Consultant, Business Improvements & Strategic Initiatives

Job Summary

The Consultant, Business Improvement & Strategic Initiatives will actively engage in hands-on project management and provide comprehensive support in the Planning & Building (P&B) service area. The role will provide simultaneous leadership of multiple intricate City projects and business initiatives, with a strict commitment to meeting deadlines and delivering successful outcomes to be a driving force behind data-driven decision-making and strategic efforts across Planning & Building.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leading, coordinating and facilitating multiple business improvement projects related to: risk; process efficiencies; service delivery effectiveness; communication departmental performance management.
• Managing projects by establishing overall intent, vision, developing request for information/quotes/proposals and statement of work, business specifications, project charters, project plans, project deliverables, potential issues and required budget recourses.
• Leading and managing teams to identify budget requirements, ensure timelines are met and resources are managed appropriately.
• Providing functional guidance to approximately 10 or less staff on projects and supervision accountabilities for external vendor and/or consultants.
• Developing and presenting business cases, business/operational plans, cost benefit analysis, feasibility studies.
• Assisting in negotiating partnerships with public, private and not-for-profit entities.
• Contributing to land development planning projects receiving cross functional inputs from various departments and agencies.
• Conducting market research, and operational assessments that will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the department.
• Providing support to management regarding regional dissolution for Land Use Planning.
• Providing input to P&B’s 5-Year Strategy & Business Plan.
• Operationalizing legislation through a project delivery model that strategically requires the City to take a position and monitor risk.

Skills and Qualifications

• A degree in the areas of Business, Commerce, Social Sciences, urban or regional planning or related field of study, or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent with an emphasis on project management and business planning in a government or business setting.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in development and analysis of business plans/cases, strategic plans and in project management/leader role.
• Strong research and business analytical skills, proficient in financial modeling, and experienced in statistical analysis for data driven decision-making and strategic planning.
• Excellent technical writing skills, capable of expressing complex ideas in a simple, clear, and accurate manner. 
• Membership or eligibility for membership with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and Canadian Institute of Planners and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate and/or Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) is considered an asset.
• Strong ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and collaboratively with individuals from various work units and across different departments within the Corporation. In-depth understanding of the organizational structure of City departments and elected officials, including the working relationships between them.
• Proficient in effective meeting organization, including running focused meetings to prevent circular conversations and ensure decision-making.
• Skilled in facilitation and leading meetings with diverse groups at all management levels.
• Strong coaching and mediation skills utilized during meetings to encourage constructive discussions, consider various inputs, and seek compromises that align with all stakeholders’ interests.
• Strong presentation skills, including comfort with diverse audiences like the Leadership Team and/or the City Manager. Capable of providing concise verbal responses with appropriate background information.
• Ability to think and act strategically and execute at a very detailed level.
• Sound decision making and problem-solving skills, with an ability to successfully negotiate complex issues.
• Comfortable working in a fast paced environment, balancing multiple priorities, with limited direction and direct supervision.
• Exceptional skills in business improvement, land use planning and development, and project management.