ABOUT CANADA LANDS COMPANY
Canada Lands Company (CLC) is a self-financing federal Crown corporation specializing in real estate and development, and attractions management.
CLC is committed to developing vibrant communities and enriching the spaces and places it owns and operates.
Its achievements are made possible by the talent and passion of its employees.
CLC offers a dynamic work environment, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefit programs and flexible work arrangements for improved work-life balance, professional development training and much more.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Director of Real Estate, working primarily out of the Downsview Project Office (70 Canuck), directs the land development process, including, but not limited to, planning, public consultation, engineering/construction design, and the approval process for land development activities in the Central Region market (including the Downsview Lands).
The Director is responsible for associated budgeting/costing, project management, and implementation.
The Director of Real Estate generates optimum value from real estate holdings and acquisitions, including finding the appropriate balance between profit/revenue and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, participation in acquisition due diligence, preparing business plans, developing public consultation processes, developing and managing value enhancement strategies, including creating master plans, addressing affordable housing and heritage considerations, securing planning and engineering approvals, and infrastructure cost-sharing and land servicing initiatives.
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Manage and coordinate all aspects of redevelopment projects in the Central Region, including the Downsview Lands.
- Actively participate in projects that require the expertise of a senior land development professional for complex or strategic issues. This may include developing strategies and negotiating municipal and engineering approvals, as well as land servicing contracts.
- Participate in preparing, reviewing, and implementing short-term and long-term planning activities, budgets, cost-sharing arrangements, schedules, and the formulation of business plans, including the Company’s Corporate Plan process.
- Prepare pro-formas and supporting documentation and monitor project budgets/ schedules to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget.
- Develop and oversee the consultant selection process to build the external multidisciplinary team (lawyers, appraisers, architects, planners, engineers, advisors, etc.) to advance project development.
- Direct and work with multi-disciplinary consultant teams to address project requirements, prepare drawings and reports, engage government officials, and obtain approvals for development from approval authorities.
- Administer related contracts for third-party service providers.
- Lead the development, approval and implementation of master plans, secondary plans, development plans, zoning, and subdivision for the Central Region.
- Liaise with senior municipal officials and accelerate planning and development approvals. Collaborate with colleagues, CMHC, and industry partners to advance affordable housing projects.
- Oversee community consultation and engage with community members and stakeholders, acting as an ambassador for CLC.
- Participate in environmental assessments and develop site remediation strategies.
- Participate in heritage assessments (natural and built form) and develop strategies for proper preservation and/or commemoration.
- Generate optimum value from the Central Region lands, including finding the optimal balance of financial return with community objectives and fulfilling the Company’s Strategic Objectives and relevant Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria.
- Represent CLC and its interests in dealing with municipal administrations, the real estate community, and community groups to achieve the CLC’s objectives.
- Build long-term business relationships with builders, approval authorities, contract professionals, and communities/stakeholders.
- Direct and liaise between consultants, contractors, builders, and third parties to ensure all parties have the necessary guidance and information to work effectively as a team and meet deadlines.
- Coordinate the preparation and implementation of marketing strategies for land assets.
- Oversee and run sales processes (from initial marketing, to offers of sale, to closing) and interact with external brokers, solicitors and purchasers.
- Manage and coordinate the activities of outside consultants to support marketing and sales activities.
- Maintain contact and liaise with builder partners, including coordinating marketing initiatives, monitoring adherence to brand guidelines, and overseeing the performance of purchase and sale agreements.
- Nurture relationships with the brokerage community and industry peers to stay informed about development activities and market trends.
- Develop and manage physical planning, regulatory planning, architectural and urban design review and other planning/design responsibilities.
- Work with planning and engineering consultants and other professionals to advance projects and obtain approvals for development from approval authorities.
- Prepare or review and approve key engineering design and drawings.
- Managerial responsibilities of shared staff and possible direct reports.
- Serve as a resource and support other projects within the Central Region and across the company as needed.
- Collaborate closely with other Directors in the Central Region on strategic asset management, engineering/construction, and marketing, sales, and transactions functions.
- Special projects as assigned by the Vice-President, Real Estate (Central Region) and other duties and accountabilities, as required.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in planning, architecture, engineering, or a comparable field required in land development, including professional certification(s).
- Minimum of seven to 10 years of experience in land development, including knowledge of community master planning and regulatory approvals, community consultation, mixed-use/residential development, site servicing, infrastructure cost-sharing, marketing and sales, leasing and property management, environmental remediation, low-impact development/stormwater management, and construction practices.
- Demonstrated relevant and comparable project experience in size and scale to the Canada Lands’ Downsview Lands projects.
- Project management skills, including the ability to establish budgets, meet schedules, manage project files, and make appropriate decisions to ensure the successful outcome of the project.
- General knowledge of environmental issues, requirements, and remediation strategies.
- Good understanding of provincial and municipal government structures and legislation to develop strategies and obtain land development approvals.
- Knowledge of all aspects of mixed-use residential (including affordable housing) and/or commercial land development, from initial review of project feasibility and concept planning to municipal approval processes, servicing of development parcels, and economic factors impacting real estate markets.
- Proficient with computers and software applications, including AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and project management tools.
KEY COMPETENCIES:
- Accountability
- Communication
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Networking and relationship building
- Planning and organizing
- Problem solving
- Risk management
- Servicing Excellence
- Teamwork
HOW TO APPLY
To explore this exciting career opportunity, please email your resume and cover letter to:
Marty Greenaway, Consultant
Feldman Daxon Partners
E: mgreenaway@feldmandaxon.com