Play a central role in shaping land-use planning decisions that influence how some of Ontario's fastest-growing communities evolve. In this leadership role, you'll guide complex land-use planning files, support evidence-based decision-making, and collaborate with municipalities and partners across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.Ontario is growing, and strong land-use planning plays a key role in building safe, strong and sustainable communities. At the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), we work closely with municipalities, Indigenous communities and partners across the province to support effective land-use planning, strong local economies and a high quality of life for Ontarians.
About the RoleAs a
Team Lead in the Municipal Services Office - Central Region - Planning Branch, you will lead complex, high-profile land-use planning files within Ontario's central region, while providing leadership, coaching and strategic oversight to staff to ensure consistent, high-quality analysis and well-reasoned recommendations that support provincial land-use decisions. You will also foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture aligned with OPS values, encouraging learning, growth and cross-disciplinary cooperation.
About the job
In this role, you will:
• Provide leadership and direction to staff working on complex land-use planning files and implementation of Provincial land-use planning priorities
• Ensure consistent, high-quality land-use analysis, communication, and development of recommendations for senior management that are aligned with provincial policy and priorities
Lead or coordinate major land-use planning files, including reviews official plans and related amendments
• Collaborate with municipalities, Indigenous communities, partner ministries and other stakeholders to tackle complex land-use issues
• Support coordinated provincial input within the broader inter-ministry land-use planning framework
• Contribute to branch planning, continuous improvement and cross-team initiatives
Note:
This competition will be used to fill permanent vacancies in four units within the Branch:• Municipal Services Office - Central Region - Planning Branch (Central-East Unit) (2 positions)
• Municipal Services Office - Central Region - Planning Branch (Central-West Unit) (2 positions)
• Municipal Services Office - Central Region - Planning Branch (Central-Urban) Unit (1position)
• Municipal Services Office - Central Region - Planning Branch (Central-North) Unit (1 position)
What you bring to the team
Leadership and Relationship Management Skills
You have:
• Ability to coach, mentor and guide staff
• Ability to lead projects and teams involving multiple stakeholders to achieve goals within defined timelines
• Strength in building productive relationships with municipalities, Indigenous communities and partners
• Sound judgment and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach
Technical Land-Use Planning Knowledge
You have:
• Strong understanding of Ontario's land-use planning system, legislation and provincial policy frameworks and provincial land-use planning priorities
• Knowledge of planning principles and municipal planning processes
Strategic and Analytical Expertise
You have:
• Ability to assess complex land-use planning proposals and provide well-reasoned, evidence-based recommendations
• Experience navigating politically sensitive and emerging land-use planning issues
Communication Skills
You can:
• Prepare briefing materials, correspondence, and policy products with accuracy and efficiency
• Clearly explain complex land-use planning concepts in plain-language to non-technical audiences; and lead briefings for senior management, the Minister, and stakeholders through reports, and recommendations
• Apply strong political acuity to provide strategic advice and develop options for decision makers
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
This role offers the opportunity to influence high-profile land-use planning files, develop leadership capability and contribute meaningfully to how Ontario's fastest-growing communities evolve. Many have found the Team Lead role to be an effective next step in developing experience for longer-term career growth in leadership roles in the OPS.
If you're ready to contribute to provincial land-use planning outcomes and support effective decision-making across Ontario's Central Region, we encourage you to apply