Planning Manager

Planning Manager

Salary: $92,000 - $102,000

Role Summary

The Planning Manager is a senior member of Sightline’s consulting practice, responsible for leading development planning projects from strategy through approval while supervising planners I and II.

This role combines technical planning expertise, client advisory leadership, project oversight, and team management. The Planning Manager works closely with landowners, developers, architects, engineers, and municipal staff to advance projects efficiently and collaboratively within established policy frameworks.

The position is accountable for delivering high-quality planning services, maintaining strong working relationships with municipal partners, and contributing to the growth and success of Sightline.

Key Responsibilities

1. Development Planning & Advisory Leadership

• Lead complex development applications, including rezonings, development agreements, subdivisions, site plans, MPS Amendments, and variances, from pre-application through approval.
• Provide strategic planning advice to private-sector clients regarding land-use permissions, policy alignment, and development potential.
• Interpret municipal planning strategies, land-use by-laws, secondary plans, and provincial legislation to inform development strategy.
• Prepare and sign off on planning reports, planning opinions, technical memoranda, and supporting documentation.
• Represent clients in meetings with municipal staff, agencies, community groups, and at public hearings or council/committee meetings where required.
• Work constructively with municipal staff to facilitate efficient review processes and maintain positive, professional relationships.
• Guide and oversee public consultation processes in coordination with clients and project teams.
• Conduct and supervise site and context analysis to inform planning recommendations.

2. Team Leadership & Oversight

• Supervise and mentor planning team, providing direction on project management, policy analysis, and report preparation.
• Review and elevate staff work to ensure clarity, consistency, and technical excellence.
• Delegate responsibilities strategically while maintaining accountability for overall project progression.
• Support professional development and progression toward Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) membership of the planning team.
• Contribute to workload planning and internal coordination across the planning team.

3. Project & Client Management

• Serve as primary client lead on assigned projects, ensuring clear communication, responsiveness, and alignment with client objectives.
• Establish project scopes, schedules, and templates in coordination with senior leadership.
• Monitor project timelines and deliverables to maintain efficient workflow in a consulting environment.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams, including architects, engineers, surveyors, and environmental consultants.
• Ensure applications are complete, professionally presented, and compliant with municipal submission standards.
• Contribute to proposal/contract preparation, estimates, and client relationship development initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of internal business processes and standards as Sightline continues to grow.

4. Practice Contribution & Operational Excellence

• Maintain organized digital project records and tracking systems in accordance with Sightline’s standards.
• Contribute to internal process refinement and knowledge sharing across the practice.
• Support Sightline’s reputation for professional, solutions-oriented engagement with municipalities and stakeholders.
• Participate in strategic discussions related to service offerings and practice growth.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Eligible to work in Canada.
• Degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Environmental Planning, or a related discipline.
• Full membership (or eligibility for full membership) with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP).
• 4–7 years of progressive professional experience in planning consulting or municipal development review.
• Demonstrated experience leading development applications through approval.
• Experience supervising or mentoring professional staff.
• Strong working knowledge of municipal land-use planning frameworks and applicable provincial legislation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing formal planning reports ie. feasibility and highest and best use reports.
• Proven ability to liaise with and present to municipal council and committees.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a deadline-driven consulting environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; working knowledge of GIS and electronic submission systems like POSSE.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to attend site visits and occasional evening meetings.

Assets

• Familiarity with Halifax Regional Municipality planning policy and approval processes.
• Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field.
• Experience working in municipal government.
• Subdivision and land development experience, including coordination with construction-phase teams.
• GIS and site concept planning experience.
• Experience supporting business development or proposal writing.
• Secondary language proficiency.

Role Impact

The Planning Manager plays a critical role in advancing projects efficiently through municipal processes while maintaining constructive, professional relationships with public-sector partners. By combining strong technical planning expertise with disciplined project execution and team leadership, this role supports client success, staff development, and the continued growth of the firm’s consulting practice.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment, 3 established days in office (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) and 2 established days flexible (Tuesdays and Fridays you can work from home or wherever you like!).
• Medical and dental insurance; parental leave top-up
• Health and Wellness Spending Account
• RRSP matching
• 5 weeks’ vacation plus at least one additional paid week over winter holidays
• Personal time off: 13 observed paid holiday days (including statutory) plus 9 personal days
• Quarterly team appreciation days
• Education and conference allowances