Director of Planning

Polocorp Inc.
 Kitchener, Ontario
 Full-Time Position

Salary $130,000 – $145,000

Company Profile

Polocorp is an integrated land development company focused on building communities. For over 40 years, Polocorp has been part of the Kitchener-Waterloo community. As a family-built company, we understand how the urban form can impact a community. Polocorp is committed to creating thoughtful, lasting communities for people and their families.

Position Overview

Polocorp is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and design-minded Director of Planning to lead the company’s planning division and support the continued growth of our integrated land development business.

Reporting directly to the Co-CEOs, the Director of Planning will oversee a multidisciplinary team of planners, designers, and technical staff while serving as a key thought leader across the organization. This individual will play a central role in shaping planning strategy, guiding complex development projects, mentoring emerging professionals, and fostering collaboration between departments including development, construction, marketing, sales, and finance.

The ideal candidate is both visionary and practical — someone who can lead high-level planning initiatives while remaining engaged in project execution, stakeholder relationships, municipal coordination, business development, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and support a progressive team of planners, designers, and technical staff;
• Foster a collaborative, creative, and accountable team culture;
• Provide strategic guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to team members;
• Serve as a thought leader within the organization on planning, urban design, and community-building initiatives;
• Assist in recruitment, performance management, and team growth planning.

Planning & Project Leadership

• Oversee and manage a broad range of planning and development applications including Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Draft Plans of Subdivision, Site Plans, and related approvals;
• Lead complex development files from due diligence through approvals;
• Provide strategic planning advice on land acquisition, development opportunities, and entitlement strategies;
• Demonstrate proficiency in Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) processes, including strategy development, expert coordination, and participation in hearings where required;
• Coordinate internal and external consultant teams including architects, urban designers, landscape architects, legal counsel, environmental consultants, and municipal stakeholders;
• Review and contribute to planning justification reports, urban design briefs, development concepts, and presentation materials;
• Support municipal approvals, public consultation processes, and Council presentations.

Corporate Leadership & Business Development

• Work closely with all departments to align planning objectives with overall business goals;
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic initiatives, long-term growth planning, and project prioritization;
• Actively engage and cultivate new clientele, industry relationships, and business development opportunities;
• Demonstrate strong business development acumen, including identifying and advancing new land and partnership opportunities;
• Act as a key liaison with municipalities, agencies, consultants, landowners, and community stakeholders;
• Support the advancement of innovative and sustainable planning and urban design practices within the company.

Financial & Strategic Analysis

• Review, analyze, and provide planning input into development budgets, financial models, and project proformas;
• Collaborate with finance and development teams to ensure alignment between planning strategy and project financial performance;
• Provide strategic insight on risk, timing, and approvals impacts on project viability.

Qualifications

• Degree or graduate degree in Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, Urban Design,
• Registered Professional Planners Accreditation (RPP) required and membership in Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) preferred;
• Minimum 10+ years of progressively responsible planning experience, preferably within land development or consulting;
• Demonstrated experience leading planning approvals and multidisciplinary project teams;
• Strong understanding of Ontario planning legislation, municipal approval processes, and development frameworks;
• Proven leadership, mentorship, business development, and relationship management abilities;
• Class “G” driver’s license.

Skills & Knowledge

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills;
• Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic thinking abilities;
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across teams, clients, municipalities, and stakeholders;
• Proficiency in Ontario Land Tribunal processes and planning appeals;
• Experience reviewing development proformas and financial feasibility considered a strong asset;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite;
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, SketchUp, or related design/planning software considered an asset;
• Strong understanding of urban design principles and community-building practices.

Why Join Polocorp

• Opportunity to shape meaningful communities across Southwestern Ontario;
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment;
• Direct involvement with senior leadership and strategic company initiatives;
• Ability to mentor and influence the next generation of planning professionals;
• Long-term growth opportunity within an established and respected organization.

Interested candidates are invited to apply by providing a cover letter and resume in PDF format in confidence to hr@polocorpinc.com.

We thank all those who are interested in the position and submit and application, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.