Director Planning

The Opportunity 

The Director of Planning and Development will be responsible for progressing projects through initial site review, reviewing existing planning constraints, assessing overall massing/density that could likely be approved on the site and working closely with development partners on detailed site planning design and overall municipal approvals, such as community plan amendments, rezonings, severances, variances and site plan/development permit approvals.  Project scope will include, but not be limited to, new developments and redevelopments, where the development partner is the lead, and infill and renewal projects, where Chartwell is the lead.   

Position Responsibilities

The Director of Planning and Development will:

• Assist in assessing development opportunities as proposed and in various markets.
• Gather and analyze economic, demographic and real estate data for projects and other real estate purposes.
• Liaise with appraisers and real estate brokers to identify development lands.
• Undertake site feasibility, assessing municipal and site condition analysis.
• Ensure coordination between development partner and  all relevant project consultants to establish site plan requirements, concept plans, detailed working plans and presentation centre plans that meet organizational expectations.
• Work closely with the development partner, to ensure projects are progressing per the schedule and arrangements established for each specific project and meet Chartwell's requirements
• Review approval submissions and related documentation prepared by development partners and/or consultants to ensure that they meet Chartwell's requirements
• Participate in the value-engineering process with the development partner and/or consultants to identify ways to make development projects economically feasible
• Represent Chartwell in standing calls and site tours with development partners
• Assist in the preparation of investment packages.
• Manage multiple projects and in some cases monitor projects from start to finish where appropriate. 
• Work closely with all internal stakeholders at Chartwell with a vested interest in each project, including but not limited to Operations, Marketing and Real Estate.
• Report to senior management and joint venture partners, as appropriate, on project milestones.
• Establish a positive and contributory presence with development group team members and ensure diligent, consistent and organized processes for work flow.
• Support relationships as established within and externally with the organization.
• Participate in open houses, public presentations, and approval-related meetings on the projects.
• Actively seek ways to reduce project costs through effective negotiations with the municipalities as it relates to municipal fees. 
• Coordinate and direct development partners in ensuring Chartwell standards are adhered to as it relates to site planning and other municipal approvals.  

Leadership

This individual will conduct oneself as a leader, as an Ambassador of Chartwell and promote the organization positively.

The leadership and supervisory responsibilities include:

• Providing guidance and direction to development partners external consultants during the diligence period.
• Demonstrate a strong and committed work ethic.
• Working closely with internal stakeholders at Chartwell to communicate and receive considerations and plans for development.

Project Budget & Financial Management

The Director of Planning and Development will be responsible for:

• Assisting with the development of project proformas. 
• Undertaking project feasibility including assessing market and demand, and land use opportunities;
• Defining project scope and coordinating consultants to design project. 

Regulatory Compliance

The Director of Planning and Development is expected to have an understanding and demonstrated familiarly with local building code requirements, provincial health, natural resources and environmental policies and municipal and/or city by-laws influencing the development process and planning approvals.

Experience and Skills/Abilities

The Director of Planning and Development will possess 8+ years of proven experience that generally includes:

• Working with a real estate developer and undertaking project feasibility due diligence.
• Working within large private and public organizations.
• Working with multi-disciplinary teams with at times competing priorities. 
• Managing simultaneous multiple projects with competing priorities.
• Familiarity and experience with Seniors Housing development projects and older clientele;
• Project consultant coordination and leadership;
• Project organization, documentation, filing and management;
• The ability to interpret technical data and instructions and issue site/consultant directives clearly;
• Effective time management and budget tracking; and
• Delivering projects on schedule. 

Education

• The Director of Planning and Development holds a post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant industry program and/or a professional designation, or equivalent experience in real estate, business or planning.

Basic Position Expectations

The Director of Planning and Development must possess:

• Understanding of real estate and the development industry.
• Ability to understand implications of cost and schedule changes to projects;
• Be eager to participate and undertake value engineering considerations for Chartwell led projects;
• The ability to manage timelines, adhere to schedules, and manage processes;
• Strong, sound and timely decision-making abilities;
• Effective communication skills that include excellent written, oral, and presentation abilities;
• The ability to communicate and adhere to Chartwell's vision and mission;
• The ability to participate in travel;
• Be a self-starter and be disciplined.
• Strong positive and problem-solving attitude.

Special Requirements

The Director of Planning and Development will ideally have experience working with seniors and seniors housing. Bilingualism is an asset.

Direct Reports

None