by-law and other by-laws.
• Provide technical support and advice to other divisions as required.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Planning and Realty Services to ensure on-going service delivery improvements such as customer service, processing and system improvements.
• Maintain ongoing awareness of current trends within Planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge and Experience:

• University Degree in Planning or related discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive municipal development planning experience including coaching and supervisory experience.
• Registered Professional Planner and Member in good standing of the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute required.
• Experience with the Ontario Land Tribunal and/or circumstances where professional credibility is required (e.g., expert testimony).

Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge and ability to interpret and apply applicable provincial and federal legislation, including the Heritage Act, Planning Act and Municipal Act.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills including demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional relationships within all levels of the organization, members of Council, internal and external stakeholders, government bodies and members of the public.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and review complex and varied types of planning application related staff reports, bylaws, and development agreements.
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to travel, attend meetings at various locations, work flexible hours including evening meetings as required.
• Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department specific software to data search and entry and to create and modify word processed documents.
• Experience and ability to interact and oversee a dynamic workforce working in a hybrid (in person and work from anywhere) environment.
• Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Benefits

Posting #: NU 10.26

Position: Manager, Planning Services

Position Code: 4PLSUP

Status: Temporary Full Time (date of hire until approximately December 31, 2026)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employee Group: Non-Union

Salary: $100,528 - $130,686 per annum

Hours Worked per Week: 35

Division: Community and Development Services

Department: Planning and Realty Services

Reports to: Director, Planning and Realty Services

Location: Simcoe, ON (combination of remote, in office and off-site work required based on operational requirements of the role)

Posting Period: March 10, 2026 - March 24, 2026

How to Apply:

• Ensure the file extension for your resume document is .doc, .docx or .pdf
• If you are electing to include a cover letter, the cover letter and resume must be uploaded as 1 file.

Find out more information about Norfolk County here: Employment at Norfolk County - NorfolkCounty.ca

The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

The Corporation of Norfolk County does not use Artificial Intelligence for the purpose of screening, assessing, or the selection of candidates.

Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.