Director of Urban Planning and Sustainable Development

Our Client

Located at the eastern tip of the Island of Montreal, at the mouth of the L’Assomption River and along the St. Lawrence River, Repentigny benefits from two major highways—Highways 40 and 640—providing direct access to major urban centers.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant General Director, the incumbent supports her in overseeing all activities related to urban planning and sustainable development within the territory. The role contributes to the City’s strategic development and budget management, ensuring the achievement of objectives related to service quality for residents, operational efficiency, and human resources management within the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, direct, and oversee activities related to human, financial, and material resources within the Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Department, in alignment with departmental objectives and priorities;
• Prepare and submit the department’s annual development plan for approval and ensure follow-up;
• Participate in the negotiation and drafting of agreements and partnerships with key municipal stakeholders;
• Prepare the department’s budget forecasts, submit them for approval, and manage them once approved;
• Ensure continuous improvement and adaptation of practices and processes to better meet the needs and expectations of residents;
• Participate in various City meetings and committees;
• Collaborate on the development of projects aimed at supporting the City’s growth, in partnership with internal departments and municipal stakeholders;
• Direct and oversee contracts with professionals involved in projects under the department’s responsibility.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or another relevant field;
• Graduate degree (Master’s) considered an asset;
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience;
• Functional knowledge of the municipal sector and/or government services;
• Proven experience in managing and negotiating major contracts;
• Strong ability to develop and execute strategic plans;
• Experience managing significant budgets;
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-stakeholder environment;
• Strong customer service skills and ability to work with elected officials;
• Excellent command of spoken and written French;
• Valid driver’s license;
• High level of availability and flexibility.

Required Competencies and Skills

• COMMUNICATION: Effectively convey messages and understand others;
• COLLABORATION: Foster teamwork and build positive, constructive relationships;
• CLIENT-FOCUSED MANAGEMENT: Understand and anticipate the needs of clients (citizens, organizations, employees, elected officials, colleagues, business partners) and adapt services accordingly;
• STRATEGIC VISION: Develop a clear and evolving vision for the City based on its mission and environment;
• POLITICAL ACUMEN: Understand and navigate the City’s internal and external political environment;
• MOBILIZING LEADERSHIP: Inspire commitment and alignment toward a shared vision or project;
• MANAGERIAL COURAGE: Make decisions and take action despite risks while adhering to ethical standards;
• CHANGE MANAGEMENT: Lead organizational change and ensure effective implementation;
• NEGOTIATION: Reach mutually satisfactory agreements between parties.

Key Challenges

• Establish credibility, given that both the General Director (GD) and Assistant General Director (AGD) have urban planning backgrounds;
• Integrate effectively as a member of the executive committee with a clear vision for the department;
• Maintain and further improve the team’s work environment;
• Mobilize the team to improve key performance indicators through efficient service delivery.

Proposed Interview Process

• First interview with Glasford International Canada;
• Second interview with the General Director (GD), Assistant General Director (AGD), and Director of Human Resources;
• Third interview with the GD, AGD, and Deputy Assistant General Director;
• Psychometric assessment.