DIRECTOR, FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT

We are looking for an organized, collaborative and communicative professional who is enthusiastic about making an impact on Winnipeg and its future. If you believe in our city, have a passion for people and process, and are interested in helping our organization operate at its best, consider joining our dynamic and growing team!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a pivotal role in driving the economic growth and competitiveness of Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism. Sitting within a broader Economic Development Team (foreign direct investment, business development, talent & workforce development), this executive-level position is responsible for developing and executing strategies to attract and retain external investments, fostering private-sector job creation, and promoting business-to-business relationships, with a focus on strategic markets. The Director engages diplomatically with senior diplomats and foreign government officials, enhancing Winnipeg’s and Manitoba’s global economic profile. As a leader of the FDI team, the Director works closely with government agencies, international business entities, and internal teams to position the region competitively on a global scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS

• Lead, manage the day-to-day operations, mentor, coach and develop the FDI team. Foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Promote effective collaboration with other teams at Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism, including Talent & Workforce Development, Business Development, Marketing, and Market Intelligence.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to attract foreign direct investment in key sectors. Collaborate with government and private sector partners to align efforts with the broader economic goals of the region.
• Work collaboratively within the Economic Development team to support the development of a national investment attraction program.
• Support the development of an investment readiness framework for Winnipeg and Manitoba.
• Manage and track team performance metrics as assigned, ensuring team members are meeting or exceeding targets to inform bonus processes, and managing underperformance when necessary. Where possible, resolve issues, manage challenges, and address conflict at the operational level, escalating to the VP as appropriate.
• Coordinate human resources within the FDI Team, executing assigned elements of the hiring, onboarding, and performance management of staff.
• Promote the professional development of the FDI Team by identifying and supporting opportunities to enhance the team’s knowledge, skills, and network of contacts.
• Build relationships with potential investors, business leaders, and international partners. Represent Winnipeg and Manitoba at forums, conferences and missions to articulate the region’s value proposition as an investment destination.
• Collaborate with federal and provincial government departments to secure funding, align on trade and investment priorities, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements. Navigate governmental processes with diplomatic skill and political awareness.
• Supervise the planning and execution of national and international events targeting investment attraction and retention, ensuring alignment with Winnipeg EDT strategies and priorities.
• Monitor global, national and local economic trends, geopolitical developments, investment opportunities, and emerging risks. Utilize this intelligence to inform strategies and decision-making.
• Build and maintain comprehensive knowledge of Canada’s international relations with its main trade and investment partners, including free trade agreements and foreign investment protection and promotion agreements.
• Engage with governmental bodies to influence policies and create an enabling environment for investment. Understand and navigate political landscapes to inform advantageous trade and investment terms.
• Establish clear metrics for success and regularly evaluate the performance of the FDI initiatives. Report on progress to senior leadership and key stakeholders, including the Board as required.
• Oversee the budget for the FDI department, ensuring effective and responsible allocation of resources and maximizing return on investment.
• Contribute to Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism’s strategic planning cycle. Lead and coordinate development of the FDI’s Market Action Plans for North America, Europe, Indo-Pacific and Emerging Markets in support of the overall corporate plan, ensuring appropriate levels of consistency and interrelation. Accountability includes areas of focus, business activities, targets and deliverables, resources required, and demonstration of value for money.
• Guide team leaders in setting and adhering to corporate and Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism campaign targets in terms of job creation, capital invested and impact on the local’s GDP.
• Ensure the FDI team leverages knowledge of Winnipeg’s and Manitoba’s local industry ecosystem to provide information, services, advice, and connections to qualified clients.
• Work as part of the Economic Development team to oversee aftercare for existing foreign-owned companies to expand and retain investment and employment and support the acquisition of foreign direct investment (FDI) leads aligned with the region’s value proposition.
• Work as part of the Economic Development leadership team to align strategy, processes and stakeholder stewardship, ensuring clients and partners encounter a seamless experience when interacting with Winnipeg EDT.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and hold accountable a diverse team, operating across multiple international markets.
• Results Orientation: Demonstrated experience in driving a team to meet or exceed targets, and managing high performance in a very fast-paced environment
• Global Business Acumen: Deep understanding of international business practices, investment strategies, and economic development within the Canadian context.
• Exceptional Communication: Multilingual in languages relevant to FDI’s target markets, with excellent negotiation, presentation, and diplomatic skills.
• Strong Presentation Skills: Experience in delivering speaking engagements nationally and internationally to diverse audiences at the C-suite and senior government levels.
• Multicultural Competence: Demonstrated ability to engage effectively and respectfully with diverse cultures and business practices.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills with the ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Excellent relationship-building skills, with a well-established network in international business and government circles.
• Political Acumen: Strong understanding of the language and processes of government at municipal, provincial, and federal levels, and the ability to work within them effectively.
• Strategic Awareness: Proactively stays current on international affairs, FDI trends, Canadian programs to promote foreign investments & international business opportunities, tools, and best practices
• Risk Management: Ability to identify and mitigate reputational, political, and compliance risks in international and national engagement.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and proficiency in data analysis tools.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business administration, economics, international relations or other related degree is required.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in a leadership role related to economic development, Foreign Direct Investment, or international business.
• A track record of successful investment attraction or FDI projects and initiatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Availability to travel internationally on a frequent basis.
• Full-time, in-office position.
• Willingness to work in hours outside regular office hours as required by international time zones and event schedules.
• Require occasional lifting of office supplies and setting up meeting spaces.

DIVERSE TEAMS CREATE BETTER IDEAS AND GROWTH IN OUR CITY!

A strong connector between business, industry, educational institutions and governments, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism knows the most diverse teams bring about the best results when it comes to innovation, growth, and impact on a community.

Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism values team members who are diverse in age, gender identity, race and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities. Diverse voices are critical in the next chapter of Winnipeg’s economic growth and contribute to our city’s success.

We are happy to provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process. Requests will be handled confidentially and will not impact your application status. If you require any accommodations, please contact View email address on publisher.sourcingsquare.com.