General Manager of Planning and Community Services

at  WESTLOCK COUNTY

POSITION SUMMARY

The General Manager of Planning and Community Services is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Planning and Development, Economic Development and Community Services Departments to support the County’s commitment to excellence in municipal government. The General Manager will lead and provide strategic direction to reporting departments, ensuring programs, service delivery and evaluations are completed to meet service levels and ensure operational effectiveness.
The General Manager is responsible for long-range community planning, economic growth, and major contract management. The General Manager is also responsible for the overall land use planning and development activities in the County, ensuring strategic direction is aligned with organizational goals. The incumbent participates directly in the preparation of operational and capital budgets and is responsible for the hiring and managing of staff within reporting departments.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in Business or Public Administration, degree in Land Use Planning or equivalent, or a combination of related education and experience.
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in the planning field
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Senior Management Operations with supervisory experience preferred
• APPI Regulated members preferred
• Experience matching projects with grant funding opportunities, and developing grant applications is an asset

KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding of all aspects of business development from financing, land economics, marketing research, to real estate and building requirements
• Considerable breadth and depth of knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, provincial planning and development regulations and related statutes
• Good knowledge of project management practices and principles
• Business planning, budgeting and reporting
• General knowledge of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

SKILLS

• Skilled in building a positive workplace culture and has a successful track record coaching, mentoring, and developing staff in their career progression and growth
• Proficient in various computer programs including, but not limited to Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project), Adobe, AutoCAD, and ArcGIS
• Ability to work collaboratively, ensuring interpersonal skills contribute to effective team functioning and performance
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to provide accurate, clear and concise recommendations and supporting analysis in written and oral presentations
• Strategic and critical thinking and use of sound judgement and diplomacy to make recommendations
• Ability to adapt to varying workloads, proactively plan, establish priorities and allocate resources
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including public, staff and members of Council
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to monitor and adjust work plans to accomplish goals
• Achieve results in a complex organization and political environment in a way that builds and maintains trust and relationships

Under the supervision of the CAO, the duties and responsibilities of the General Manager of Planning and Community Services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare and implement short- and long-term goals and objectives to ensure bylaws, policies and practices within the department are consistent with Westlock County’s Strategic Plan
• Develops and manages department operating and capital budgets and long-range plans supporting goals and objectives of Council and CAO
• Maximizes efficiency and service delivery
• Provides senior leadership to reporting departments assigned to the General Manager of Planning and Community Services
• Responsible for recruitment, training and overall management of relevant personnel, departments, and consultants
• Ensures standards, policies and bylaws are developed, monitored for compliance and accuracy, and recommends additions or changes to CAO