Manager, Trade Programs

Job Description 

Calgary Economic Development (CED) is an opportunity-maker, helping to spark and fuel Calgary’s growth.

Our mandate is to position Calgary for long term economic success, through the expansion, retention and attraction of companies,capital and talent. We offer a wealth of information to help everyone succeed and we tirelessly promote Calgary, in Canada and around the world. We are passionate about our role in shaping and sharing Calgary’s story, a place of blue sky thinking and unexpected opportunities.

Job Summary 

The Trade Programs Manager is responsible for the strategic design, delivery, and continuous improvement of trade-focused educational programs and initiatives that enhance export readiness and global competitiveness for Alberta-based companies.  

Reporting directly to the Director – Trade, this role ensures the successful execution and growth of flagship programs such as the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), Trade Talks, and emerging offerings like Level Up, while driving innovation in new trade initiatives. The position serves as a key connector, fostering collaboration with provincial and national stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies to strengthen Alberta’s trade ecosystem.  

By leading these programs, the Trade Programs Manager plays a critical role in advancing Calgary Economic Development’s mission to build resilient businesses and expand Alberta’s presence in global markets. The Trade Programs Manager will also lead a team of 3 and support in team success and collaboration.  

This role requires provincial travel to oversee program delivery, engage with stakeholders, and ensure consistent quality and impact across all regions.  

Note: This role is currently offered in one-year terms through a multiyear funding grant.  

Key Responsibilities
 

Program Leadership & Delivery 

• Oversee planning, recruitment, and execution of trade education programs (e.g., TAP, Global Trade Classroom, Level Up, Trade Talks).  

• Ensure programs meet quality standards and deliver measurable outcomes for participating companies.  

• Integrate mentorship, cohort-based learning, and practical market entry tools across programs 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build and maintain relationships with government partners, industry associations, and SMEs to support program success.  

• Represent CED at trade-related events and missions as needed.  

• Oversee time lines and accountability for quarterly and annual reporting 

Team Management 

• Lead and mentor program coordinators and specialists, fostering a high-performance culture.  

• Align team activities with organizational goals and KPIs.  

• Consistently demonstrate and amplify our CARE values of CED (Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Entrepreneurship)  

• Foster our CARE values throughout the team throughout our core programs 

Budget & Grant Oversight 

• Manage multi-year program budgets and cost-recovery models.  

• Track grant eligibility, deliverables, and reporting requirements.  

• Identify financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies. 

Data & Impact Reporting 

• Implement tracking mechanisms for program outcomes and client engagement in CRM systems.  

• Provide regular reports and insights to leadership on program performance.  

• Support trade programs team in creation of funding reports  

• Ensuring consistent data entry across programs and staff.  

• Balancing qualitative outcomes with funder-required metrics.  

• Translating data into actionable insights. 

Let’s Talk About You
You’re a trade professional who knows what it takes to help businesses succeed globally. You have hands‑on experience managing trade and export‑focused programs, working closely with government and industry partners, and turning big ideas into practical, high‑impact initiatives. 

You enjoy leading and supporting a team, building strong relationships, and keeping programs running smoothly—from budgets and grants to delivery and engagement. You’re comfortable connecting with stakeholders, and making sure programs are delivering real value for companies ready to grow beyond our borders. 

Education

Degree or Diploma in International Business or a related field.  

Federation of International Trade Training (FITT) Certificate will be considered an asset.  

Experience
Minimum 7 years of experience in a similar role with 3 years of management experience.  

Key Competencies

• Strong knowledge of international trade and export readiness strategies.  

• Proven experience in program management and stakeholder engagement.  

• Track record of working with government partners 

• Excellent leadership and team development skills. 

• Ability to manage budgets and grants effectively. 

• Strong communication and presentation skills. 

EDI Commitment Statement
Calgary Economic Development celebrates diversity and is committed to advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Through EDI, we create a path to success for all our employees, where they have equal opportunity for advancement, have the voice to contribute to our collective growth and development and work in an inclusive environment

We strongly believe in accessibility in the work we do and welcome requests to make the hiring process as accessible as possible. Accommodations are available for candidates on request during all aspects of the selection process. Please advise at any point and we will do our best to work with you to meet your needs.
 

Calgary Economic Development adheres to the Alberta Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. Please be aware that Calgary Economic Development is committed to having a safe work environment.

To Apply
Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume in confidence to: calgaryeconomic.bamboohr.com/careers by 4:00pm, May 15, 2026

We thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.