Urban Planner (Intermediate/Senior)

1.0 Company Background

Siv-ik Planning & Design Inc. is an urban planning and design studio based in London, Ontario, with a unique approach to bringing city-building projects from concept to reality.

We are passionate about great development and driven by a desire to break the mold in pursuit of helping developers and municipalities create better places. We support a range of private-sector clients in land development and comprehensive master planning projects across Southwestern Ontario.

Our company values are rooted in the belief that good design is good business. This principle is central to every aspect of our practice. As part of our approach, we help those around us unpack the complexities of urban development and use graphic design as fuel for these conversations, communicating complex ideas visually.

2.0 Job Description

Siv-ik is seeking an experienced Urban Planner to join our growing team in London, Ontario—one of Canada's fastest-growing metropolitan areas.

As an Intermediate or Senior Urban Planner, you will play a key role in advancing a diverse portfolio of development projects across Southwestern Ontario. Working closely with the firm's partners, you will provide strategic planning advice to clients, lead project teams, and help shape communities through innovative and thoughtful planning solutions.

The successful candidate will lead and manage projects through all stages of the development approvals process, including due diligence, entitlement strategy, stakeholder engagement, and implementation. You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, collaborate closely with municipal staff and multidisciplinary consultant teams, and provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff while contributing to the continued growth and evolution of the firm.

This role is ideal for a motivated professional who thrives in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and is passionate about creating high-quality places through exceptional planning and urban design.

3.0 Core Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a range of land development and community planning projects from initial due diligence through approvals and implementation.
• Provide strategic planning advice to clients regarding development opportunities, policy frameworks, approval processes, and project risks.
• Undertake and oversee planning research, site analysis, policy review, and due diligence investigations to support project recommendations.
• Prepare, review, and oversee the preparation of planning reports, urban design briefs, planning rationale documents, public consultation materials, project backgrounders, and other communications.
• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary consultant teams, ensuring high-quality, accurate, and timely deliverables.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, municipal staff, agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Represent clients at public meetings, open houses, committee meetings, council meetings, and other stakeholder engagement sessions.
• Prepare project schedules, monitor project performance, and identify opportunities to improve project delivery.
• Stay current with emerging planning policy, legislation, and regulatory changes, proactively identifying opportunities to influence positive outcomes for clients and communities.
• Support business development initiatives through proposal preparation, networking, client relationship management, and identifying new opportunities.
• Contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives that support the continued growth and success of the firm.

4.0 What We are Looking For

• A passion for planning and urban design within mid-sized and growing communities.
• A desire to influence positive change in the profession and the communities we serve.
• The ability to thrive in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to communicate effectively by phone, in person, and in writing.
• A high degree of personal accountability, organization, and pride in delivering high-quality work.
• Exceptional written communication skills and the ability to translate complex ideas into clear messages for different audiences.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Proficiency in 3D modelling tools such as SketchUp is considered a significant asset.
• A proactive, curious, and entrepreneurial mindset.

5.0 Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Urban Design, or a related discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• A minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, preferably within a consulting environment.
• Full membership with the Registered Professional Planners Institute of Ontario (RPP) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP), or eligibility to obtain designation within a reasonable timeframe.
• Demonstrated experience managing development applications and navigating municipal approval processes in Ontario.
• Strong working knowledge of the Planning Act, the Provincial Planning Statement, municipal official plans, zoning by-laws, and related planning legislation and policy.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams and fostering strong relationships with clients, municipal staff, and other stakeholders.
• A valid Ontario driver's licence and access to a vehicle for occasional travel throughout Southwestern Ontario.

6.0 Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range of $85,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Corporate employee health and wellness spending account.
• Employer-paid professional membership dues.
• Funding opportunities for professional development activities, including conferences, study trips, continuing education, and training programs.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Opportunities for growth and leadership within a dynamic and entrepreneurial firm.

7.0 Work Arrangement

• Full-time, permanent position based in our London, Ontario office.
• Hybrid work arrangements may be considered following an initial onboarding period.
• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, with flexibility required to attend occasional evening public meetings and community engagement sessions.
• Occasional travel throughout Southwestern Ontario is required.

8.0 How to Apply

Please submit your résumé and a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Siv-ik Planning & Design Inc. is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment process upon request.