Deputy Director of Development Services - Planning

Job Description Summary This position assists the Development Services Director in planning, supervising, organizing, and managing the activities of the Development Services Department. Responsibilities include overseeing development planning, engineering, plan review, permitting, building inspections, community development, code enforcement, and the entire development review process. The role provides independent, specialized expertise and decision-making to achieve long‑term organizational and departmental goals, and manages the Planning, Operational Excellence, and Code Compliance divisions. Responsibilities Partner with the Development Services Director and leadership team to shape and execute department‑wide strategy, aligning Planning, Operational Excellence, and Code Compliance priorities with organizational goals. Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Planning, Operational Excellence, and Code Compliance divisions, setting direction, performance expectations, and resource alignment while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Serve as Zoning Administrator, interpreting and administering the Zoning Ordinance, ensuring consistent, legally sound application of regulations, and advising on zoning determinations and policy implications. Lead the strategic direction of the development review process, ensuring coordinated, predictable, and high‑quality service delivery; resolve complex or sensitive issues; and negotiate key development outcomes in alignment with City standards. Engage directly with customers, developers, and key stakeholders on complex projects, providing executive‑level problem solving, facilitating cross‑functional coordination, and strengthening relationships to support successful outcomes. Advance department operational excellence and strategic plan priorities, including leveraging system performance data to inform continuous improvement strategy and maturity. Provide oversight over the Code Manager’s work on the Quality Neighborhoods strategic initiative, ensuring clarity of goals and alignment with city priorities. Support integration and cultural alignment of the Operational Excellence and Code Compliance teams, reinforcing DSD values and encouraging cross‑team collaboration. Requirements Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; broad knowledge in a professional or technical field. Experience: Seven years of responsible experience in planning, organizing, and directing a development team or related operation. Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license required. Reading: Ability to read and interpret technical reports, policies, laws, guidelines, and procedures at a college level. Mathematics: Ability to perform complex math calculations. Writing: Ability to write complex correspondence, reports, memorandums, ordinances, and policies. Managerial: Experience managing and monitoring division performance, evaluating program objectives, and realigning work and staffing assignments. Budget Responsibility: Ability to approve and present a division budget to senior management, and authorize expenditures within approved limits. Policy/Decision Making: Significant decision‑making authority within broad organizational parameters. Technical Skills: Advanced knowledge of systems and solutions for complex organizational issues. Interpersonal Skills: High level of ability to communicate and influence policy development and implementation. 12‑Month Objectives First 3 Months Build strong leadership relationships with the Planning, Operational Excellence, and Code Compliance managers. Become familiar with the City’s and DSD’s strategic plans and understand how they shape division‑level priorities. Integrate into the Development Services leadership team and contribute to department‑wide strategic discussions. Begin oversight of the Code Manager’s work on the Quality Neighborhoods initiative. Assess integration of the new Operational Excellence and Code Compliance staff into department operations. Develop a working understanding of the Shingo framework and its application to operational excellence. First 6 Months Guide division managers in developing aligned work plans that support predictable development review and construction performance excellence. Strengthen cross‑department coordination by setting expectations for collaboration with Fire, Engineering, Water, and other partners. Provide oversight for improvements to the Planning & Scheduling system and the Continuous Improvement System. Support integration and cultural alignment of the Operational Excellence and Code Compliance teams. Ensure the Quality Neighborhoods initiative remains on track through managerial accountability. First 12 Months Demonstrate measurable improvements in development review predictability, timeliness, and customer experience. Contribute to shaping next fiscal year priorities and budget recommendations. Achieve major Quality Neighborhoods milestones and provide executive support. Apply Shingo‑aligned systems thinking to support DSD’s operational excellence priorities. Benefits Vacation Leave: 14 days per year, increasing with longevity. Sick Leave: 12 days per year. Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year, including one floating holiday. Flexible Holiday: 24 hours per calendar year. Health, Dental, and Vision insurance available at group rates. Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Care and Dependent Care. Short‑Term and Cancer disability insurance, paid by the city. Life insurance valued at twice the annual salary ($400,000 maximum). Longevity pay beginning at year six. Tuition assistance of $5,250 per calendar year. Employee Assistance Program and onsite wellness center/clinic. Access to Goodyear Recreation Center and robust employee well‑being program. Free identity theft monitoring and protection with Aura. 457 Deferred Compensation plan with 2% city match. Retirement Health Savings contribution and Arizona State Retirement System defined benefit plan. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Goodyear Economic Development