POSITION SUMMARY

The General Manager of Planning and Community Services reports to the Chief Administrative Officer and is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Planning and Services, 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(s) 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 Membership 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 contributes 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 the public, staff and members of Council.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to monitor and adjust work plans to accomplish goals.
• Achieving 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:
• Preparing and implementing short- and long-term goals and objectives to ensure bylaws, policies and practices within the department are consistent with Westlock County’s Strategic Plan.
• Developing and managing department operating and capital budgets and long-range plans supporting goals and objectives of Council and CAO.
• Maximizing efficiency and service delivery.
• Providing senior leadership to the 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.
• Ensuring standards, policies and bylaws are developed, monitored for compliance and accuracy, and recommends additions or changes to CAO.