Manager of Economic Development & Investment Attraction

Manager of Economic Development & Investment Attraction

Venor is proud to partner with our client, the Town of Conception Bay South, in the recruitment of a Manager of Economic Development & Investment Attraction.

About the Town

Incorporated in 1973, Conception Bay South consists of nine communities (Topsail, Chamberlains, Manuels, Long Pond, Foxtrap, Kelligrews, Upper Gullies, Lawrence Pond, and Seal Cove) all of which follow the beautiful coastline of Conception Bay. Located just beyond St. John’s and home to over 27,000 residents, the Town offers a compelling mix of natural beauty and economic opportunity, with pristine hiking trails, tranquil marinas, and breathtaking ocean views alongside a bustling commercial port, industrial park, and growing business sector, supported by top-notch educational and healthcare facilities nearby.

Known for its affordable real estate, excellent recreation facilities, safe environment, and favourable weather conditions, Conception Bay South continues to experience rapid growth, solidifying its position as one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s fastest-growing municipalities and a community of choice for young families. The Town works closely with businesses, community organizations, and government agencies to unlock new opportunities while maintaining a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and an exceptional quality of life – making it a great place to live and do business.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Manager of Economic Development & Investment Attraction is a senior leadership role responsible for positioning the Town as a competitive destination for investment. The role will lead the development and execution of strategies to attract new businesses, foster partnerships, and support sustainable economic growth. With a strong focus on external engagement, the Manager builds and maintains relationships with investors, government agencies, industry leaders, and institutional partners, while supporting the development of policies, incentive frameworks, and agreements aligned with the Town’s long-term vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and economically diverse community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, direct, and manage the Town’s economic development and investment attraction strategy.
• Lead initiatives to attract new investment and support targeted sector development aligned with the Town’s competitive advantages.
• Build and maintain relationships with investors, developers, government agencies, industry leaders, and regional partners, including Advantage St. John’s and other economic development organizations.
• Represent the Town at Council and Committee meetings, regional initiatives, conferences, and industry events.
• Promote the Town as an investment destination through clear, compelling, sector-specific narratives and marketing materials.
• Lead the development of investment-related policies, incentive frameworks, and partnership agreements aligned with strategic priorities.
• Collaborate across departments and external agencies to ensure coordinated delivery of economic development initiatives.
• Monitor economic trends and advise the CAO on opportunities, risks, and strategic considerations.
• Oversee investor relations, including inquiries, site visits, and business retention and expansion activities.
• Maintain and update inventory of available lands and buildings and investment readiness information.
• Develop, track, and report on key performance indicators related to economic development and investment attraction.
• Prepare reports, presentations, budgets, and recommendations for Senior Leadership and Council.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring fiscal oversight, procurement compliance, and effective resource allocation.
• Responsible for ensuring the effective use of human resources, when applicable, and encourages full contribution by all staff members.
• Foster positive labour relations and support collaboration with union and non-union employees.
• Promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization across departmental activities.
• Ensure compliance with Town policies, including the Respectful Workplace Policy, and perform other related duties as required. 

Qualifications

• Degree in Economic Development, Business, Public Administration, or related field.
• Certification (e.g., Ec.D., CEcD, PMP) is an asset.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in investment attraction, economic development, or strategic partnerships.

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of economic development principles and practices, including investment attraction, site selection, economic drivers, and funding programs.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, project management, stakeholder engagement, relationship building, business case development, proposal writing, data and investment analysis, financial management, marketing, and communications.
• Knowledge of municipal governance and land use planning considered an asset.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and translate strategic goals into actionable plans.
• Ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders, influence senior decision-makers, and develop effective coalitions.
• Ability to navigate complex economic and political environments with sound judgement and diplomacy.
• Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, and computer skills, with the ability to represent the municipality professionally and credibly.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to supervise, motivate, and inspire others.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with the public, community partners, and key stakeholders.

The incumbent will have the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends. A valid Class V driver’s licence with access to a private vehicle and a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract and Certificate of Conduct is required.

Employment with the Town

The Town of Conception Bay South offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including participation in a defined benefit pension plan. This opportunity also provides a supportive and collaborative work environment, along with the chance to contribute to the continued growth and success of one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s fastest-growing municipalities.

At the Town, safety is not just a priority – it’s a core value. The Town is proud to be a leader in creating and maintaining a safe, healthy work environment. The commitment to safety drives everything they do, from training and protocols to innovation and leadership. Employee well-being comes first, and safety is more than a policy – it’s the culture.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please contact, Ryan Thistle at rthistle@venor.ca OR Jessica Tibbs at jtibbs@venor.ca