The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)

With a mission to create a great city of communities that care about people, the environment, and opportunities to live, work, and prosper, Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities. This reflects the City’s record balancing exceptional achievements in urban planning and design, with the need to address social challenges and affordability, all while working to pursue bold climate action with the goal of reducing carbon pollution 50% by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050. As a result of its success, the City is used as a model for many other jurisdictions around the world interested in creating high density, sustainable, and livable urban centres.  With more than 8,000 employees and an annual operating expenditure in over $1.9 billion, the City of Vancouver has been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers.

Appointed by City Council and reporting to the City Manager, the General Manager, Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability provides leadership and direction for the City’s community planning, land use regulation and sustainability functions. The GM is the senior advisor to Council on matters pertaining to community planning and land use.

The GM leads a large team of professionals charged with guiding Vancouver’s ongoing development and preserving the quality of life that has made it so liveable. Within their scope of responsibility, the GM is mandated to address Vancouver’s housing affordability crisis and enable a rapid expansion of housing supply, along with associated amenities and infrastructure, to meet existing needs and the demands of a growing population over the coming decades. Ensuring that Vancouver’s planning and land use is conducive to a flourishing economy and job growth is also a priority.

The ideal candidate could be a designated planner with a demonstrated record of success in guiding the development and implementation of complex public policy, specifically in relation to urban planning and land use. Or alternatively, could be a generalist leader who has managed elements of a planning function. High integrity, strength of character, exceptional people leadership skills, as well as advanced influencing and negotiating skills are required. Possessing the presence and stature to generate respect among various internal and external stakeholder groups, the preferred candidate has the proven ability to create and articulate a “shared vision” and then inspire others to get behind it.

This is an excellent opportunity to work for a municipality that is globally recognized for its commitment to progressive planning.

To explore this opportunity further, please click apply.

The salary range for this role is CAD $233,060 – $302,678. The salary offered to the successful candidate will consider a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skillset, level of experience applicable to the role they are being offered and internal equity considerations.