Director of Urban Planning

Description of the company:

Our client is a well-established, family-built integrated land development company that has been shaping the Kitchener-Waterloo region for over four decades. They focus on creating thoughtful, lasting communities and have a strong reputation for thinking carefully about how urban form impacts the people who live there.

Why is this role open:

The company is growing and wants a senior planning leader to head up their planning division, mentor a multidisciplinary team, and act as a thought leader across the business. This person will report directly to the Co-CEOs and will have a meaningful seat at the table on strategic decisions.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of planners, designers, and technical staff, building a collaborative and accountable culture while supporting recruitment, coaching, and professional growth.
• Oversee a wide range of planning and development applications including Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Draft Plans of Subdivision, and Site Plans, taking complex files from due diligence through approvals.
• Lead Ontario Land Tribunal matters, including strategy, expert coordination, and participation in hearings.
• Coordinate consultant teams (architects, urban designers, landscape architects, legal, environmental) and act as the key liaison with municipalities, agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Partner with senior leadership on long-term growth planning, project prioritization, and business development, including identifying new land and partnership opportunities.
• Provide planning input into development budgets, financial models, and proformas, working closely with finance and development teams on project viability.

Must-haves:

• A degree or graduate degree in Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, or Urban Design, plus an RPP designation. CIP membership is preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressively senior planning experience, ideally in land development or consulting.
• Proven experience leading planning approvals and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong working knowledge of Ontario planning legislation and municipal approval processes.
• Hands-on experience with Ontario Land Tribunal processes.
• A valid Class G driver's license.

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience reviewing development proformas and financial feasibility.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, SketchUp, or similar design and planning software.
• A strong grounding in urban design principles and community-building.

Work style: In-office, Kitchener Ontario

Compensation: $130,000 to $145,000 base, plus a full benefits package and performance-based incentives.

Know someone great? We offer a $500 referral bonus for successful hires. If you refer someone who's hired through Axis Recruitment, we'll send you a thank-you bonus after their first 3 months.

Compensation Disclosure

Compensation for all roles Axis recruits for is multi-faceted and based on a range of factors including experience, skills, location, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may include performance-based bonuses, incentives, and a comprehensive benefits offering, in accordance with applicable Employment Standards Act (ESA) requirements. Final compensation will be discussed during the interview process. We do not request or consider compensation history. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process.

DEI Disclosure

At Axis, we consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, colour, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristic protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We don't post all of the open positions so you might be a fit for a different role!