Indigenous Business Development Leader

The Opportunity

Mowi is the world’s leading seafood company and largest producer of farmed salmon. Every day, our 12,000 employees in 25 countries produce 7.4 million delicious, healthy meals for our customers around the world. Mowi handles the entire value and production chain, from feed to the table. As part of our vision to lead the 'blue revolution,' we are dedicated to farming the ocean responsibly and efficiently.

At Mowi Canada West, we operate salmon farms on the coast of beautiful British Columbia and Vancouver Island, where over 375 people produce sustainable farm-raised Atlantic salmon each year.

As our  Indigenous Business Development Leader , you will play a crucial role in fostering positive relationships between Indigenous communities and our organization. Your focus will be on developing strategic plans, engaging in transparent dialogue, and negotiating both short-term and long-term mutually beneficial agreements. By bridging cultural understanding and business acumen, you will contribute to economic growth, community empowerment, and sustainable development.

Key Responsibilities:

Relationship Building and Empowerment :

• Understand the concerns and interests of the Nations in whose territories we farm and ensure that they are reflected and addressed in strategic growth plans.
• Develop and execute strategic growth plans with Indigenous communities, leaders, and organizations, involving formal and informal engagements such as community forums and workshops.
• Maintain meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, government bodies, economic development corporations, businesses, and community members.
• Sustain collaboration, open dialogue, and trust-building, including conflict resolution as needed.

Agreement Development and Negotiation :

• Lead negotiations to obtain mutually beneficial agreements with Indigenous communities in conjunction with the senior management team.
• Facilitate transparent and respectful discussions, ensuring all parties’ rights and concerns are addressed.
• Uphold the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia (DRIPPA).

Socio-Economic Impact and Community Benefits :

• Ensure benefits from Mowi’s projects flow to local Indigenous communities, with clear monitoring and evaluation of these benefits.
• Act as a champion with suppliers and vendors to develop new and grow existing business opportunities locally, focusing on sustainable development and capacity building within communities.
• Advocate for the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples in alignment with UNDRIP and DRIPPA, and ensuring compliance with relevant legal standards.

Agreement Implementation :

• Provide strategic advice and reporting to senior management on and economic negotiations and agreement outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal subject matter experts to ensure that elements of all agreements are implemented to the fullest extent possible
• Support internal and First Nations’ consultation and referral processes, including documentation and reporting on engagement outcomes and agreement status.

Awareness, Advocacy and Stewardship :

• Support Nations in government to government processes as appropriate including working through Mowi’s government relations programming.
• Promote awareness and participation in environmental management processes, e.g. marine spatial planning, MPAs, etc.
• Stay informed about national, regional, and local Indigenous issues, providing regular updates and insights to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as a corporate spokesperson when needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized program or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• 5 to 7 years of demonstrated leadership in Indigenous/community/public relations, public policy or administration, business development, environmental, or project management.
• Experience in negotiating framework benefit agreements between business and First Nations preferred.

Salary Range: $110,000 - $145,000

Closing Date: May 24, 2024

To be considered for this opportunity with a progressive, growth-oriented company, please submit your resume and cover letter at: