Vice President, Business Development

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Business Development is a key member of the senior leadership team at Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA). This position is responsible for driving strategic growth, fostering international trade relationships, and optimizing the Port's real estate portfolio. The role involves developing and executing innovative policies, strategies, and business plans to enhance trade activities, maximize the value and utilization of land and commercial real estate assets, and ensure alignment with PRPA's long-term objectives and regulatory requirements.

The VP will promote sustainable growth initiatives, identify emerging opportunities, and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to position PRPA as a leader in global trade. Guided by the core values of diversity, teamwork, innovation, sustainability, and integrity, this role requires exceptional leadership, vision, and a commitment to advancing the Port's mission in a dynamic and competitive global environment.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

• Develop and execute PRPA's trade and real estate strategy to drive sustainable growth, ensuring alignment with the organization's broader goals and core values of sustainability, integrity, innovation, and teamwork.
• Leads initiatives to optimize the Port's real estate portfolio, including industrial, commercial, and mixed-use projects, focusing on responsible land use and long-term value creation.
• Cultivate a diversity, collaboration, and shared success culture by promoting teamwork across departments and building partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Facilitate and execute PRPA's strategic planning efforts and the 5-year corporate plan.
• Foster and maintain partnerships that uphold ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in all business activities.

TRADE GROWTH & OPERATIONS

• Leads the development and execution of business development strategies to attract cargo, passengers and carriers to the Port of PRPA in support of specific Port objectives, including the development of PRPA's business plan, monitoring of business and competitive environment, the establishment of key performance indicators and measures of success, and ongoing market analysis to inform PRPA's strategic direction.
• Leads the development and execution of marketing and trade development strategies to promote growth in cargo and passenger traffic through the Port of Prince Rupert through the increased utilization of existing terminals using marketing methodology of price, product position and place through innovative practices.
• Oversees developing and implementing business development strategies and activities that attract new investment and development of terminals, logistics and related capabilities and capacities to enable competitive business and supply chains.
• Monitor business intelligence industry trends, trade policy developments, and economic factors, proactively adapting strategies to strengthen PRPA's competitive position and foster collaboration with industry stakeholders.
• Oversee and strengthen international trade relationships to position PRPA as a competitive, trusted partner in global trade while adhering to high standards of ethical business practices.

STAKEHOLDER & PARTNER RELATIONS

• Lead the strategic management and development of PRPA-owned lands, ensuring all projects align with the organization's commitment to sustainable development and diversity in use.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to create mixed-use, community-focused real estate projects that balance economic objectives with environmental stewardship.
• Champion innovative real estate initiatives that enhance PRPA's capabilities ensure regulatory compliance and reflect responsible land use practices.
• To advance PRPA's business objectives, build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with trade partners, industry leaders, and real estate developers and align with government, trade, and economic objectives as well as local communities.
• Advocate for strategic investments and initiatives that enhance trade growth and optimize land and asset development, ensuring alignment with PRPA's mission and values of sustainability and diversity.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify opportunities for innovation in trade logistics and real estate projects, fostering mutual success and long-term value creation.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & ADVOCACY

• Shape and lead PRPA's government relations strategy, fostering strong partnerships with government officials, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to advance PRPA's business and trade objectives.
• Drive high-impact advocacy efforts at local, provincial, and national levels, influencing regulatory and policy decisions that support PRPA's long-term growth and competitiveness.
• Anticipate and navigate legislative developments, providing strategic counsel to the executive team on emerging opportunities, risks, and regulatory changes that could impact PRPA's operations.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

• Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and the preparation of business cases for trade and real estate projects, ensuring the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities, integrating sustainability and innovation into financial strategies to align with PRPA's long-term objectives.
• Ensure investments deliver long-term value while prioritizing the well-being of local communities and the environment.

TEAM LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of business development professionals, fostering a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and high performance.
• Encourage innovation and creative problem-solving within the team, promoting continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.
• Build a high-performance culture by setting clear expectations, holding team members accountable for excellence, and embodying PRPA's core values in all aspects of leadership.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily office-based, with frequent travel exceeding 35% of the time required.
• Regular, full-time position (37.5 hours per week). Regular working hours are Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with 1 hour lunch break (unpaid).

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• A relevant degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, International Trade, Engineering, or a related field (or similar advanced degree is preferred).
• Master's degree, MBA, or professional designation is an asset.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in trade, real estate, or commercial development, ideally within the maritime, transportation, logistics, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, business development, and real estate asset management, with a proven ability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Comprehensive understanding of international trade dynamics, supply chain management, and port operations, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, integrity, and operational efficiency.
• Extensive knowledge of the Canadian regulatory environment, including environmental standards, compliance requirements, and trends within the real estate and commercial development sectors.
• A track record of building and maintaining strategic partnerships with stakeholders across industry, government, and local communities to drive growth and create shared value.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex strategies.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring an inclusive approach and fostering teamwork.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and large teams in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Knowledge of federal and provincial regulations affecting port authorities is an asset.
• Ability to obtain security clearance under Transport Canada's Security Clearance Program.
• Valid BC driver's license.

The starting base salary range for this role is $250,000 - $260,000

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging are at the heart of PRPA's culture and play a vital role in our growth strategy. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging and can contribute to their maximum potential. Our differences are the reason great things happen here. If you are an applicant in need of accommodations or special assistance throughout the interview process, please submit a request by email tocareers@rupertport.com.

Individuals of Indigenous descent are strongly encouraged to apply.