Planning Department Lead

Planning Department Lead

What We're Looking For:

Michael Baker International is seeking an experienced Planning Department Lead to grow strategic planning initiatives for cities, counties, and other clients, such as general plans/general plan elements, specific plans, community plans, master plans, zoning ordinances, and other advance planning initiatives.

This role is pivotal in shaping sustainable, resilient, and community-aligned environments across a variety of local government contexts.

You will bring deep expertise in urban planning, local regulations, and interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver innovative, client-focused solutions.

What You'll Do:

Strategic Leadership, Growth and Business Development


* Partner collaboratively with senior leadership to shape and execute a bold growth strategy for Michael Baker's planning, urban design, and resilience practice in Southern California and across the West.


* Lead the identification, positioning, and pursuit of transformative planning, master planning, and design-led opportunities with cities, counties, special districts, and select private-sector clients aligned with Michael Baker's strategic priorities.


* Expand the firm's portfolio to include visionary master plans, district plans, design frameworks, and resilience-driven implementation plans.


* Collaborate with senior leadership to craft and implement growth strategies that expand our planning portfolio.


* Champion innovation, creativity, and thought leadership in long-range planning, urban design, and resilient community development.


* Represent Michael Baker at professional conferences, industry panels and public forums, e.g., APA, ULI, AIA, resilience and design-focused convenings.

Client-Focused Project Leadership


* Provide executive oversight and strategic guidance on complex planning and design projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives, schedules, budgets, and quality expectations.


* Position Michael Baker as a strategic partner in the marketplace, by emphasizing value creation, placemaking, resilience, and long-term community outcomes.


* Lead and support business development with public and private sector clients, and bring established professional relationships in the Southern California marketplace.


* Anticipate client needs and proactively address challenges, fostering trust and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

Planning, Design and Resilience Excellence


* Lead the development of general plans/general plan elements, comprehensive plans, specific plans, community plans, zoning updates, and site planning efforts for cities and counties.


* Integrate urban design, landscape, mobility, sustainability, and resilience principles into planning projects from the outset.


* Ensure planning and design solutions are innovative, equitable, and grounded in strong technical and regulatory understanding

Technical Expertise and Regulatory Compliance
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