Town of Tecumseh, with a population of 24,000 offers a near perfect balance of small-town qualities with big city amenities and opportunities. The Town is situated close to an international metropolitan population of five million, yet small town service and friendliness prevail. This is enhanced by the warm climate and natural beauty of its southwestern Ontario location. With successful industrial and business sectors, a commitment to sustainable, planned development, and a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities, Tecumseh offers a vibrant destination to call home.
Director Development Services
Non-Union, Permanent
Posting Expiry: Friday October 9, 2026
Reason for Posting: Vacancy
The Corporation of the Town of Tecumseh is currently recruiting for a highly motivated individual to fill the position of Director Development Services.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director Development Services, is responsible for the management of all aspects of the Town’s community and economic development, land use planning, building services and public transit system in accordance with the relevant legislative authorities, professional code of ethics and Council-approved plans, policies and regulations. As a strategic leader, the Director provides professional guidance to Council on planning, building, local economic development and transit matters, informs responsible decision making and facilitates implementation of Council direction. The Director oversees the processing of development applications with recommendations to Council, as well as providing building permit approvals and inspections.
The role leads, directs, manages and plans the operations of the Development Services Department. The Director ensures that established department business objectives and corporate strategic objectives are met and is responsible for establishing, monitoring and implementing the annual fiscal budget as related to Development Services.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director provides leadership on implementing the corporate strategic plan, establishing corporate culture and collaborating on town-wide delivery of services, policies, standard operating procedures and initiatives. The Director represents the Town in various functions with stakeholders, government agencies and neighbouring municipalities and leads several public consultation and engagement initiatives using a variety of platforms. This role works collaboratively to maintain and enhance the reputation of the organization by developing strategies, policies, regulations and programs related to land use planning, urban design, growth management, economic development and special studies. It also engages other departments to ensure planning and building issues are evaluated from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
Overall, this position plays an integral role in contributing to municipal policy and solutions by supporting and encouraging an engaged community that participates in the public involvement process and recognizes its role in addressing issues and providing solutions.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in planning or equivalent degree (ie Urban Geography). Graduate degree preferred;
- Full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, with Registered Professional Planner designation;
- A minimum of ten [10] years’ progressive experience as an accredited land use development planner, planning urban and rural communities;
- Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate legislation, bylaws, policies & procedures (Municipal Act, Planning Act, Building Code Act, Development Charges Act, Provincial Policy Statement, County Official Plan, County and Town Transportation Master Plan, Town Parks and Recreation Master Plan);
- Seven years’ progressive management experience and proven knowledge for leadership and direction of planning and building services, community and economic development, project management, financial budget and business planning, fiscal accountability/sustainability and human resource management within a public sector environment, preferably municipal;
- Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in change management design, process and implementation strategies to optimize both quality and cost-effectiveness of delivery of the areas of business;
- Demonstrated commitment to enhancing a balanced culture through effective management with the goal of achieving a healthy and safe operation.
The ideal candidate is a visionary and action-oriented team builder, coach and mentor that is supportive of colleagues and embraces a collaborative approach to challenges and innovative solution development. They possess strong leadership and supervisory skills with demonstrated experience developing and maintaining a balanced corporate culture.
Terms
The Town is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If contacted for an employment interview, please advise us if you require accommodation. This position is based out of Town Hall.
We invite you to visit www.tecumseh.ca to obtain further information about the municipality.
Salary
The Town offers an annual salary range of $162,742 - $190,386 (2026) depending on expertise and experience, in accordance with the Town’s Salary Grid. This position is non-union and is subject to an employment contract. This position is due to a vacancy and applicants are invited to submit resumes by Friday October 9, 2026, at 4:30 pm.
All applications are appreciated; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information is collected pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act [MFIPPA] and will be used solely for the purpose of candidate selection.
