Planning Manager Job Description

No matter what field you choose or what industry you prefer, planning manager always have typical roles and responsibilities. Here is a brief of typical job description for common planning categorization.

Education Requirements

Most planning spots in local, state or federal government or in the private or nonprofit sectors, require a graduate degree. So, it is a must for a planning manager. However, limited opportunities exist for planners with less formal education.

Planning openings and employment opportunities vary depending on educational and experiential qualifications and by typical functions and required knowledge and skills.

Any reputed or certified institute for Planners has a set standard job description that might differ from person to person as per the industry, sector, type of job, etc. Not all organizations devoted to planning issues offer employment at all levels. Thus, it becomes necessary to take expert advice. Professional recruitment consultant offers specialized employment services as per the requirement of the company as well as the candidate.

As per expert recruitment agency, for a Planning Manager the role and responsibility would be:

Typical Functions

• Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis
• Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws
• Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals and environmental studies
• Provides overall management of division-related planning issues
• Advises the Planning Director on all planning-related matters
• Advises various councils, boards, commissions and elected officials in planning-related issues
• Supervises the Transportation Modeling Division of Planning Department
• Serves as liaison and performs all necessary functions in support of Planning Commission
• Assigns work to professional staff and ensures appropriate training is provided
• Evaluates operations and activities of assigned responsibilities
• Prepares reports on operations and activities, recommending improvements and modifications
• Handles sensitive personnel matters
• Participates in budget preparation and administration, monitors and controls expenditures
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings
• Serves as acting Planning Director in his or her absence

Typical Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of urban planning and development and local government policies and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of specialization such as housing, zoning, historic preservation, and economic development
• Research methods and statistical principles related to urban growth and development
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management
• Budgeting procedures and techniques
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
• Knowledge of local government procedures and practices
• Citizen involvement techniques and processes
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS

Typical Skills

• Must be innovative, detail-oriented, experienced in highly visible/controversial projects
• Capable of managing multiple, high-priority assignments
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships at various levels and to resolve complaints
• Strong analytical skills to interpret research data for reports and apply mathematic techniques in practical situations
• Reading comprehension to understand technical and legal materials.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines

For more details, consult a professional recruitment agency like MM Enterprises.