Country Manager - Canada

Location:
Vancouver, Canada (Remote)Reporting to:
Ken James, General Manager (Letz Live)Commencement:
ASAP
Letz Live and our sister brands are a dynamic international organisation supporting young people through gap year and working holiday experiences in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
We’re passionate about what we do and are looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm, has strong attention to detail and is happy to travel regularly, both domestically and internationally.
The RoleWe’re looking for a Country Manager to lead and grow our Canadian operations.
Based remotely in Vancouver, you’ll oversee the delivery of our Canadian gap year and working holiday programmes, build relationships with host organisations and ensure participants receive a safe, rewarding and well‑supported experience.
You’ll also play a key role in developing new opportunities for Canadian nationals looking to work and travel abroad.
This is a varied, hands‑on role combining programme management, business development, participant support and operational oversight.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee the delivery, quality and growth of all Letz Live programmes into Canada, while expanding opportunities for Canadian nationals abroad.
Manage the full participant journey, from applications and screening through to placements, orientation, ongoing support and departure.
Set and achieve placement targets, timelines and quality standards agreed with the General Manager.
Coordinate local suppliers and services, including accommodation, transport and orientation venues.
Plan for seasonal demand across school terms, summer camps and hospitality peak periods.
Host Partner Management
Identify, assess and establish partnerships with schools, activity providers, summer camps and hospitality employers.
Ensure host organisations provide safe workplaces, fair pay and conditions, appropriate supervision and suitable accommodation where applicable.
Manage host agreements, renewals and associated fees.
Maintain strong relationships through regular communication, site visits and prompt resolution of concerns.
Address or terminate placements and partnerships that fail to meet Letz Live’s standards.
Participant Welfare & Support
Ensure participants receive thorough orientations covering workplace rights, health and safety, local laws and available support.
Coordinate ongoing participant support, including regular check‑ins and a 24/7 emergency contact arrangement.
Manage placement concerns, workplace disputes, replacement placements and early departures fairly and promptly.
Respond to incidents and emergencies involving medical, mental health, accommodation or personal safety concerns, reporting these to the General Manager.
Gather participant feedback and use it to continually improve our programmes.
Visa, Immigration & Employment Compliance
Ensure participants hold appropriate visas and work rights before commencing placements and remain compliant with visa conditions.
Ensure host employers meet applicable employment laws, including minimum wages, working hours, leave entitlements and relevant agreements.
Maintain accurate participant and placement records in accordance with legal requirements.
Monitor changes to working holiday visa schemes and employment regulations, advising the General Manager of any potential impact on our programmes.
Safeguarding & Safety
Ensure participants working in schools, activity programmes and summer camps complete all required background and child‑safety checks.
Ensure hosts and participants understand and follow safeguarding policies and reporting procedures.
Promote workplace health and safety, addressing potential hazards and concerns promptly.
Act as, or appoint, the designated safeguarding contact for Canada.
Prepare and manage the Canadian operating budget in collaboration with the General Manager.
Monitor programme revenue, placement numbers, operating costs and margins.
Provide monthly reports covering programme performance, participants, partners, staffing, incidents, compliance and finances.
About YouWe’re looking for someone who is organised, proactive and comfortable taking responsibility for a wide range of activities.
Ideally, you’ll bring:
Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
Experience managing programmes, operations or partnerships.
Confidence building relationships with schools, employers and other organisations.
Excellent communication, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
An understanding of participant welfare, safeguarding and workplace compliance.
The ability to work independently while collaborating with an international team.
A willingness to travel frequently within Canada and internationally.
What We Offer
A remote role based in Vancouver.
The opportunity to lead and develop our Canadian programmes.
The chance to build partnerships and create new international opportunities for young people.
A varied role working with an international organisation.
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