Manager of Policy and Market Access

Canadian Meat Council; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) in Ottawa seeks a Manager of Policy and Market Access to join its team. This role will involve managing policy development, advocacy, and regulatory activities for Canada's federally licensed meat processors.

Successful candidates should possess strong organizational skills, adaptability, and at least one to three years of relevant experience, along with a degree in public policy or a related field. Bilingualism is an asset, and the role may require travel.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one to three years of relevant experience in policy development or government relations.
• Experience working for an industry association or government is preferred.
• Familiarity with Canada's agri-food sector is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Monitor emerging policy developments affecting Canada’s meat processing sector.
• Manage CMC's internal policy committees and provide strategic advice.
• Coordinate government funding initiatives and ensure compliance.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Public speaking

Bilingualism (English and French)

Education

Degree in public policy, political science, agriculture, international affairs, economics, business or related field

Job description

The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is seeking an experienced and motivated professional to join our team in Ottawa as Manager of Policy and Market Access. The successful candidate will ideally have experience in government policy and regulatory development, international trade, and market access, and will have held a similar role within an industry association, government department, agency, or related organization.

The CMC is the voice of Canada's federally licensed meat industry and represents the largest component of the country's food processing sector, with annual sales exceeding $32 billion and supporting nearly 300,000 jobs across Canada. Our members process more than 90% of Canada's meat production, supplying Canadian consumers and customers in over 90 export markets with safe, high-quality protein products.

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Manager of Policy and Market Access will support CMC's policy development, advocacy, regulatory, and market access activities on behalf of Canada's federally licensed meat processors.

Responsibilities

• Monitor emerging domestic and international policy developments affecting Canada’s meat processing sector and provide strategic advice to members.
• Manage and coordinate CMC's internal policy committees, including the Beef and Veal Committee and the Pork Committee.
• Provide analysis and recommendations to support the prioritization of trade negotiations and market access initiatives pursued by the Government of Canada.
• Support the maintenance and expansion of market access for Canadian pork and beef in priority export markets by addressing market access barriers, advising government on export certification requirements, and coordinating industry participation in foreign audits and inspections.
• Coordinate and facilitate engagement between CMC members and government departments and agencies, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada, and Global Affairs Canada, to resolve and prevent market access issues.
• Manage and coordinate government funding initiatives, including CMC’s AgriMarketing Program project, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and effective project delivery.
• Support the development and implementation of policies, regulatory initiatives, and guidance documents in collaboration with government.
• Manage and draft the application for government funding programs such as Agri-Marketing.
• Liaise with industry partners and stakeholder organizations, including the Canadian Pork Council, Canadian Cattle Association, Canada Pork, Canada Beef, and others.
• Support government relations and stakeholder engagement activities in collaboration with the President & CEO.
• Represent CMC in government consultations, stakeholder meetings, and industry working groups.
• Support international engagement activities, trade missions, and meetings with foreign government officials and industry stakeholders.
• Prepare briefing notes, position papers, consultation submissions, presentations, and other advocacy materials.
• Assist with membership retention and recruitment efforts by demonstrating the value of CMC's policy and market access activities.

Qualifications/Skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to evolving circumstances, priorities, and stakeholder needs.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable speaking publicly and presenting to industry and government audiences.
• Reliable, professional, and self‑motivated.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and work outside normal business hours when required.
• Bilingualism (English and French) is considered an asset.

Education and Experience

• Degree from a recognized post‑secondary institution in public policy, political science, agriculture, international affairs, economics, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of one to three years of relevant experience in policy development, government relations, market access, regulatory affairs, trade policy, or a related area.
• Experience working for an industry association, government department, agency, or stakeholder organization is preferred.
• Familiarity with Canada's agri‑food sector, international trade, regulatory systems, or food production industries is considered an asset.

Candidates must have the legal ability to be registered as a lobbyist at the federal level.

Potential candidates should include their resume in their application and should apply no later than June 22, 2026.