Program Manager, Land Development and Subdivision

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)is inviting applications for one full-time, perm position of Program Manager, Land Development & Subdivision
HRM is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity & Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy, & we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians & Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities & 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application
Reporting to the Director of Development Services, the Land Development & Subdivision Program Manager (LDSPM) provides leadership & supervision to a team of professional, technical & administrative staff in a regional office. The LDSPM oversees the land development approval process & ensures the team’s timely processing of requests for land development & subdivision approval and responsible for ensuring that approvals, reports & recommendations meet professional standards, legislative requirements & the vision, goals and objectives.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accountable to the Director of Development Services for the effective administration, direction & management of the Land Development & Subdivision program.
• Act as Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) in application of the Municipal Government Act, HRM Charter, Heritage Property Act, Municipal Planning Strategies, Land Use By-Law & Subdivision By-Law including clear understanding of interrelationships.
• Accountable for performance of staff & ensuring work programs implement corporate & departmental strategies.
• Maintains knowledge base on best practices and develops processes and tools that support good planning & design emphasizing regulatory mechanisms.
• Participate with the Director & other division operation managers in the preparation & implementation of strategic action plans & business process initiatives to ensure that the services provided meet the goals & objectives of the Business Unit.
• Resolve conflict resulting from Business Unit activities (i.e. interpretive & procedural disputes with client, between other groups of divisions, non-compliance, etc).
• Respond professionally & appropriately to media enquiries (print,radio/television),as authorized by the Director, in relation to specific projects within respective program area.
• Provides on-going leadership by motivating, coaching, and empowering staff to advance operational objectives.
• Responsible for implementing & complying with HRM Corporate Occupational Health and Safety policies, Business Unit specific safety policies, the NS Occupational Health & Safety Act & the safety regulations applicable to the work activity
• Make recommendations to the Director regarding changes to municipal land use policy & implications of provincial legislation with respect to land use planning programs & policies

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:

• University Degree in Planning or a degree related to land development
• Must be Licensed Professional Planner of Nova Scotia
• Minimum eight (8) years of related professional planning experience, including supervisory experience, in an urban municipality. Proven planning experience in a rapid growth environment is preferred
• Must have proven leadership experience
• Demonstrated labour relations experience in managing both union & non-union workforces is considered an asset
• Experience with POSSE is considered an asset
• Graduation from HRM's Aspiring Leaders Program is considered an asset,& completion of the program is equivalent to one year of leadership experience

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strategic thinker with ability to relate areas of responsibility to corporate & departmental strategies & produce work programs, policies, & standards to implement said strategies.
• Advanced knowledge of planning practices & community design & theories & principles achieved through education or experience or a combination of both.
• Broad knowledge of federal & provincial legislation, standards & protocols, HRM Charter, municipal by-laws,& regional planning principles & plan preparation.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to seek out information from disparate sources & authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to balance multiple assignments based on agreed upon priorities
• Ability to exercise sound, independent, judgement & reach appropriate conclusions both from broad policies & guidelines & from research
• Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of management, staff, applicants, public, development community, elected representatives, community representatives, consultants & media
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically & develop strategically focused work programs with deliverables within prescribed time limits
• Excellent communication skills, especially in written & oral forms with good public presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups within an organization with integrity & enthusiasm while demonstrating trust & mutual support
• Experience in conflict resolution & facilitation

Security Clearance Requirements:Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check
Please note–Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical & job specific knowledge.Candidates,who are selected for testing,may be tested in a group setting,scheduled at the employer’s discretion
COMPETENCIES:Communication,Conflict Management,Decision Making,Managing Change,Developing Others, Customer Service Valuing Diversity,Values & Ethics, Networking/Relationship Building
WORK STATUS:Perm Full Time
HOURS OF WORK:Mon to Fri,8:30am to 4:30pm for 35 hours per week.Flex options to work outside of these hours & hybrid may be available
SALARY:NU 08:$89,570–$115,920.Salary will be determined based on relevant experience & qualifications related to the specified pay band/job.Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications,such as those with exceptional experience,specialized skills,or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role.This ensures fair & consistent compensation practices across the organization
WORK LOCATION:3rd floor Duke Tower(5251 Duke St,Halifax)
CLOSING DATE:Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 16, 2026
Please note:We thank all applicants for their interest in this position.Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted
To ensure a fair & equitable hiring process,candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments,& interviews independently & without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance.The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted & may result in disqualification from consideration
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications,including,but not limited to,educational credentials,professional licenses,& relevant certifications
During the recruitment process,applicants have the right to request an accommodation.Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) & who require an accommodation,should discuss needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process.For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax
(position #78620835)