Manager, Building Review Branch

Requisition ID: 41007 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

This position is responsible for a team of Building Code Specialists, Branch Supervisor, Technical Supervisor – Building Services, Project Coordinators (levels 4, 3 & 2) and Office Support Clerk 3, including assigning work, reviewing work and providing technical clarification and interpretation of very complicated building codes, bylaws and other industry construction standards.  This position is also responsible for reviewing some of the Alternative Solutions and is involved in bylaw and policy development.  The position is involved in the development and implementation of multiple policies and strategies (e.g. long-term seismic planning strategy, post-disaster building assessment response plan, permit review policies and procedures) and is a liaison between the Chief Building Official and external partners, and represents the City and the Chief Building Official on multiple external committees and advisory committees. This position is also a Deputy Chief Building Official, which is a Council-appointed title with authority as delegated by the Chief Building Official.  

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and guidance to work group, including hiring, assigning responsibilities, evaluating performance, coaching, mentoring, training and development, and discipline up to and including termination
• Reviews staff work and provides final clearing of all permits 
• Acts as a technical resource on code related issues and code interpretation; authorizes building code Alternative Solutions,
• Performs incidental engineering reviews consistent with professional training and experience (e.g. structural, geotechnical, civil, mechanical, hydrological, hydraulics, fire protection)
• Provides technical, process and compliance pathway to external customers as part of a project pre-application or viability assessment and includes other department based on the project type and complexity
• Performs site visits/inspections for unique construction projects or building/site failures that require specialized engineering expertise
• Assists and provides guidance with technical reviews of Alternative Solutions performed by Building Policy Engineers in the Building Policy Branch reporting to the Chief Building Official
• Participates in the internal Code Committee, which discusses and advises the Chief Building Official on bylaw interpretations and Alternative Solution applications.
• Acts as a resource to Policy Engineers in the review and acceptance of Alternative Solutions and their integration with related building permit applications. 
• Initiates, reviews, and/or develops recommends changes to bylaws and policies. 
• Assists with policy, processes, standards and code development, including but not limited to creating technical bulletins issued to the public
• Authorizes expedited permit processes and associated staff overtime
• Responds to elevated customer complaints
• Participates in and initiates process improvements
• Monitors departmental budget
• Represents the Chief Building Official and/or supports other Deputy Chief Building Officials as needed
• City representative in local, regional and provincial committees and working groups to support the professional and construction industry
• Develops and maintains the Professional Practice Management Plan relating to the administration and implementation of the Vancouver Building Bylaw as mandated by the Province’s Professional Governance Act and Engineers & Geoscientists BC’s Permit to Practice.
• Works with the Assistant Director (Responsible Registrant) to ensure professional and non-professional staff within various division of DBL adhere to the Professional Practice Management Plan, relating to professional and ethical practice, continuing education/training and quality management 
• Conducts annual and ongoing performance and professional development reviews with BRB staff to monitor continuing education goals, development of regular staff training for BRB ensures current technical, ethical, and process knowledge in the team, and day-to-day involvement in the work of BRB staff ensures quality expectations are met.
• Development, oversight, and activation of DBL’s Post-Disaster Building Damage Assessment Plan in cooperation with Building & Trades Inspections Branch and VEMA, including coordination and maintenance of staff training
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Registered Architect (MAIBC)
• Designation as a Certified Professional is highly preferred (Certified Professional Program jointly administered by EGBC and AIBC)
• Significant experience working within a multi-disciplinary engineering and architecture environment, including collaborating and resolving competing project scope and requirements
• 10 years experience in plan review, checking and field inspections, building design and construction, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5 years experience in staff supervision and management preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of BC Building Code, Vancouver Building Bylaw, Vancouver Fire Bylaw and other relevant codes and standards
• Thorough knowledge of existing and emerging Council-adopted Policies and Bulletins as they relate to the administration and implementation of work in the Building Review Branch and other building permitting workgroups
• Strong knowledge of construction projects from design to final occupancy and the necessary interactions amongst the various design/engineering disciplines
• Working knowledge of other branches and departments and their respective roles/relationships with the Building Review Branch
• Effective communication (oral and written) , interpersonal, and presentation skills in order to convey information and explain technical and procedural matters to the public and staff
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters
• Ability to influence others while respecting the sensitive political challenges that impact decisions
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, productive relationships at all levels in the organization and with external stakeholders
• Excellent skills in research, analysis, and problem-solving within a complex and dynamic environment; ability to think innovatively, solve complex problems and present solutions in clear and compelling terms
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate, engage and mentor staff
• Ability to innovate, lead and implement change in the workplace
• Knowledge of management principles, policies and practices including recruitment and selection, leadership, performance, attendance management and collective agreements
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and manage projects and programs crossing multiple teams, multiple business processes and multiple stakeholder groups
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects, programs and processes with competing schedules and resources
• Ability to maintain a budget

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Development, Buildings & Licensing (1250) 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: June, 2024 

Position End Date: January, 2027 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-111: $121,960 to $160,467 per annum

Application Close: May 1, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.