Business Retention & Expansion Advisor

The Town of Ajax; Ajax; On-site; CAD 93,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government entity in Ajax is seeking a Business Retention & Expansion Advisor to support economic growth through attracting and retaining businesses. The role includes marketing Ajax as a prime investment location and creating effective business attraction initiatives. Candidates should possess a degree in relevant fields and have extensive experience in project management, market research, and government relations. Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package are offered, along with a flexible work arrangement.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Defined benefits pension (OMERS)

Hybrid Work Program

Town of Ajax Fitness Centre membership

Qualifications

• Minimum six years progressively responsible experience in project management.
• Experience in market research and implementing marketing strategies.
• Strong skills in developing business relationships across various levels.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement effective business attraction initiatives.
• Develop and lead business retention initiatives with local leaders.
• Cultivate strategic relationships ensuring exceptional customer experience.

Skills

Business Intelligence

Sales Experience

Compliance Management

Risk Management

Cold Calling

Lean Six Sigma

Upselling

Business Management

Regulatory Reporting

SAP Supply Chain Management

Economic Development

Product Development

Education

University degree in Marketing, Strategy, Business, Commerce, Planning or equivalent training

Professional Economic Developer designation (EcD/CEcD)

Job description

Department

Public & Strategic Affairs

Affiliation

Non-Union

Compensation Range

$93,206.00 - $116,507.00

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Strategic Initiatives, the Business Retention & Expansion Advisor will support business retention, expansion, innovation, investment & attraction as part of the corporate Strategic Plan. The role spearheads marketing and promotion of the Town of Ajax as a prime location for business investment, both with new and existing businesses, and serves as the conduit between Town staff, developers, builders, consultants, and resident groups on large investment projects and other significant Town‑endorsed economic development initiatives. The Advisor builds and leverages relationships at upper levels of government and economic development programs to facilitate foreign direct investment and drives the Town’s leadership in smart city initiatives.

Job Duties

• Creates and implements effective business attraction initiatives, pursuing business and development leads with owners, executives, developers, and site selectors to promote Ajax.
• Develops reviews and leads business retention initiatives and maintains strong relationships with local business leaders.
• Takes an active role in problem‑solving with Town staff, Durham Region and Province of Ontario representatives to assist developers and resolve issues for existing and prospective businesses.
• Establishes, cultivates and maintains internal and external strategic relationships with an emphasis on exceptional customer experience.
• Undertakes research, collection, interpretation and analysis of economic, demographic and development indicators to support economic development initiatives and determine value propositions and competitive analysis.
• Manages all website content, including property listings, statistics, data and resources with the help of Communications & Engagement.

Qualifications / Skills

• University degree in Marketing, Strategy, Business, Commerce, Planning or equivalent training, education and experience deemed equivalent.
• Possess or plan in place to attain the Professional Economic Developer designation (EcD/CEcD).
• Minimum six years progressively responsible experience in:
  • Project management from plan development through implementation and reporting.
  • Market research (industry research).
  • Implementing marketing strategies and tactical plans.
  • Developing and building business relationships and relationships with various levels of government.
  • Formal and informal presentations and interactions with elected officials and senior levels of management.
  • Experience in the broader public sector (an asset).
• Or a combination of training, education and experience deemed equivalent.

What is Offered to Staff

• Compensation: Competitive pay reflecting the responsibilities of the position.
• Work Hours: 35‑hour work week, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Benefits: Full‑time staff comprehensive benefit package including paid sick, vacation, personal leave, Parental Leave Top‑up, Employee & Family Assistance Program, Health & Wellness Program, Town of Ajax Fitness Centre membership, defined benefits pension (OMERS), and a Hybrid Work Program with flexible arrangement.

How to Apply

If this opportunity matches your interest and experience, please click the Apply button above and apply by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date: December 3 2025.

Are you a current Town of Ajax employee?

If you are a member of Town of Ajax, please apply internally through the Jobs Hub app on your Workday account to have your application processed as an internal applicant.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Ajax is committed to employment equity and building a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, especially those historically excluded, including Black and Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, disabled persons, 2SLGBTQIA individuals and others facing systemic inequities. If selected for an interview you will be provided the opportunity to indicate your accessibility needs. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and respectful hiring process.

For content in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources by emailing [e-mail] or phone (555) 555‑1234.

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Key Skills

• Business Intelligence
• Sales Experience
• Compliance Management
• Risk Management
• Cold Calling
• Lean Six Sigma
• Upselling
• Business Management
• Regulatory Reporting
• SAP Supply Chain Management
• Economic Development
• Product Development