The posting
Job Description
Are you a strategic economic development leader who can turn market opportunities into meaningful investment and long-term economic growth?
Strathcona County is seeking a Manager, Investment Attraction to lead the development and implementation of strategies that attract new commercial, industrial and greenfield investment. This influential leadership role will guide investment attraction activities, build relationships with investors and key partners, and lead a specialized team focused on strengthening Strathcona County’s position as a competitive investment destination.
As a key liaison between the County, investors, developers, industry, corporate and government partners, you will help prospective investors navigate complex development processes, identify and address barriers to investment, and advance initiatives that improve investment readiness. You will also lead sector development and diversification efforts that support new supply chains and contribute to the long-term strength of Strathcona County’s tax base.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Strathcona County’s investment attraction strategy and oversee the delivery of programs, tools and initiatives that support economic growth
- Manage, coach and support the Investment Attraction team, ensuring resources are aligned with departmental priorities and program goals
- Support investors, developers, brokers and site selectors by providing location-specific information related to available properties, transportation and utility infrastructure, levies, land use and permitting processes
- Develop and deliver compelling investment attraction tools, presentations, publications, sector profiles, digital content and promotional materials that position Strathcona County as a competitive business location
- Build and maintain strategic relationships/partnerships with investors, developers, industry leaders, local businesses, government representatives and regional economic development organizations
- Collaborate with partners such as Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, Edmonton Global, the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada and other regional economic development organizations to advance shared investment priorities
- Lead cross-functional working groups that help investors navigate County processes and address matters involving infrastructure, land use, levies, incentives and development readiness.
- Work with developers and internal partners to identify potential development locations and advocate for infrastructure required to support greenfield investment
- Identify emerging sectors, market opportunities and supply chains that can diversify Strathcona County’s economy and tax revenue
- Advance foreign direct investment opportunities within the energy and agricultural value chains and other targeted sectors
- Analyze market trends, regional attributes, investment barriers and internal factors to qualify prospects and strengthen attraction strategies
- Develop recommendations for policies, bylaws, incentives and other approaches that reduce barriers to growth and improve the County’s investment readiness
- Guide the continued development and adoption of customer relationship management and digital business-support tools, including the Business Directory, Investment Intelligence Tool and Property Locator
Qualifications and Skills:
- A bachelor’s degree in management, commerce, business, marketing or a related field.
- Ten years of combined experience in business development, economic development or a related field, with demonstrated progression in responsibility, five of which have been in a leadership position
- A certificate in Economic Development is considered an asset
- Expert knowledge of economic development practices and their application to complex development and investment matters
- Demonstrated experience leading projects and cross-functional working groups
- Experience developing and implementing actionable business growth strategies with proven, measurable results
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to coach, inspire and guide a specialized team toward shared objectives
- Exceptional relationship-building and public relations skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior business, industry and government representatives
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including confidence presenting to large groups and senior decision-makers
- Strong professional sales and business development capabilities, including client engagement, product pitches and formal presentations
- Strategic and critical thinking skills, supported by sound analysis, judgement and creative problem-solving
- Demonstrated ability to use market intelligence and data to inform decisions, qualify opportunities and guide action
- Political acumen, discretion and the ability to navigate complex issues involving multiple internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to understand and clearly communicate technical concepts related to areas such as infrastructure, taxation, utilities, land economics, land use, construction, financing and supply chains
- Ability to manage diverse business and development activities while identifying practical solutions to barriers affecting investment and economic growth
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build consensus across departments, organizations and stakeholder groups
- Flexibility to attend meetings and events outside regular working hours, visit industrial and commercial sites, and travel internationally when required
Conditions of Employment:
- Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
- A valid Class 5 driver’s licence and access to a personal vehicle for work purposes are required
- A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally as required
Who We Are:
Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, collaboration, and accountability.
Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:Extended health and dental coverage Health and wellness spending account Life and disability insurance Retirement and pension programs Management Flex time Employee and family assistance program
- Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
- Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace
Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.
Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
