Supervisor, Policy & Planning

Halton Region is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value, welcome and respect the unique perspectives and contributions of all individuals. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit), Black and racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Accommodations are available at any point upon request for candidates participating in the selection process.

As an employer of choice, Halton Region recognizes the many benefits of hybrid work arrangements, including flexibility and improved work-life balance for our employees. This position is eligible for the Hybrid Work Program, with a minimum requirement of three (3) days per week onsite.

Posting ID: 5532

Department: Social & Community Services

Division: Children's Services

Pay Range: $108,952 - $136,187

Job Type: Permanent

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Work Location: Halton Regional Centre - 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville

Employee Group: MMSG

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Posting Date: October 13, 2026

Application Deadline: October 22, 2026

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to fill subsequent vacancies of the same position within the next 18 months.

If you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with Halton Region but don’t meet every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply! This position may be eligible for an underfill opportunity for candidates who do not meet every qualification. We’re always on the lookout for exceptional talent to join our team!

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of System Planning and Management, the Supervisor of Policy and Planning provides strategic leadership to a team of policy professionals responsible for supporting Halton Region's role as Service System Manager for Early Learning and Child Care.

The Supervisor leads the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of local policies, strategic initiatives and planning frameworks that support a high-quality, accessible, affordable and responsive early learning and child care system. This position is responsible for translating provincial legislation, regulations, funding guidelines and strategic priorities into local policies, programs and implementation strategies that respond to the evolving needs of children, families, service providers and communities across Halton.

Drawing on data, research, sector knowledge and stakeholder engagement, the Supervisor ensures policy and planning decisions are evidence-informed, innovative, position the Region for future success and aligned with Regional priorities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and People Management
• Provides leadership, direction, coaching and performance management to a team of professional staff responsible for policy development, strategic planning, research, performance measurement and special initiatives.
• Establishes priorities, work plans and service standards to support divisional, departmental and corporate objectives.
• Fosters a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative team culture built on trust, accountability, respect and shared purpose.
• Creates a psychologically safe workplace where employees feel supported, valued and empowered to contribute their perspectives and ideas.
• Promotes employee engagement, professional growth, succession planning and talent development through ongoing coaching, mentorship and recognition.
• Leads staff through complex policy, planning and system transformation initiatives while effectively managing change and uncertainty.
• Demonstrates inclusive leadership practices that support equitable opportunities for learning, development and advancement.
• Encourages innovation, continuous improvement and evidence-informed decision-making across the team.
• Ensures alignment with Regional values, leadership competencies and organizational priorities.
• Policy Development and System Planning
• Leads the interpretation, analysis and implementation of provincial legislation, regulations, policies, funding guidelines and strategic directions affecting the early learning and child care system.
• Oversees the development, implementation and continuous improvement of local policies, procedures, accountability frameworks and planning strategies.
• Evaluates emerging provincial initiatives and assesses implications for local service delivery, funding approaches and operational practices.
• Identifies policy gaps, risks, trends and opportunities and develops strategic recommendations to support decision-making with robust risk management practices.
• Ensures policy development processes are informed by research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and community needs assessment.
• Provides expert policy advice and recommendations to divisional leadership on strategic and operational issues impacting Children's Services.
• Supports long-term service system planning and future-focused policy development to address evolving community needs and sector changes.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with provincial ministries, municipalities, school boards, service providers, community agencies and sector organizations.
• Leads strategic engagement and consultation processes that inform planning, policy development and service system improvements.
• Uses strong political acumen and inter-personal stills to represents Halton Region on provincial, regional and sector working groups, committees and collaborative initiatives.
• Facilitates discussions among stakeholders with differing perspectives while building consensus around shared priorities.
• Promotes Halton Region's leadership role as Service System Manager within the early learning and child care sector.
• Supports partnership development and collaborative problem-solving to advance community outcomes.
• Strategic Project and Change Leadership
• Leads complex policy, planning and transformation initiatives from concept through implementation and evaluation.
• Develops project charters, implementation plans, change management strategies and performance indicators.
• Monitors project timelines, milestones, risks and outcomes to ensure successful delivery of strategic priorities.
• Utilizes project management best practices to coordinate resources, stakeholders and activities across multiple initiatives.
• Supports innovation and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service quality, effectiveness and community impact.
• Reporting and Corporate Leadership
• Prepares reports, briefing notes, presentations and well researched recommendations for senior leadership, Regional Council and external stakeholders.
• Provides strategic advice on policy, planning, funding and service system management issues.
• Participates on divisional, departmental and corporate committees, working groups and leadership teams.
• Contributes to departmental business planning, strategic planning and organizational priorities.

Skills & Qualifications

• University degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field; a graduate degree is an asset.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive experience in strategic planning, policy development, research, program evaluation, or service system management within the public sector, human services, or early learning and child care sector.
• Minimum three (3) years of leadership experience, including supervising, developing, and supporting high-performing teams.
• Experience leading complex transformation initiatives, implementing legislation and policy frameworks, and managing change in dynamic environments.
• Strong analytical, research, and project management skills, with the ability to translate complex information into practical, evidence-informed recommendations.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse interests and perspectives.
• Demonstrated political acuity, sound judgment, and risk management capabilities.
• Knowledge of provincial early learning and child care legislation, funding frameworks, and service system management responsibilities is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging, and the ability to apply an equity lens to decision-making.
• Proven strategic thinker who is adaptable, accountable, results-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement and public service excellence.

Working/ Employment Conditions

Working Conditions

The incumbent may be required to fulfill roles and responsibilities outlined in the Halton Region Emergency Social Services plan. Roles and responsibilities may include coordinating an emergency social services response and on-call duties. Additional hours and shift work may be required to fulfill these functions.

Employment Conditions

Current (obtained within the past six (6) months), original and acceptable Vulnerable Sector Check, by the first day of employment.

Important information about your application

In accordance with requirements in Ontario Regulation 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Halton Region will accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition representative of the nature of the accommodation(s) you require.

Please submit your application online. We will accommodate individual needs for applicants with disabilities and others who are not able to apply online. If you experience any issues with submitting your application, please contact HR Access at 905-825-6000 extension 7700.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date specified on the posting.

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

Personal information collected through the job application process will only be used for the purpose of determining qualifications for employment.

If selected for an interview, you will be contacted by email and/or phone. Please ensure the contact information provided on your resume is up to date and that you check your email and voicemail regularly.

Halton Region serves more than 650,000 residents throughout Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. We are committed to the delivery of high quality programs and services that make Halton a great place to live and work. We engage great people who contribute to meaningful work that makes a positive difference in our community. At Halton, you are encouraged to grow and succeed in your career and are recognized for your accomplishments and contributions. As an employee, you will be part of a progressive, service-focused, and award-winning employer with a diverse and inclusive work environment.