Director, Growth Management and Chief Development Engineer
About the City of Hamilton
The City of Hamilton is a dynamic and rapidly evolving urban centre, recognized for its commitment to sustainable growth, innovative city-building, and vibrant communities. As Chief Planner, you will join a municipality that values progressive planning, responsible development, and the preservation of natural assets such as its extensive waterfront and green spaces. Hamilton’s diverse neighborhoods, ambitious infrastructure projects, and focus on inclusive, forward-thinking urban design make it an exciting environment for planning professionals who want to shape the future of one of Canada’s most unique cities.
About the Role
Reporting to the General Manager of Planning and Economic Development, the Director of Growth Management and Chief Development Engineer is the driving force behind implementing the City’s planning and development agenda. This role sits at a Departmental Leadership Team that improves processes, ensures approvals, and puts in place infrastructure that enables the city to grow, build, and thrive. Leading a multi-disciplinary team, the Director oversees a complex and high‑impact portfolio that translates approved plans into action, ensuring sustainable growth, land use, and infrastructure planning keeping pace with demand. Operating in a fast‑moving, high‑stakes environment, the role requires decisive leadership, strategic foresight, and the ability to deliver results amid constant development pressure. As a key member of the Planning and Economic Development Department’s Leadership Team, the Director of Growth Management and Chief Development Engineer will be a values-based leader that drives results through teamwork, collaboration, and fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, and high performance.
Key Responsibilities
Division Leadership & Accountability
- Provides overall leadership, direction, and accountability for the Growth Management Division.
- Leads a multi-disciplinary team, setting high performance expectations through coaching, mentorship, and clear accountability.
- Upholds the highest ethical and professional standards while managing highly confidential corporate information.
Growth Management & City‑Building
- Directs integrated growth management programs that support the City of Hamilton’s strategic vision and long‑term sustainability.
- Ensures coordinated, orderly, and timely development of land to meet the evolving needs of residents and businesses.
- Aligns growth and development with City policies, programs, and legislative requirements, including implementation of the City’s climate change action strategy.
Development, Infrastructure & Construction Oversight
- Oversees development approvals, including engineering design and development approvals.
- Leads infrastructure planning functions such as environmental assessments, capital planning and budgeting, stormwater management, and growth monitoring.
- Directs development staging, subdivision and development agreement administration, legislative approvals, and employment land initiatives.
- Oversees construction implementation, inspections, commissioning, and acceptance of municipal infrastructure.
Strategic Planning, Policy & Advisory Services
- Develops and implements long‑range strategies, policies, and programs to achieve mandated goals and service objectives.
- Provides professional advice to senior leadership and Council on development approvals and growth‑related initiatives.
- Participates in corporate and divisional strategic planning and contributes as a member of the Departmental Leadership Team, including acting as General Manager when required.
Operational Excellence, People & Stakeholder Management
- Oversees annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring effective use of financial, staff, and operational resources.
- Establishes priorities, performance measures, and work programs; oversees staffing, performance management, and workforce development.
- Promotes customer service excellence, teamwork, and cross‑departmental collaboration.
- Represents the Division publicly at Council, committees, public meetings, and with media and external agencies.
- Ensures compliance with all provincial and federal legislation, municipal by‑laws, health and safety requirements, and City policies.
Qualifications
- Licensed Professional Engineer (PEO) or equivalent with senior experience in development approvals, ideally in Ontario; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an asset.
- Proven leader with experience managing large, multidisciplinary, unionized teams and delivering customer‑focused, results‑driven outcomes.
- Strong expertise in growth management, infrastructure staging, green development, climate resilience, and continuous improvement.
- Strategic communicator with the ability to work effectively with elected officials, senior leaders, industry stakeholders, and the public.
To apply for this key role, submit your application to Phelps by clicking: https://rebrand.ly/ev11b0j
Application deadline: March 16, 2026
AI will not be used in the candidate screening process.
This is an existing position with a current vacancy.
To learn more information, visit our website at https://phelpsgroup.ca/
