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

• Provide expert guidance on California planning practice, including the Planning and Zoning Law, housing legislation, Safety Element and climate mandates, and related state and local requirements
• Ensure all work products meet technical, legal, and professional standards while remaining accessible and actionable for decision-makers and the public.

Collaborative Leadership and Operational Excellence

• Partner with internal multi-disciplinary leaders (including land development, engineering, water, transportation and resilience teams) to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary planning team in Santa Ana, working closely with other planners throughout the West, capable of executing several large projects concurrently.
• Assess and refine planning processes to enhance quality, innovation, and client outcomes.
• Mentor emerging leaders and support professional development, licensure, and creative growth across the team.

What You Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience preparing general plans, specific plans, zoning codes, or other long range policy documents in California.
• Demonstrated experience working with public-sector clients; experience with private developers or public–private partnerships is strongly preferred.
• AICP certification is preferred.
• Deep understanding of local government operations, community engagement, and planning frameworks.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, CAD, visualization platforms and emerging planning technologies.. Strong leadership, facilitation, communication, and strategic project management skills
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position is $136,427.20 - $236,371.20 This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

Why Choose Us:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits