Head, Property, Planning and Development

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Capital Officer, the Head of Property, Planning and Development is responsible for the development, implementation and administration of the Engineering, Construction & Expansion (ECE) Group’s property, planning, and approvals portfolio supporting capital programs, operational requirements, and the TTC Real Estate Investment Plan.

This role will provide direction to a large team of urban planning/engineering and design professionals in the management of the organization’s property portfolio. This involves the strategic planning, directing, and managing functions associated with property acquisition through negotiation or expropriation; disposal of surplus property; negotiation of property agreements, development proposals, associated legal agreements; office and commercial leasing activities, as well as ensuring the utilization of TTC space across the organization.

This role will also support the capital programs and operational needs of the Construction and Major Projects departments within the ECE Group. Key deliverables include securing the necessary properties, permits, approvals, agreements, and coordinating private and public utility relocations/installations required for projects. The ability to establish strong business relationships with various municipal and provincial agencies/departments and utility asset owners is essential.

Scope & Responsibilities

The duties of this role will include but are not limited to the below:

• Determine the long term vision for TTC space and property, developing an implementation plan for short and medium term deliverables and incorporate into the Real Estate Investment Plan.
• Develop and implement the strategy and criteria for office and operational space, including considerations for location, availability, size, cost, and the unique needs of various client departments across the organization while ensuring operational efficiency.
• Oversee the design of space to ensure all requirements and department needs are met, including tender and contract management, budgeting, necessary renovations, and furniture.
• Ensure all space and property projects are managed efficiently and effectively regarding cost and schedule.
• Obtain all permits, approvals and acquire property to meet the timelines of capital projects.
• Provide input to design teams from a permit and approval standpoint, ensuring an effective design through sound knowledge and understanding of the impact/timelines resulting from permits/approvals.
• Oversee negotiations/agreements with landowners of adjacent developments and ensure landowners meet their responsibilities through their obligation to inspect, monitor and repair.
• Oversee negotiations and enter into appropriate agreements with developers and other transit operators, ensuring safety and viability of the transit system for the present and future, (i.e. large scale developments, land leases, and new connections to the system).
• Ensure the appropriate consideration, review, protection, and support of TTC infrastructure through partnerships with the City of Toronto, CreateTO, Metrolinx, Conservation Authority and Ministries.
• Monitor best practices throughout the municipal/provincial property community and implement new initiatives, as appropriate, within the TTC.
• Prepare and oversee the departmental budget; providing reports, recommendations, and advice to the Chief Capital Officer, CEO and Board.
• Establish effective goals and objectives (short, medium and long term) for the overall department that align with the TTC corporate plan.

Scope & Responsibilities continued

• Establish and review an effective monitoring process to ensure goals, budgets and objectives are met (KPI’s, trackers, etc.).
• Act as the TTC’s representative and interface with the City, CreateTO, Metrolinx, York Region, developers, landowners, Conservation Authority, and Ministries; participate and/or represent the TTC at meetings as required.
• Promotes a respectful work and service environment that supports diversity, inclusion, and is free from harassment and discrimination. Provides leadership in the development and implementation of inclusive and accessible policies, programs and/or services for employees and customers in accordance with TTC's commitments and obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and Related Orders, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and TTC's policies.

Skills

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Business Administration, Engineering, Geography, or a related discipline (i.e. Planning, Property/Real Estate) or relevant experience
• Master’s Degree is preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP certification) or equivalent certification is an asset
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) or Professional Engineer (PEng) designation is preferred