Job Title: Director of Planning and Development Services
Location: Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
TP –MDY-9401
The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth is a dynamic region on Nova Scotia’s southwestern coast that combines picturesque landscapes, charming coastal settlements, and a strong sense of local pride. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances professional opportunity with access to nature, cultural heritage, and waterfront living, all within a close-knit and welcoming environment.
Meridia is pleased to partner with the Municipality to recruit the inaugural Director of Planning and Development Services. This is a unique opportunity to lead planning and development efforts from the ground up, shaping land use policies, guiding key development initiatives, and contributing to projects that define Yarmouth’s growth and long-term vision.
Role Description
As a member of the Municipality’s senior management team, the Director of Planning and Development Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for municipal planning, development, and related services. Acting as the Municipality’s lead planner, the Director is responsible for guiding land use policy, development regulation, and long-range planning initiatives that shape growth, sustainability, and community well-being. The Director plays a key role in translating Council priorities, legislation, and community objectives into clear policies, plans, and programs, while ensuring effective day-to-day operations of the department.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Planning & Development Oversight
Team & Organizational Leadership
Community Engagement & Stakeholder Relations
Operational & Financial Management
Council & Public Representation
Your Qualifications
The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with proven leadership experience, able to build consensus and guide initiatives effectively. You are an adaptable problem solver with political and organizational awareness, able to translate complex planning and development issues into actionable solutions. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills allow you to foster positive relationships and guide initiatives that balance community priorities with sustainable growth.
Key Qualifications:
Why the Municipality of Yarmouth?
This is a unique opportunity to provide visible leadership and shape the future of a dynamic coastal municipality. The role offers meaningful influence over planning policy, development outcomes, and community services that directly impact residents’ quality of life. The Municipality offers a collaborative work environment, competitive compensation and benefits, a strong defined contribution plan, and a culture that values professional growth and community engagement.
The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and encourages applications from individuals who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Location: Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
TP –MDY-9401
The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth is a dynamic region on Nova Scotia’s southwestern coast that combines picturesque landscapes, charming coastal settlements, and a strong sense of local pride. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances professional opportunity with access to nature, cultural heritage, and waterfront living, all within a close-knit and welcoming environment.
Meridia is pleased to partner with the Municipality to recruit the inaugural Director of Planning and Development Services. This is a unique opportunity to lead planning and development efforts from the ground up, shaping land use policies, guiding key development initiatives, and contributing to projects that define Yarmouth’s growth and long-term vision.
Role Description
As a member of the Municipality’s senior management team, the Director of Planning and Development Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for municipal planning, development, and related services. Acting as the Municipality’s lead planner, the Director is responsible for guiding land use policy, development regulation, and long-range planning initiatives that shape growth, sustainability, and community well-being. The Director plays a key role in translating Council priorities, legislation, and community objectives into clear policies, plans, and programs, while ensuring effective day-to-day operations of the department.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Provide leadership for Planning and Development, focusing on sustainable growth, housing, economic development, and community resilience
- Align departmental priorities with Council direction, community needs, and best practices
- Advise Council on planning, policy, and regulatory matters through clear, actionable recommendations
- Promote innovative, balanced approaches to development challenges
Planning & Development Oversight
- Oversee land use planning, zoning, development approvals, and policy implementation
- Lead major initiatives, including land use strategies, housing programs, and active transportation planning
- Guide updates to municipal planning documents and by-laws
- Foster productive relationships with developers, consultants, and external stakeholders
Team & Organizational Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop staff while supporting professional growth and succession planning
- Oversee recruitment, performance management, and workforce planning
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
Community Engagement & Stakeholder Relations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, community groups, and Council
- Lead public engagement processes to build trust and understanding around municipal initiatives
- Balance municipal-wide objectives with the needs of individual communities
Operational & Financial Management
- Ensure effective delivery of departmental programs and services
- Monitor performance metrics, manage budgets, and allocate resources efficiently
- Oversee procurement, contracts, and consultant engagement to support timely project delivery
Council & Public Representation
- Represent the Municipality at Council meetings, advisory committees, and community events
- Present clear, evidence-based reports and recommendations
- Proactively manage stakeholder relationships and emerging issues
Your Qualifications
The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with proven leadership experience, able to build consensus and guide initiatives effectively. You are an adaptable problem solver with political and organizational awareness, able to translate complex planning and development issues into actionable solutions. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills allow you to foster positive relationships and guide initiatives that balance community priorities with sustainable growth.
Key Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Planning or a related discipline; CIP membership or eligibility preferred.
- 5+ years of progressive senior experience in municipal planning, community development, or a related field
- Demonstrated leadership and/or management experience, including leading teams, projects, or consultants
- Strong knowledge of municipal governance, land use planning, and development regulation
- Proven ability to manage complex initiatives and deliver results
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills with sound political and organizational awareness
- Ability to interpret planning legislation, municipal by-laws, and the Municipal Government Act
- Proficiency with planning-related technology, GIS, and other relevant systems
- Willingness to attend evening Council and committee meetings as required
- Valid Nova Scotia driver’s licence
Why the Municipality of Yarmouth?
This is a unique opportunity to provide visible leadership and shape the future of a dynamic coastal municipality. The role offers meaningful influence over planning policy, development outcomes, and community services that directly impact residents’ quality of life. The Municipality offers a collaborative work environment, competitive compensation and benefits, a strong defined contribution plan, and a culture that values professional growth and community engagement.
The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and encourages applications from individuals who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking “Apply Now” below.
For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at 902-818-4506 and tpugh@kbrs.ca or Heather Simmons, Consultant at 902-421-2335 and hsimmons@kbrs.ca. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Thomas or Heather know.
Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.
To learn more about Meridia Recruitment Solutions, our job opportunities, and career advice we invite you to explore our site and subscribe for career alerts.
For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at 902-818-4506 and tpugh@kbrs.ca or Heather Simmons, Consultant at 902-421-2335 and hsimmons@kbrs.ca. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Thomas or Heather know.
Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.
To learn more about Meridia Recruitment Solutions, our job opportunities, and career advice we invite you to explore our site and subscribe for career alerts.
