Manager, Business Development

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology; Olds; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading college in agriculture education seeks a Manager for Business Development in Industry Training & Continuing Education. This full-time, permanent role involves leading a team to grow training revenue in Heavy Equipment Operator and Horticulture programs. Candidates should have a strong background in education, business management, and leadership, along with negotiation skills to foster industry relationships. The position offers flexible hours and a competitive benefits plan, highlighting the college's commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits

Health/Personal Spending Account

Generous Vacation Leave

Paid Holiday Closure

'Olds College in the Community' volunteer leave

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Experience in overseeing projects ensuring adherence to timelines and budget.
• Strong negotiation skills for creating training proposals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Industry Training & Continuing Education Business Development Team.
• Negotiate and create training proposals & contracts for clients.
• Develop growth plans for specific program areas.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Post-secondary education in education, business, marketing

Job description

About Olds College Of Agriculture & Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

The Opportunity - Manager, Business Development - Industry Training & Continuing Education (permanent, full-time)

Reporting to the Director of Industry Training & Continuing Education (ITCE), the Business Development Manager is responsible for growing industry training revenue in primarily Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Training and Horticulture. This will include leading a team of instructors and subject matter experts (SMEs), collaborating with the ITCE Director, HEO Program Manager, ITCE Operations Team, and internal & external partners to ensure the ongoing viability, sustainability, and performance of ITCE industry training programs aligned with the College’s strategic goals.

Key Job Functions

Leadership

• Provide leadership to the Industry Training & Continuing Education Business Development Team to provide high quality customer service to clients both internally and externally
• Model leadership in a complex environment combined with the ability to coordinate, manage, leverage and integrate the efforts of faculty, staff, contractors and partners
• Set clear revenue goals and objectives aligned with the organization's vision and strategy and ensure effective execution and achievement of targets
• Champion and foster a positive and inclusive work culture, promoting teamwork, collaboration and open communication within the team
• Manage team performance by setting and tracking key performance indicators, conducting performance evaluations, and addressing any performance issues or gaps
• Champion a customer-focus and safety mindset within the team ensuring exceptional service delivery and internal/external stakeholder satisfaction
• Provide guidance, resources, and professional development to help instructional teams improve their instructional practices to enhance student learning
  
  

Business Development

• Negotiate with, and create training proposals & contracts for, clients
• Work with ITCE Director, HEO Program Manager, SMEs, instructors, and industry partners to develop growth plans for specific program areas (e.g., HEO and Horticulture)
• Establish and track revenue targets with ITCE Director and HEO Program Manager
• Provide project management for the development of new curriculum content by working with HEO Program Manager, Programming Coordinators, ITCE Operations Team, subject matter experts (SMEs) and members of the Teaching and Learning Centre of Innovation (TLCI) [i.e., curriculum development, video production, learning management system, etc.]
• Lead needs assessment and market research processes to identify opportunities for revenue growth
• Work with Olds College Marketing staff to develop marketing plans and promote program offerings in relevant publications, websites, and other venues
• Work with the Academic Schools to identify opportunities for new and expanded programming and build joint product roadmaps, so there is alignment in our product development
• Develop and build upon industry connections to expand opportunities to offer customized industry training for companies and associations
• Lead the programming team in prospect generation to support industry with customized training
• Attend relevant trade shows and other special events to promote Olds College Industry Training & Continuing Education offerings and services to potential students and industry contacts
• Collaborate with the Director of Industry Training & Continuing Education with budget preparation and monitoring
• Create a comprehensive fleet management system and develop plans for future fleet needs
  
  

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required

• A post-secondary education in education, business, marketing, curriculum development, communications, or applicable industry experience is required
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide diverse project/programming teams
• Experience in overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of projects/programs ensuring adherence to timelines, budget and quality standards
• Previous experience with industry training and continuing education, working with adult learners, online learning, or curriculum development would be definite assets
• Strong negotiation skills to engage with clients, create training proposals, and establish contracts that benefit programs and all parties involved
• Demonstrated ability to work with multiple partners (both internal and external) to achieve goals
• Expertise in leading needs assessment processes to identify gaps and opportunities in programming growth
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively convey complex information to various stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem solving capabilities with the ability to make timely and sound decisions
• Must have a growth mindset that encourages ideas with measured risks
• Demonstrate a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity by actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, and continuously striving to create a culture of respect and understanding
• Must be highly motivated and able to work independently
  
  

Conditions Of Employment

• The availability to work flexible hours. Some weekend and evening work will be required.
• Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.
  
  

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Olds College Offers a Competitive Benefit Plan

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health/Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
• Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers
  
  

Open until suitable candidate found

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.