Principal Planner

4Creeks, Inc. • San Luis Obispo, CA

3d • $140,000 - $170,000

About The Position

4Creeks is seeking a Principal Planner to oversee and lead our dynamic Planning Group. This role has a few key areas of responsibility that would include: Leadership and Team Oversight Provide strategic direction and leadership to Municipal, Environmental, and Land Use/Entitlement departments within the Planning group. Lead monthly department meetings to discuss projects, deadlines, goals, and company updates. Monitor department and staff performance, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and quality standards are met. Manages financial aspects of the Planning Group, including budget preparation and funding allocation, utilization for departments (DLM), backlog, and profitability. Maintain profitability of 15% or greater annually. Identify and address process improvements to enhance workflow and overall performance. Mentor, coach, and support department managers and team leaders, maximizing their potential. Communicate organizational changes and initiatives to ensure transparency and buy-in from teams. Strategic Growth and Business Development Collaborate closely with senior leadership, to direct strategic planning to ensure growth and efficiency. Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, government agencies, community groups, vendors, and industry stakeholders. Develop and implement plans that align with company objectives and drive business growth. Assist in planning specific growth across 4Creeks various geographic regions (San Luis Obispo, Clovis, Denver, CO) Assist in business development and proposal efforts for the planning group Technical Planning and Client Management Confident and well-versed in our 3 focus areas: Municipal, Entitlements, and Environmental Planning. In-depth knowledge and experience working with local government processes, zoning codes, land use regulations, community development, and ERIs (specifically CEQA and NEPA documentation). Serve as a resource for the clients/key relationships, ensuring they receive high quality planning services. Collaborates with internal departments to ensure consistency, efficiency, and providing high quality products and service At 4Creeks Design & Build, we are more than just a Design-Build company; we are a unified team dedicated to delivering excellence from concept to completion. Rooted in Central California, our passion for creating innovative solutions drives us to tackle challenges and transform visions across the region we serve, from California to Colorado and beyond. Our firm thrives on a collaborative, fun, and challenging work environment, where every team member's value is recognized, and delivering results for our clients is paramount. We believe in the power of collective effort and the unique perspectives each professional brings to the table. Together, we pool our resources, expertise, and creativity to provide comprehensive solutions that change, form, and shape the future of our communities. As a 100% employee-owned company, we put our people first. Employee ownership creates a unique work environment that will benefit you the first day you walk in the door. You will experience the 4Creeks difference in commitment to quality, a culture of collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of greatness in everything we do. Join us in shaping a new future with a team that is as dedicated to each other as we are to our craft.

Requirements

• The position requires a B.S. in Planning, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience and is AICP certified.
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Strong background in project management and technical planning.
• In-depth knowledge and experience working with local government processes, zoning codes, land use regulations, community development, and ERIs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with planning software (e.g., GIS, AutoCAD, ArcGIS) and other data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with staff, elected officials, developers, and the public.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to Municipal, Environmental, and Land Use/Entitlement departments within the Planning group.
• Lead monthly department meetings to discuss projects, deadlines, goals, and company updates.
• Monitor department and staff performance, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and quality standards are met.
• Manages financial aspects of the Planning Group, including budget preparation and funding allocation, utilization for departments (DLM), backlog, and profitability. Maintain profitability of 15% or greater annually.
• Identify and address process improvements to enhance workflow and overall performance.
• Mentor, coach, and support department managers and team leaders, maximizing their potential.
• Communicate organizational changes and initiatives to ensure transparency and buy-in from teams.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership, to direct strategic planning to ensure growth and efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, government agencies, community groups, vendors, and industry stakeholders.
• Develop and implement plans that align with company objectives and drive business growth.
• Assist in planning specific growth across 4Creeks various geographic regions (San Luis Obispo, Clovis, Denver, CO)
• Assist in business development and proposal efforts for the planning group
• Confident and well-versed in our 3 focus areas: Municipal, Entitlements, and Environmental Planning.
• In-depth knowledge and experience working with local government processes, zoning codes, land use regulations, community development, and ERIs (specifically CEQA and NEPA documentation).
• Serve as a resource for the clients/key relationships, ensuring they receive high quality planning services.
• Collaborates with internal departments to ensure consistency, efficiency, and providing high quality products and service

Benefits

• The benefits package includes full employee health coverage (50% coverage for dependents), company 401(k) contribution, participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), and performance bonuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director