Manager, Building & Engineering Development
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BRITISH COLUMBIA
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CANADA
Annual Salary:
160,000 - 180,000
Schedule:
Full-time, On-site | Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
Reports To:
Director of Development Engineering & Sustainability
About the Role
We’re seeking a well-rounded, experienced civil professional to lead our Building & Engineering Development team. This is a high-impact, leadership role that blends technical oversight with strategic coordination across multiple departments. The ideal candidate is a municipal-minded generalist who excels at building relationships, making informed decisions, and navigating complex regulatory environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support a team of ~19 through two supervisors (Engineering Development & Chief Building Official)
- Oversee review and coordination of civil development projects and building permitting
- Collaborate across departments including Planning, Engineering (Capital), and Civic Operations
- Represent the City in high-profile developer and public interactions
- Balance technical, political, and operational demands to move projects forward
- Uphold and promote departmental values: Respect, Accountability, Clarity, Collaboration, Integrity, Competency.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Technical & Professional Background
- Broad civil engineering experience: transportation, drainage, water/wastewater, geotechnical, and operations
- Deep understanding of municipal processes, asset management, and legislation
- Experience in coordinating with internal departments (planning, operations, etc.)
- Skilled in project reviews, development applications, and infrastructure planning
- Education: P.Eng. (Civil) preferred; strong Engineering Technologists considered
- 7–10 years of progressive municipal experience, including supervisory roles
- 10+ years remaining in professional career
- Familiar with the pace, pressure, and complexity of city operations
Critical Soft Skills
- Strong relationship builder with both internal teams and external stakeholders
- Skilled in conflict resolution, negotiation, and collaborative problem-solving
- Excellent communicator with tact and clarity in delivering tough messages
- Emotionally intelligent with adaptable leadership style
- Confident decision-maker who takes ownership
Must-Haves
- Direct municipal experience (or ability to operate in similar frameworks)
- Technically competent to lead and guide engineers regardless of designation
- Alignment with team culture and values; integrity and accountability are non-negotiable
What to Expect
This is not a “behind-the-desk” engineering job. The environment is fast-paced and public-facing, with high expectations and accountability. You’ll be compared to a respected outgoing manager who has spent 30+ years in the role—this is a true leadership opportunity requiring both diplomacy and grit.
Challenges Include:
- Balancing stakeholder expectations where no one gets 100% of what they want
- Working through complex technical challenges (geotech, water systems, etc.)
- Navigating politics and public visibility
- High demands, particularly in spring and fall
Education & Licensing
- Degree in Civil Engineering with P.Eng. designation preferred
- Open to Engineering Technologists with strong municipal experience and leadership ability
- EGBC or ASTTBC membership (or ability to transfer)
- Building experience is an asset but not required (can be supported by Chief Building Official)
Workplace & Culture
- 100% On-site | Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM (some extended hours expected)
- Free on-site parking | Access to well-equipped fitness facility
- Earned Days Off (12 annually) to support work-life balance
- Collaborative, respectful, and values-driven workplace
- Management role in a unionized environment