Manager, Business and Economy

Requisition ID: 42990 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
 

Main Purpose and Function

We’re looking for experienced managers familiar with the key challenges and opportunities facing the business community to join a new team focused on delivering excellence in economic development for the City of Vancouver.  Working actively with the local business community and supporting a range of City teams, the work of the Business and Economy Office focuses on minimizing obstacles for local business, bringing a business lens to policy and program development, and supporting investment attraction efforts with our partners.
 

The Manager, works closely with the Senior Manager and Director to provide sophisticated business and strategic advice on a broad range of projects, and for developing and implementing policies and initiatives related to business and economic issues. The position works with and will be required to influence a very large range of people – from within the City of Vancouver, the business community, other public sector entities, and, from a range of organizations involved in supporting economic development and investment.
 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides internal strategic, policy and operational advice concerning ongoing operations and complex issues/opportunities related to business and the economy, including for specific sectors.
• Manages internal cross-departmental teams to deliver on strategic initiatives that support local business and investment and collaboration within the local business ecosystem, drawing on your leadership, project management, policy, governance and stakeholder management skills.
• Stewards relationships with external parties such as business leaders, public sector peers, and industry associations representatives.
• Manages staff, including performance and attendance management, developing goals and expectations, and identifying training and development opportunities.
• Undertakes qualitative and quantitative analysis of economic and business data to be used in policy and program recommendations, and for presentation materials.
• Develops research and information materials, as well as presentations, reports and other materials for both internal and external audiences.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• An undergraduate degree in Business Administration or Public Administration, Economic Development, Commerce, or equivalent (e.g., MBA, MPA) or technical equivalent.
• Minimum six years' experience working in a corporate or institutional environment at an intermediate or senior level, with increasing responsibility for complex business or economic strategy and/or business planning-related work.
• Experience working directly with senior management, boards of directors, elected officials, business organizations and/or other governance bodies.
• Experience working in the public sector, working in an environment that balances public policy and business objectives, and/or knowledge of or experience with local government issues are all considered assets for this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of the BC Lower Mainland’s economy and local business issues and opportunities
• Demonstrated management skills, balancing independence, initiative and decisiveness with good judgement and a collaborative approach.
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills that can be applied to complex, multi-faceted issues, with the ability to think objectively and innovatively, and to present solutions in clear and compelling terms.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain effective and respectful working relationships with internal and external contacts; contributes to the achievement of team goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including effective presentation skills.
• Ability to meet timelines and objectives and demonstrates persistence to overcome obstacles
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to concurrently manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Office of the City Manager (1010) 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: March, 2025 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-091: $111,139 to $138,924 per annum. The salary offered to the successful candidate will consider a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skillset, level of experience applicable to the role they are being offered and internal equity considerations.

Application Close: January 19, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.