Manager, Trade & Growth Programs, World Trade Centre
Toronto Region Board of Trade
Vacancy Status: open – immediate
Position Description
The Manager, Growth & Trade Programs designs, delivers, and scales high-impact programs that help Canadian SMEs grow—through both international expansion and AI adoption. This role owns end-to-end program strategy and operations across trade and digital transformation initiatives: building cohorts, recruiting companies and experts, designing curriculum and playbooks, running events and advisory sessions, and partnering with stakeholders to deliver measurable outcomes (export revenue growth, market diversification, productivity gains through AI integration, capital readiness, and operational modernization).
The Manager leads cross-functional delivery, manages facilitators, experts, and contractors, and continuously improves the participant experience using data, tooling, and repeatable processes. The role ensures that trade strategy and AI adoption programming are aligned—helping SMEs compete globally while strengthening their internal capabilities through practical technology implementation.
Role Description:
Program Strategy & Design
- Own program architecture (offer design, curriculum, templates, playbooks, and participant journey) for trade, growth, and productivity-focused initiatives.
- Translate SME business needs into structured program modules (market selection, go-to-market strategy, pricing, channels, compliance, operations scaling, financing, talent, and risk).
- Develop standardized assets including export plan frameworks, client intake guides, market research workflows, KPI dashboards, and facilitator guides.
- Ensure programs align with organizational strategy, funder expectations, and measurable economic impact.
Program Delivery & Operations
- Lead cohorts and flagship events end-to-end: planning, timelines, logistics, budgets, speaker management, participant experience, and post-program follow-up.
- Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders (marketing, partnerships, finance, data).
- Manage facilitators, experts, and contractors; define scope, set expectations, ensure quality assurance, and maintain consistent delivery standards.
- Build and refine operating rhythms (work-back schedules, checklists, run-of-show documents, escalation paths) to enable scalable execution.
Growth, Recruitment & Stakeholder Management
- Drive expert engagement for programs and events: pipeline development, outreach, qualification, and conversion.
- Build and manage strategic partnerships (industry experts, ecosystem partners, investor networks, accelerators, sector associations, and government stakeholders).
- Serve as a trusted advisor to SME leaders—helping them diagnose growth constraints and make informed strategic trade-offs.
Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement
- Define and track program KPIs (recruitment funnel performance, attendance, engagement, NPS, export outcomes, productivity improvements, partner performance).
- Collect and synthesize participant and stakeholder feedback to iterate program content and structure.
- Produce clear reporting for leadership and funders, demonstrating economic impact and return on investment.
Digital Enablement & AI Integration (Preferred)
- Implement practical tools and workflows to increase throughput and quality (Microsoft 365 ecosystem, CRM systems, dashboards, and automation tools).
- Pilot AI-enabled processes (e.g., export plan co-writing, internal task automation) with appropriate governance and risk controls.
Success Profile (First 6–12 Months)
- Measurable program outcomes (SAT, NPS, etc)
- Building a network of trade and AI experts to contribute to WTC-T programing
- Clear KPI reporting framework with evidence-based iteration cycle.
- Strong facilitator and partner bench delivering dependable, high-quality experiences.
Your experience includes:
Required
- 5+ years of experience in private sector international trade work.
- Demonstrated ability to run complex programs end-to-end involving multiple stakeholders, timelines, and budgets.
- Strong business fundamentals across strategy, go-to-market, operations, and finance.
- Proven stakeholder management experience with senior executives, entrepreneurs, partners, and subject-matter experts.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex ideas into structured templates and practical guidance.
- Demonstrated fluency in common LLM tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude) and the ability to apply them productively and responsibly in business workflows.
Preferred
- Experience supporting SMEs with export plans, international market entry, or channel/distributor strategy.
- Familiarity with government or funder reporting requirements and impact measurement.
- Comfort with data and dashboards (Excel, Power BI) and workflow tools (Microsoft 365, CRM platforms).
- Experience managing contractors/facilitators and building repeatable delivery standards.
You’re often described as:
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and a strong communicator
- Collaborative with colleagues from all levels and departments
- Agile and open to changing directions, adopting new practices or learning something new
- Curious, a self-starter with the ability to work independently
- A strong multitasker with the ability to navigate competing deadlines
- A creative problem solver
Compensation & Benefits
TRBOT is committed to fair, equitable pay that matches the responsibility and expertise behind every role.
This role has an annual salary range of $75,000 to $110,000.
At TRBOT, performance plays an important role in pay progression. As you build your skills, take on new challenges, and make an impact, your compensation will evolve to reflect that progress. Regular development check-ins with your manager keep your path clear and your momentum strong.
We encourage open dialogue about compensation at every stage of the interview process to ensure transparency and trust. Ask us anything—we want you to feel informed and confident from day one.
About the Toronto Region Board of Trade
At Toronto Region Board of Trade, you work closely with a collaborative, results-driven team of city builders. You will be centre stage on the issues that matter to the region. Working at Toronto Region Board of Trade gives you an opportunity to work with thought leaders, while collaborating with our dynamic, diverse membership.
Our culture is grounded in core values that include:
- Accountability – We are accountable to our Members, stakeholders and each other.
- Collaboration – We are our strongest when we work together.
- Connections – We engage and build communities.
Learn more about the exciting work the Board is doing at bot.com.
We look forward to hearing from interested candidates. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Board welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
As part of our recruitment process, TRBOT may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the screening of applications. Participation is optional, and candidates can choose to opt out as part of the application process.