Business Relations Officer
The Business Relations Officer (BRO) is responsible for positively and proactively supporting business relationships within the Town of Kingsville, including greenhouse and greenhouse related industries, agriculture businesses, industry, manufacturing, and commercial and small businesses.
This role will assist the CAO with developing, implementing, and reporting on the strategic economic initiatives of the Town, including stakeholder engagement, investment attraction, business retention, and project management.
The role requires extensive collaboration with internal teams on behalf of businesses to help facilitate development and operational standards.
The BRO will promote the community as the place to live, work and invest.
The BRO will develop relationships with key business and government organizations.
This position currently reports to the office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
Responsibilities
Business Attraction & Development

• Meet with potential investors and internal municipal staff to help facilitate development within the Town.
• Engage regularly with local farmers, agri-businesses, and industrial operators to identify needs, concerns, and growth opportunities.
• Conduct research/information gathering to support development projects based on developer requests.
• Attend TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) meetings to help identify & facilitate resolution potential planning / municipal servicing issues.
• Establish and maintain an inventory of vacant lands and buildings which could be used for business growth or expansion.

• Liaise with Invest WindsorEssex on leads.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with industry associations, government bodies, educational institutions, and community groups.

Business Retention

• Meet with existing business owners to address / mediate concerns, gather information and provide recommendations to SMT / Council on new by-laws or policy changes.
• Connect existing businesses with resources or grants provided by partner organizations (i.e. WE Small Business Centre, RED grants).
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to support and grow businesses.

Advocacy

• Advise management and/or Council on by-laws with commercial and/or industrial implications.
• Assist with economic related advocacy efforts (i.e. delegations, etc) with external government ministries or partner organizations.

Special Projects

• Identify and apply for strategically important Economic Development Grants and funding programs.

• Represent the Town at meetings and public events as assigned with regard to the key responsibilities of the economic development.
• Support the Senior Management Team with Studies and Planning policy creation, amendment, and implementation
• Manage Community Improvement Plans.
• Lead or support infrastructure and development projects, including industrial parks, agri-tech zones, and rural broadband initiatives.
• Manage grant applications, budgets, and performance reporting for economic development programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills

1. University degree or college diploma in a related program (i.e. business administration, public administration, economic development, commerce).
2. Membership, or willingness to get membership, with Economic Developers Association of Canada and/or Economic Developers Council of Ontario.
3. Related experience or an equivalent of related education and experience.
4. Minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in positions providing exposure to business relations, economic development, and/or government relations.
5. Knowledge of business principles (i.e. accounting, marketing, finance, planning) in order to answer and provide advice on a broad range of business related questions and comment on financial statements related to business plans.
6. Knowledge of land use and commercial real estate in order to answer and provide advice on a broad range of business related questions.
7. Knowledge and skill in research, with an ability to analyze and present data in a meaningful way.
8. Ability to manage and mediate the needs of diverse of various interest groups (e.g., businesses, residents, advocacy groups, government agencies).
9. Ability to develop and implement economic development strategies in response to the needs of the community and Council or Senior Management direction.
10. Effective interpersonal and communication skills to develop strong relationships with internal and external parties and to mediate conflict.
11. Proficient in Microsoft Office Software and graphic design software.
12. Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills; ability to make oral presentations; ability to develop and use graphic aids.
13. Ability to solve problems, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines under pressure.
14. Knowledge of principles and practices of community planning, land use / growth management concepts, infrastructure improvement planning and budgeting.
15. Familiarity with Federal / Provincial legislation, policy and programs related to business development, investment / trade, enterprise, innovation and growth.
16. Familiarity with Municipal government organization and functions.
17. Demonstrated ability in critical evaluation, relationship management, strategic agility and political acumen.
18. Must have the ability to travel to off-site locations in a timely and expedient manner as required. Valid driver's license and willingness to travel locally and regionally.

Working Conditions

• Work will be primarily in an office environment with office hours being 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40-hour work week)
• Some hours and attendance spent on evenings and on weekends.
• Required to occasionally attend Committee of the Whole and/or Council meetings as required during day or evening hours.

Wage Rate
Wage rate will be commensurate with experience and education.
$69,439 - $100,467, Non-union position
Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter, no later than Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
All applications are appreciated, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accommodation under the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) will be provided upon request.

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