Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Emerging Programs/ Responsable des initiatives stratégiques, pr[...]

CSA Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A North American standardization body is seeking a Manager of Strategic Initiatives in Toronto. This role involves leading cross-sector programs in agriculture and agrifood, fostering relationships with stakeholders, and implementing strategic initiatives. Ideal candidates have at least 10 years of experience in related fields and a strong background in standards development. The position requires excellent communication skills and provides opportunities for growth in a diverse environment.

Benefits

Diverse team environment

Opportunities for growth

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in relationship management and business planning.
• 10 years of experience in a Business, Government, or Not-for-Profit environment.
• Experience in standards development is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and leadership to motivate staff and obtain buy-in.
• Participate in defining and implementing functional strategies.
• Support market strategies with business development activities.

Skills

Creative thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Strong facilitation

Analytical skills

Oral and written communication

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree in science or engineering

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

CSA Group has an immediate opportunity for a Manager Strategic Initiatives (SIM) reporting to the Director Strategic and Cross-Sector Programs. The SIM will support CSA Group’s newest standardization area of agriculture and agrifood and additional emerging standard development programs. The role involves leadership across a broad range of technical areas including agricultural data and automation, food loss and waste reduction, agricultural genomics, precision agriculture, ag safety, regenerative agriculture, and soil health. The SIM collaborates with Technical Committees and cross-sector staff to ensure internal coordination on standardization activities and contributes to the sector’s strategic plan and implementation of future standards programs.

Travel may be required.

Responsibilities :

• Provide guidance and leadership outside direct reporting relationships to motivate staff, build consensus, obtain buy-in, and present recommendations in oral and written formats.
• Participate in defining functional strategies and lead aspects of strategy implementation; monitor active and planned initiatives against the plan and adjust as necessary.
• Identify development opportunities related to new business, new markets, portfolio changes, or enhancements to meet program, divisional, and cross-divisional goals.
• Support market strategies with business development activities to achieve short-term and long-term revenue objectives (networking, member and client liaison).
• Deliver excellence in stakeholder relationship management with internal and external senior-level stakeholders to build support for key initiatives; manage strategic alliances, issue monitoring, external representation, and positioning.
• Monitor external and internal environments for relevant opportunities.
• Interface with CSA Group Government Relations and Policy to monitor policy developments; provide policy/government relations support and respond to government needs (e.g., consultations, relationship building).
• Promote reference to CSA Group standards in legislation, programs, or other channels as appropriate.

Education :

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in a science or engineering discipline or related area. A PhD would be considered an asset.

Experience :

• Minimum 5 years of experience in relationship management, business planning, project management, and budgeting; 3–5 years in Standards Development or Project Management.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a Business, Government, or Not-for-Profit environment.
• Experience in standards development.
• Experience with business development and planning.
• Experience delivering formal presentations to senior management and large audiences.
• Strong understanding of funding and research opportunities.
• Working knowledge of federal/provincial/territorial government priorities and industry sector plans.
• Expertise in preparation of complex applications and proposals.

Skills :

• Creative thinking, initiative, and ability to generate new ideas.
• Proven ability to lead by influence.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Ability to self-manage, influence others without direct reporting lines, and manage multiple projects.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Initiative, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Ability to identify new initiatives for organizational success.
• Professional and interpersonal skills to work with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Relationship-building abilities; strong organizational, planning, and coordination skills.
• Research and analytical capabilities; leadership in decision-making and negotiation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Candidates fluent in French will receive additional consideration.

Travel :

• Some travel will be required.

About CSA Group / À propos de nous :

CSA Group is one of the largest standardization bodies in North America. It conducts research and develops standards for a wide range of technologies and fields and is a global provider of testing, inspection and certification services. The CSA brand is present on billions of products worldwide. See CSA Group website for more information.

What We Offer / Ce que nous offrons :

An environment with global impact, opportunities for growth, and a diverse team and stakeholders across sectors. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact us.

Required Experience :

Manager

Key Skills :

Bidding, Crane, Finance Management, Accountancy, Avionics, Blackberry