Manager, Planning & Building Oper

City of Oakland•Oakland, CA

About The Position

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees. The City of Oakland's Planning & Building Department is currently recruiting for a Manager, Planning & Building Operations. The department is transforming how we serve our community. As part of our growing and dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to help shape the future of permitting and development services in one of California's most vibrant and diverse cities. This position plays a key leadership role in advancing customer-focused, efficient, and innovative permitting operations. You will help shape the future of development services by supporting modernization efforts, strengthening partnerships, and improving how the City serves residents, businesses, and the development community. Whether supporting housing production, economic development, or neighborhood improvements, your work will directly contribute to building a stronger Oakland while creating a positive experience for residents, businesses, and development partners. If you're passionate about public service, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and developing high-performing teams, you'll find a meaningful career and an opportunity to make a lasting impact here.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in management, public administration, and or a related field.
Three (3) years of responsible supervisory or managerial experience in planning and building services.
Successful incumbents in this position are expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties.
Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of California building, zoning, and permitting regulations, including experience coordinating with multiple regulatory agencies.
Experience leading process improvement initiatives, business modernization efforts, or technology implementations that resulted in improved operational efficiency, workflow effectiveness, or customer service.
Previous experience overseeing permit center operations and complex customer service functions within a municipal planning, building, or development services environment.
Experience using permitting and land management systems such as Accela, Bluebeam, GIS, or other enterprise software applications.
Professional certifications such as ICC Permit Technician, ICC Building Inspector or other related certifications are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Leading the daily operations of the City's Permit Center, ensuring permit applications are processed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and service standards.
Supervising, mentoring, and developing a high-performing team of permit technicians, customer service professionals, and operations staff by setting expectations, providing coaching, fostering professional growth, and promoting a collaborative workplace culture.
Partnering with the Building Official and department leadership to identify and implement process improvements, operational strategies, and technology solutions that improve workflow efficiency and customer service.
Providing leadership and guidance to customers, developers, business owners, City staff, and partner agencies by resolving complex permitting issues and facilitating coordinated reviews across departments and regulatory agencies.
Monitoring operational performance and using data to evaluate workload trends, track permitting activity, prepare reports, and recommend strategies to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Building collaborative partnerships across the organization by coordinating with Planning, Fire, Public Works, Transportation, Environmental Services, and other stakeholders to support timely and coordinated permit review processes.
Supporting department initiatives by leading special projects, implementing policies and best practices, and advancing modernization efforts that improve the customer experience and support Oakland's development goals.

Benefits

15 paid holidays
Vacation - 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
Retirement - CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and % @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages.
The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
Health - The City of Oakland pays for the cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care and other HMO and PPO plans
Dental - The City of Oakland pays for Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Vision - The City of Oakland pays for VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Sick leave - Employees accrue 12 days per year
Deferred Compensation - 457 (b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401 (k) plan
Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Training, & Telecommuting