Chief Executive Officer

VenorTalent; San Juan de Terranova; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The St. John's Port Authority (SJPA) is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic direction and leadership to its port operations, governance, and commercial development.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will guide infrastructure investment, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will bring executive leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder settings, with a track record of building partnerships with government, industry,

Qualifications

• Experience leading within multi-stakeholder environments.
• Track record in strategic planning and infrastructure investment.
• Ability to engage with government, industry, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for SJPA.
• Lead the executive team across business functions.
• Oversee governance, financial stewardship, and risk.
• Engage with Board, regulators, and partners.
• Drive infrastructure investment and operational excellence.
• Position SJPA as a key economic driver.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Public governance

Financial stewardship

Communication skills

Collaborative leadership

Education

Executive education or relevant advanced degree

Job description

Lead the future of one of Atlantic Canada’s most strategically important ports. Venor is proud to partner with the St. John's Port Authority (SJPA) in the search for its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

About St. John’s Port Authority Established under the Canada Marine Act, SJPA is responsible for administering, managing, and promoting the Port of St. John’s - Newfoundland and Labrador's largest commercial port and a critical gateway connecting the province to domestic and international markets. Operating as a financially self-sustaining Canada Port Authority, SJPA supports a diverse range of marine activities, including commercial cargo, offshore energy, marine services, cruise tourism, and regional economic development.

Recognizing the power of partnerships, SJPA works closely with all levels of government, industry, port users, Indigenous communities, neighborhoods, the general public, and the broader business community to strengthen its role as a key contributor to the city and province's economy. As the marine transportation sector continues to evolve, the organization remains focused on strategic investment, operational excellence, and sustainable long-term growth.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and performance of SJPA. As the organization's senior executive and primary representative, the CEO will provide leadership across all aspects of the business, including strategic planning, commercial development, infrastructure investment, financial stewardship, governance, marine operations, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership.

Leading a multidisciplinary executive team responsible for business development, harbour operations, technical services, finance, and administration, the CEO will ensure SJPA continues to operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably while positioning the organization to capitalize on future opportunities that enhance its role as a critical transportation gateway and economic driver for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, all levels of government, industry partners, regulators, customers, employees, and community stakeholders, the successful candidate will serve as the public face of the organization and champion SJPA’s continued growth and long‑term success.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

The Board is seeking an accomplished executive who combines strategic vision with operational excellence and a demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations through growth, partnership, and change.

The successful candidate will bring experience leading within a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment where commercial objectives, public accountability, and long‑term infrastructure investment intersect. While direct port experience would be considered an asset, the Board welcomes accomplished leaders from transportation, logistics, infrastructure, marine services, industrial operations, energy, or similarly complex sectors.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Executive leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, operations, financial performance, and organizational leadership.
• A proven ability to build trusted relationships with Boards, provincial and municipal government, industry, customers, Indigenous communities, the general public and other key stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience identifying opportunities for growth, developing strategic partnerships, and advancing business objectives.
• Experience overseeing significant infrastructure assets, capital investment, or complex operational environments.
• Sound financial management and governance experience, including accountability to a Board of Directors.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to represent an organization publicly and influence diverse audiences.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style with a demonstrated commitment to developing high‑performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

A combination of relevant executive experience, business acumen, leadership capability, and educational qualifications will be considered.

Why Join the St. John’s Port Authority?

This is a unique opportunity to lead an organization that sits at the intersection of trade, transportation, infrastructure, and economic development. The next CEO will have the opportunity to shape the future of one of Canada’s key Atlantic gateways while working alongside an engaged Board, experienced leadership team, and a broad network of partners committed to the continued success of SJPA and the province it serves.

The St. John’s Port Authority (SJPA) is committed to fostering a workplace and leadership that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications for underrepresented groups, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, women and bilingual individuals.

We are dedicated to eliminating barriers, creating accessible spaces, and building a workforce that reflects the strength and diversity of our province and nation.