PLANNING MANAGER

Salary : $114,647.52 - $171,971.54 Annually
Location : Surprise, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 27-00126
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 11/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

The first review of applications will be November 20, 2026.

The City of Surprise Community Development Department is on the lookout for an inspiring, collaborative, and solution-focused leader to step into the role of Planning Manager! This position offers a vibrant and fast-paced environment, integral to advancing the City's short- and long-term planning and development objectives. As Planning Manager, you will lead, mentor, and manage a team of Project Coordinators, Zoning Specialists, and Planners at various levels, including a Senior Planner.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive and adaptable leader with a growth mindset, capable of thriving in a dynamic setting. You'll be working primarily in an office environment with standard hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, although some early morning or evening meetings may be required. Future schedule flexibility may be offered once the candidate is current on all aspects of the department's operations.

We are looking for a leader with outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills, adept at project management, with exceptional communication and conflict resolution abilities. Experience in providing exceptional customer service and handling a diverse array of priorities efficiently and accurately is essential.

If you're eager to make a tangible impact on community development and thrive in a role that supports the growth of a rapidly expanding city, we'd love to hear from you!
SUMMARY
The Planning Manager plans, coordinates, and administers the strategic and daily operational activities of the Planning Division, including the assisting with development of the annual budget, goals, and staff and division action plans. This position develops and regulates the policies and procedures related to planning, zoning, development, and administration, as well as oversees the updates and amendments to the City's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. This position assists the development community, business owners, and residents through the planning application process with a solutions-based, customer-oriented approach.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, or related field and five years of increasingly responsible municipal planning and administrative experience, either public or private; including three years of experience in a supervisory role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Additional education cannot be substituted for experience.
Master's degree preferred.

CERTIFICATION
AICP preferred
SELECTION PROCESSApplicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process to include panel interviews.

Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

• Fingerprinting
• Criminal Background screening
• Education and Experience Verification
• E-Verify

To view the full job description, including work environment and physical demands, click HERE

The City of Surprise offers a broad range of inclusive employee benefits to help employees in their work and personal lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides our employees with competitive compensation, generous benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance for our diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, retirement, and a variety of work/life programs, including generous paid time off and twelve holidays. For additional benefit information, please
01

I understand all criminal convictions (felonies and/or misdemeanors including DUIs) that occurred as an adult (age 18 or older) must be disclosed when answering Question 7 and disclosed in full detail in Question 8 in the Agency-Wide Questions section of this application. I also understand my failure to disclose a conviction as outlined in Question 8 may be grounds for elimination of further consideration and/or a job offer to be rescinded.

• I acknowledge the above statement.

02

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you currently employed by the City of Surprise?

• Yes
• No

04

Select the option that applies to your highest level of education completed:

• Master's Degree in urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, or related field , or higher
• Bachelor's Degree in urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, or related field
• Associate's Degree
• High School diploma or G.E.D. awarded
• None of the above

05

How many years of increasingly responsible municipal planning and administrative experience, either public or private experience do you possess?

• 9 years or more
• 7 years to less than 9 years
• 5 years to less than 7 years
• Less than 5 years
• None of the above

06

Do you possess a minimum of three years of experience in a supervisory role?

• Yes
• No

07

How many years of experience do you have working in a municipal government setting?

• 8 years or more
• 4 years to less than 8 years
• 1 year to less than 4 years
• Less than 1 year
• None of the above

08

Are you AICP certified?

• Yes
• No

09

Describe your experience developing and implementing new policies or programs. If you do not have this experience, write "N/A".
10

Describe your experience leading current and/or long-range planning teams. If you do not have this experience, write "N/A".
Required Question