Director, Regional Partnerships (Contract, 12 months)

📌 Core Information - Job Title: Director, Regional Partnerships (Contract, 12 months) - Company: Export Development Canada - Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Job Type: Full-time, Contract - Category: Financial Services - Date Posted: August 1, 2025 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Developing and implementing a national vision and plan for the Partnerships team in Canada - Leading a team of Business Development professionals to build relationships with financial institutions and optimize EDC’s solution suite - Collaborating with internal stakeholders to coordinate prioritization of initiatives and support of partnerships - Building and maintaining effective long-term relationships with Canadian FIs, alternative lenders, and other Private, Government, and Association organizations - Ability to be the champion of the team and Partnership groups, and lead the team through change and continuous improvement of the team’s management processes and practices ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong influencing skills, and excellent relationship management abilities. The ideal candidate will have experience in leading regional-level and/or corporate-level initiatives in a matrixed environment with internal and external stakeholders. 📋 Key Responsibilities - Develop and implement a national vision and plan for the Partnerships team in Canada - Lead a team of experienced Business Development professionals across Canada - Support team members to engage and influence collaboration with senior leaders in the ecosystem to increase mutual collaboration across their business units and shape more opportunities for Canadian companies to succeed in their international business growth - Ensure the team deeply understands partners, their goals, shifts in priorities, and mandate - Continuously gather and share market intelligence across various sectors through external interactions to develop opportunities and services/products customized to partners' needs - Contribute to and advance customer-centric solutions through collaboration with EDC product and innovation teams - Facilitate the performance and skill/career development of team members to ensure the team has adequate support, capacity, and capability to address the needs of the organization - Build and maintain effective long-term relationships with Canadian FIs, alternative lenders, and other Private, Government, and Association organizations - Closely collaborate across the wider Partnerships group and with internal stakeholders to coordinate prioritization of initiatives and support of partnerships - Ability to be the champion of the team and Partnership groups, and lead the team through change and continuous improvement of the team’s management processes and practices - Use EDC systems and processes to ensure appropriate level of governance, and track & measure progress and performance of team and partner objectives/KPIs - Reports to RVP, Partnerships ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are essential for the successful performance of this role. However, the specific tasks and priorities may evolve based on business needs and strategic direction. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field Experience: - Minimum 5 years of direct people leadership experience - Minimum 7 years of experience in business development in senior Commercial Banking, Trade Finance role, and/or financial services in Canada and/or internationally Required Skills: - Proven leadership and team management skills - Strong business development and relationship management abilities - Strategic mindset with excellent influencing skills - Excellent communication and presentation skills - Ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment with internal and external stakeholders - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools - Bilingual in English and French (required) Preferred Skills: - Experience with B2B partnership management, including regional or corporate-level negotiations, product launches, and/or execution on joint KPIs with Financial Institutions and/or government partners - Knowledge of financial institution commercial credit and lending practices - Knowledge of international business practices and international trade - Strong understanding of EDC’s value proposition and solutions - Compelling storytelling abilities to communicate vision, strategy, objectives, and plans ASSUMPTION: The required and preferred qualifications listed above are essential for the successful performance of this role. However, the specific skills and experiences may evolve based on business needs and strategic direction. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $127,380 - $180,000 CAD per year Benefits: - Comprehensive health and dental plans - Retirement savings plan with employer matching - Generous vacation and time-off policies - Professional development opportunities - Employee assistance program - Flexible work arrangements (hybrid work environment with 2 days in the office per week) Working Hours: 40 hours per week ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits listed above are based on typical benefits packages offered by organizations of this size in the financial services industry. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Financial Services Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees) Founded: 1944 Company Description: Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown corporation that provides financing, insurance, and bonding products and services to Canadian exporters and investors to facilitate and develop Canada's international trade. EDC's mission is to support and develop Canada's export trade by providing innovative financial solutions, knowledge, and connections to Canadian companies. Company Specialties: Export financing, trade insurance, bonding, and risk management solutions Company Website: ASSUMPTION: EDC plays a crucial role in supporting Canadian companies' international business growth by providing financial solutions, market knowledge, and connections. The company's extensive experience and expertise in the export finance industry make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to contribute to Canada's international trade success. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-career to senior-level Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the RVP, Partnerships Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days in the office per week) Growth Opportunities: - Potential to advance to senior leadership roles within the Partnerships group or other departments at EDC - Opportunities to expand industry knowledge and expertise through collaboration with various internal teams and external partners - Possibility to contribute to the development of new products, services, and processes that support EDC's mission ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop leadership skills, expand industry knowledge, and contribute to the organization's strategic direction. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (2 days in the office per week) Office Location(s): Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Toronto, Ontario, Canada Geographic Context: - Ottawa: The capital of Canada, offering a mix of urban and rural living, with a vibrant arts and culture scene, and easy access to nature and outdoor activities - Montreal: A bilingual city with a rich cultural heritage, known for its festivals, museums, and culinary scene - Toronto: Canada's largest city, offering diverse neighborhoods, a thriving arts and culture scene, and numerous job opportunities Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with flexibility for remote work) ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and multiple office locations provide employees with the flexibility to balance work and personal responsibilities while still enjoying the benefits of a collaborative office environment. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission through Taleo 2. Phone or video screening with the Recruitment team 3. In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with the hiring manager and other team members 4. Final interview with the RVP, Partnerships Key Assessment Areas: - Leadership and team management skills - Business development and relationship management abilities - Strategic mindset and problem-solving skills - Cultural fit and alignment with EDC's values and mission Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role - Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments - Research EDC's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its priorities - Practice your presentation skills, as you may be required to deliver a short presentation as part of the interview process ATS Keywords: Leadership, Business Development, Relationship Management, Strategic Mindset, Collaboration, Market Intelligence, Customer-Centric Solutions, Team Development, Negotiation, International Trade, Financial Services, Bilingual, Communication, Change Management, Governance, Performance Measurement ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's leadership and business development skills, as well as their cultural fit with EDC. By following the application tips provided, candidates can increase their chances of success in the interview process. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project) - Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) - Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed above are commonly used in roles of this nature within the financial services industry. Familiarity with these tools is essential for the successful performance of this role. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards and act with honesty and transparency - Respect: Value diversity and treat everyone with dignity and courtesy - Collaboration: Work together to achieve common goals and support each other's success - Accountability: Take ownership of your responsibilities and deliver on your commitments - Innovation: Embrace change and continuously improve our products, services, and processes Work Style: - Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on collective success - Results-driven, with a strong commitment to achieving objectives and KPIs - Adaptable and open to change, with a willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic environment - Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely - Bilingual in English and French, with the ability to communicate effectively in both official languages Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do your leadership style and approach align with EDC's company values? 2. Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a team through a significant change or transition? 3. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and market intelligence, and how have you applied this knowledge in previous roles? 4. Can you describe a situation where you had to influence a senior leader to support a strategic initiative or partnership? 5. How do you ensure the performance and skill/career development of your team members, and can you provide an example of a successful team development initiative? ASSUMPTION: EDC values candidates who demonstrate strong alignment with the company's core values and work style. By reflecting on the self-assessment questions provided, candidates can gain insight into the cultural fit expectations for this role. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Managing a team across multiple regions and time zones, with the need for regular communication and coordination 2. Balancing the demands of multiple partnerships and stakeholder relationships, with varying priorities and expectations 3. Navigating a matrixed environment with internal and external stakeholders, requiring strong collaboration and influencing skills 4. Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement, with the need to balance remote work and in-office collaboration effectively 5. Maintaining a strong work-life balance while managing a demanding role with significant responsibilities ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges listed above are common to roles of this nature within the financial services industry. By being aware of these challenges and proactively addressing them, candidates can mitigate their impact and contribute to their success in the role. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. This role differs from other senior business development roles in the financial services industry in its focus on regional-level partnership management and market coverage, rather than specific product or service lines 2. Unlike other senior leadership roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the partner ecosystem and the ability to influence collaboration across business units to shape more opportunities for Canadian companies 3. Compared to other senior roles within EDC, this position offers unique exposure to the Partnerships group and the opportunity to drive strategic initiatives that support Canadian exporters' international business growth ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic, leadership, and relationship management responsibilities, making it an attractive opportunity for candidates seeking to develop a broad range of skills and contribute to Canada's international trade success. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Developing and implementing a national vision and plan for the Partnerships team in Canada, ensuring relevant partnership management responsibilities, market/sector coverage, go-to-market tactics, allocation of appropriate resources, and the establishment of business targets and budgets 2. Leading a team of experienced Business Development professionals to build relationships with financial institutions and optimize EDC’s solution suite, resulting in increased market share and revenue growth 3. Collaborating with internal stakeholders to coordinate prioritization of initiatives and support of partnerships, leading to improved operational efficiency and cost savings 4. Building and maintaining effective long-term relationships with Canadian FIs, alternative lenders, and other Private, Government, and Association organizations, resulting in expanded partnership opportunities and enhanced EDC's market position ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are representative of the types of initiatives and responsibilities that the successful candidate for this role will be expected to undertake. By providing specific, measurable examples of their past accomplishments, candidates can demonstrate their qualifications and fit for this role. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Can you describe the team dynamics and cultural fit within the Partnerships group, and how this role contributes to the team's success? 2. How does this role support EDC's overall mission and strategic objectives, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this position? 3. What are the most significant challenges facing the Partnerships team, and how can this role address and mitigate these issues? 4. How does EDC support the professional development and growth of its employees, and what opportunities exist for growth and advancement within the Partnerships group and the organization as a whole? 5. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured and evaluated? ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview process are designed to provide insight into the role's priorities, challenges, and growth opportunities, as well as the organization's commitment to employee development and success. By asking these questions, candidates can gain a better understanding of the role's expectations and requirements, and assess their fit for the position. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the following link: 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role 3. Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments 4. Research EDC's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its priorities 5. Practice your presentation skills, as you may be required to deliver a short presentation as part of the interview process 6. Follow up with the Recruitment team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.