General Manager of Community Planning and Sustainability

• A unique opportunity to utilize your leadership skills and management experience in one of BC's fastest-growing municipalities
• Lead a team dedicated to providing exceptional public service and enhancing the livability and sustainability of our community
• Enjoy a highly attractive annual salary plus top-notch benefits

About the District of Squamish

The District of Squamish is a progressive and growing community with a palpable positive energy and a strong focus on the great outdoors. Our friendly, small-town setting, spectacular natural environment, and world-class recreational opportunities offer an incredible live-work-play lifestyle that few places can beat. Bike, ski, sail, run, climb, hike, and explore our thriving arts, culture, and heritage scene – in your own backyard. Use some of that time you will save on the commute for life balance!

Our primary objective is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our people. When possible, we promote from within, making the District a great place to grow and further your career. Having fun at work is one of our top priorities and key to having an amazing team culture, and we strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, as well as a learning-focused organization. The opportunity to contribute to the success of our beautiful community is something we are all privileged to experience every day. We are a team of fun-loving yet highly dedicated and hardworking professionals who are committed to continuous learning, improvement, and excellence in service to our citizens.

For more information, please visit our website.

About the Opportunity

Currently, we are seeking a full-time General Manager of Community Planning and Sustainability to join our team in Squamish, BC.  

At the District of Squamish, General Managers possess and demonstrate strategic thinking, long term visioning, innovative problem solving, and bring a business focus to the delivery of service. These core leaders motivate employees to achieve their best and grow in their careers.  

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, you will provide leadership and direction at both the strategic and operational levels to a highly qualified team of senior managers of Community Planning, Building Permitting and Inspection, Economic Development, Engineering, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability.  

Key accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working closely with the other members of the Core Leadership Team to achieve the overall vision of the organization and the community
• Fostering the growth and development of direct reports and supporting the organization's learning culture
• Positioning the District as a leader in sustainable community service delivery by developing and enhancing standards, policies, and operations
• Establishing long-term financial plans for departments, in collaboration with senior managers and the General Manager team
• Establishing, monitoring and nurturing effective working relationships with all external and internal stakeholders within and on behalf of the District    
• Assisting other departments, agencies, community groups, property owners, associations, clubs and the public with advice and consultation
• Leading teams to pursue funding and service delivery options within the portfolio including grant applications, procurement options, and partnerships
• Participating in Council meetings and Committee meetings as required; providing guidance and assistance to direct reports
• Investing significant amounts of time in fostering the growth and development of direct reports
• Leading by example; modeling behaviour desired of staff and aligning own behavior with the organization’s vision and values
• Using business acumen and understanding of the organization’s internal and external environment to develop solutions to manage risk
• Developing and implementing strategies to transition from the current to the future situation, creating an environment that accommodates change

About You

To qualify you will need at least 7 years of progressive experience at a senior management level, ideally in local government, as well as a degree in a related field (post-graduate studies in management and leadership (MBA) would be an asset), an equivalent combination of education, training and experience will also be considered. You are someone who can operate within high levels of government.

The following skills are essential to success in this role:

• Extensive knowledge of the Local Government Act, Community Charter, and other Acts, regulations, and bylaws relevant to local government
• Knowledge of Provincial legislation and Regulations that affect specific policy decisions of the District
• An in-depth understanding of best practices and principles in advanced business management
• Familiarity with the District's strengths, opportunities, challenges, and culture
• Proven negotiation skills and excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage conflict effectively
• Experience creating effective systems to manage workflow and leading high-performing teams
• Exceptional ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior staff, employees, elected officials, First Nations, and other agencies
• Expertise in providing sound advice and writing effective reports and recommendations
• Budget preparation and administration skills
• Flexibility and the ability to handle a diverse and complex workload

Lastly, you are an experienced, inclusive leader with a passion for motivating, leading and developing direct reports to provide exceptional customer service in an environment that supports the organization's mission, core values, goals, agenda, culture, tone, and policy.

What We Offer 

As a valued member of our team, you will be rewarded with a highly attractive annual salary, as well as comprehensive benefits, including:

• Excellent health and paramedical benefits package
• Opportunities to work on a variety of exciting projects for community development
• Generous pension plan
• 70-hour, 9-day bi-weekly work schedule (3-day weekend every second week)
• Live and work in one of the most stunning places in the province
• And many more!

If you tick all of these boxes and believe you will thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!