Manager – Building and Safety

THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Community Development (Department) delivers a wide variety of programs and services to help create and maintain more safe, sustainable, and livable neighborhoods. The department is comprised of five bureaus: Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Housing and Neighborhood Services, Planning, and Administrative and Financial Services.

Our staff of more than 200 works tirelessly to serve the community through an array of policies and programs, including land use and development, affordable housing, environment and historic preservation, neighborhood improvement, and construction standards and safety. We are dedicated to making a positive difference in our role to help transform Long Beach into a model urban community that honors its past and embraces the future.

THE POSITION
The Building and Safety Bureau Manager (a.k.a., Superintendent of Building and Safety or Bureau Manager), under the direction of the Director of Community Development, is a senior management position responsible for the leadership and oversight of the Building and Safety Bureau (Bureau) within the Department. The Bureau Manager plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the programs and activities of the Bureau, manages a team of 80 employees, and ensures they align with the City’s mission and regulatory requirements. This position may also serve as the Long Beach Building Official. The Bureau is comprised of three primary divisions:

• Permit Center Division: Responsible for the one-stop Permit Center public counters, construction permit intake and issuance functions for Building, Planning, Fire, Business License, Public Works, records management, and cashiering services, and other permitting related services.
• Engineering/Plan Review Division: Responsible for the reviews of submitted building, fire, grading, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans, over-the-counter plan review services, predevelopment meeting, support the Site Plan Review Committee and Technical Advisory Committee, and other plan review related services.
• Inspection Division: Responsible for inspections of new buildings, structures, and related facilities, managing critical programs such as the construction/recycling debris program, deputy inspection program, stormwater/NPDES program, and other inspection related services.
  The Bureau Manager position plays a critical role in ensuring that all construction and building projects adhere to local, state, and federal codes and regulations. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with extensive managerial experience in building safety, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service. The Bureau Manager will act as the public-facing representative of the Bureau, championing new initiatives and engaging with stakeholders to advance the Bureau’s goals and priorities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The Bureau Manager will:

• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the programs and activities of the Bureau.
• Assign, supervise and review the work of subordinates, including division managers and supervisors overseeing plan review, permit issuance, inspection, and related services.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing workplace culture focused on continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
• Serve as the public-facing official for the Bureau, engaging with stakeholders, including community groups, business leaders, property owners, and industry professionals.
• Interpret and enforce ordinances and codes, formulating policies and procedures for administration and enforcement, include overseeing requests for modifications or approval of alternate materials and methods of construction not explicitly covered by codes and ordinances.
• Condemn unsafe buildings and issue orders to halt construction or cease occupancy when necessary.
• Direct the preparation of complaints for legal action against violators of codes and ordinances.
• Oversee the maintenance of accurate records, plans, specifications and permits to ensure compliance and accountability.
• Represents the City in regional and national forums, including model code organizations, advocating for advancements in building safety and regulator practices, and recommend changes to Municipal codes and ordinances.
• Respond to public inquiries and concerns, ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and clear communication of Bureau policies, procedures and practices.
• Consolidate and integrate plan check and inspection services across departments, including fire, health, and building divisions.
• Drive the implementation of innovative initiatives, such as electronic plan check system, virtual public counter, virtual inspection, and streamlined permitting processes.
• Refine and enhance existing land management and revenue project tracking systems to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Study operations and institutes changes that improve the economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of service.
• Provide excellent customer service, building strong relationships with property owners, community groups, designers, contractors, and others concerned with the activities and operations of the Bureau.
• Ensure that the Bureau is accessible, user-friendly, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.
• Performs other related duties as required.