Manager - Europe

Manager - Europe

Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW), through its YES! Winnipeg (YW) business development team, is looking for a dynamic, engaging, and connected business professional who is passionate about Winnipeg and its future, and interested in making a meaningful impact in our community. As a natural ambassador for all that makes Winnipeg exceptional, your enthusiasm and commitment will play a pivotal role in driving our city's growth and prosperity. Come be a part of our dynamic and expanding team, where your passion meets purpose! 

Interested candidates can apply by submitting cover letters and resumes to careers@edwinnipeg.com.

Please note that only applications submitted to the above Careers email address will be accepted.

Applications will be accepted until 9:00 a.m. on October 15th, 2024, and applicants of interest will be contacted for an interview.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Economic Development Winnipeg’s (EDW) mission is to promote and influence economic growth in Winnipeg. The team is made up of passionate Winnipeggers who build connections across our city and diverse industries to lead, facilitate and promote Winnipeg’s economic development and tourism efforts. With a flexible, respectful, and dynamic work environment, EDW is an ideal place to expand your knowledge and build your career. 

Reporting to the Director of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the Manager - Europe is responsible for supporting new private-sector job creations, investments, business-to-business relationships, and business event attractions in Winnipeg and region. A senior position on the YES! Winnipeg (YW) Business Development Team, the Manager - Europe collaborates with the sector teams to promptly engage with potential foreign investors from Europe and develops strong relationships with European-owned businesses located in the Winnipeg region.

The United Kingdom, France and Germany are priority markets in this region for Manitoba in terms of foreign direct investment attraction and retention.

RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS:  

• Conduct aftercare meetings with European-owned companies located in Winnipeg and their regional and global headquarters; taking the time to understand the opportunities and challenges experienced by European-owned businesses, and tailoring client services accordingly.
• Work with YW’s partnerships and lead generation channels and tools to proactively identify and connect with potential European companies that can leverage Winnipeg’s value proposition for business in the city’s core economic sectors.
• Consistently deliver high levels of client services and cultural appropriateness, differentiating Winnipeg through our sector value proposition, and through the strength and speed of the investment facilitation services provided by YW in coordination with the sector-based business development teams.
• Utilize knowledge of Winnipeg’s local industry ecosystem to provide information, services, advice, and connections to qualified European clients.
• Build and maintain business knowledge of Canada’s international strategies, foreign investment promotion and protection agreements (FIPA), as well as free trade agreements (FTA) with key European countries/regions, with strong focus on the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
• Lead through collaboration with our partners by identifying, building, and maintaining key relationships with clients, investors, industry associations, business groups, and other organizations and stakeholders in Canada and in key European markets.
• Work collaboratively with municipal, provincial, and federal government partners, aligning and advancing these relationships to deliver on Economic Development Winnipeg’s (EDW) corporate priorities while maintaining political awareness and sensitivity.
• Foster a team approach with other municipal and provincial partners when competing for international investment projects abroad and at home.
• Contribute to YW’s strategic planning cycle as appropriate by establishing market-based business development plans for key European markets in support to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) departmental plan and of the overall corporate plan.
• Accountable for market of focus, business activities, targets and deliverables, resources required, budget planning/management, and demonstration of value for money.
• Work with the Business Development team (sector based) in converting investment leads to opportunities and wins throughout the investment attraction funnel. Ensure the level of work is effectively and timely captured in the organization’s CRM.
• Work with the Market Intelligence team to track and analyze related economic risks and opportunities, investment trends, and technological advances in identified European markets to inform Winnipeg’s sector value proposition and competitive investment position in that world region
• Work with the Marketing and Branding team to customize the messaging around the Winnipeg value proposition to European audiences.
• Manage and coach the Business Development Coordinator that forms a part of this market team
• Collaborate with the Tourism Winnipeg team to nurture opportunities to attract leads on business events to Winnipeg from European markets.
• Manage a diverse range of reactive requests; multi-task and re-prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Must be willing and able to travel within Canada and internationally for convention/event/investment missions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Strong multicultural capabilities to work effectively and respectfully with foreign businesspeople.
• Bilingual/multilingual; able to communicate fluently in another language besides English. 
• Energetic, hard-working, and passionate about strengthening Winnipeg’s economy.
• A natural self-starter; able to work proactively and manage a diverse portfolio of files.
• Sound judgement and the ability to anticipate and diffuse potential issues proactively.
• Ability to think creatively and work well independently and within a team environment.
• Strong aptitude for strategic networking and relationship building.
• Excellent business acumen.
• Politically astute, with a basic understanding of the language of government and how to work with it effectively.
• Excellent communicator, including superior presentation, listening, and writing skills.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a business-related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of professional experience and previous success identifying, advancing, and closing opportunities in sales/strategic business development-related roles.
• Professional experience in international business and investment attraction.
• Computer literacy/proficiency with Microsoft Office products as well as CRM and virtual platforms.
• An acceptable combination of education and experience may be considered.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be willing and able to travel within Canada and internationally (4-8 trips annually).
• Valid passport and/or required visas to enter the target countries.
• Class 5 driver’s license and a clean driving abstract; access to a reliable vehicle is required (please confirm access to a vehicle in your cover letter).

DIVERSE TEAMS CREATE BETTER IDEAS AND GROWTH IN OUR CITY!  

As a strong connector between business, industry, educational institutions and governments, Economic Development Winnipeg knows the most diverse teams bring about the best results when it comes to innovation, growth, and impact on a community. 

Economic Development Winnipeg values team members who are diverse in age, gender identity, race and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities. Diverse voices are critical in the next chapter of Winnipeg’s economic growth and contribute to our city’s success.    

HOW TO APPLY:

If your passion for Winnipeg is matched by your proven track record in sales/business development nationally & internationally, and your strong ability to build rapport with diverse national and international clients and suppliers, this exceptional opportunity is ideal for you.

Interested candidates can apply by submitting cover letters and resumes to careers@edwinnipeg.com.

Please note that only applications submitted to the above Careers email address will be accepted.

Applications will be accepted until 9:00 a.m. on October 15th, 2024, and applicants of interest will be contacted for an interview.