POSITION SPECIFICATION CANADA S NATIONAL BREWERS - VICE PRESIDENT, WESTERN CANADA

Transcription

1 POSITION SPECIFICATION CANADA S NATIONAL BREWERS - VICE PRESIDENT, WESTERN CANADA THE CNB ORGANIZATION: Canada s National Brewers (CNB) is the industry association that represents Canada s three largest brewers to the widest possible range of business, government and public interests across the country in the fields of public affairs, communications and government/regulatory affairs. The association has been experiencing a significant increase in the number and magnitude of regulatory, taxation and public policy issues affecting the interests of its members particularly in the Western Canadian market. This situation has created the need to recruit for the position of Vice President, Western Canada. The Vice President, Western Canada will operate as a senior member of the CNB management team focusing his/her energy on delivering against the industry s objectives in the Western Canadian market (i.e. the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba). CNB is a small, efficient and action oriented industry advocate to the political, civil service, competing and complimentary industries, media, public, special interest group and distribution channel stakeholders. In its successful history, it has been known for its pro-active and creative agenda setting, issues management and goal orientation. The CNB seeks a Western Canada Vice President to help build upon the industry s positive image and record and to enhance the regulatory and social environment for the prosperity of the industry in Canada s western provinces. The ideal candidate is an experienced, superbly qualified, dynamic and high potential professional who can hit the ground running. The position will be based in the CNB s Vancouver office. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Reports to: Key Internal Relationships: President, Canada s National Brewers Government and Public Affairs professionals in the three member companies The President and senior operating executives at Brewers Distributor Ltd. Regional Vice President Ontario, the Executive Director of the Quebec Brewers Association and staff at Beer Canada located in Ottawa. CNB s National Director of Sustainability 1 P a g e

2 Direct Reports: Shared responsibility in managing and directing a small team of administrative and professional staff and consultants. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES The government and public affairs function for CNB is defined by a set of core activities targeted at a wide array of key stakeholders. Primary activities comprise: Representing and building awareness of industry interests among key stakeholders, both proactively and reactively; Building positive business relationships founded on trust-based and frequent two-way communication; Building coalitions and partnerships of mutual benefit and cooperation; Proactively and reactively influencing decisions to maximize industry benefit; Identifying and acting on the most relevant issues and opportunities facing the industry; Acting as public and media spokesperson for the industry in Western Canada, as required; Reviewing, analyzing, interpreting and responding to public policy proposals and public positions taken or about to be taken by any relevant stakeholder; Building industry positions, arguments and messages; Composing and reviewing written materials representing the industry and its positions on the relevant issues of the day; The complex stakeholder environment faced by CNB requires a focus on multiple constituencies: Brewing industry participants small to large brewers, the CNB member companies, other regional divisions of the CNB and other beer industry associations (e.g. Quebec Brewers Assoc., Beer Canada and small brewers associations); Political leaders, elected officials and their staff at the provincial (governing and opposition parties) and municipal levels in the western provinces; The provincial and municipal civil service and their agencies, boards and commissions with a particular emphasis on the provincial Ministries of Finance, Attorney s General, Environment, Economic Development and Trade, Health, provincial liquor boards, and provincial regulatory bodies; The print and broadcast media; Public stakeholders, opinion leaders and issue interest groups such as drinking and driving advocacy organizations, public health agencies, other responsible use organizations, environmentalists, and trade unions, etc.; Related, complimentary and adversarial industries and their trade associations such as those for wine, spirit, soft drink, hospitality (i.e. bar and restaurant trade). Retail and distribution channels for beverage alcohol: Brewers Distributor Ltd, BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) and hospitality industry food and beverage purveyors. 2 P a g e

3 CNB routinely deals with a challenging and complex array of business, government and public policy issues including those as diverse as: Taxation of Beverage Alcohol; Retail, distribution and importation systems for beverage alcohol; Environment and waste management; Advertising, promotions and sales practices regulations; Social policy issues and the responsible use of products; International trade law. Because the Vice President, Western Canada operates as a member of the broader CNB management team and shares talent resources with the central office, the administrative responsibilities of the role are minimal: Budgeting and planning for the Western division of the CNB; Participating in the management of a small team of staff and external advisors and consultants; Coordinating actions with the Director of Sustainability on environmental issues; Participating on issue focused committees and task forces with representatives from the member companies. REQUIRED NEAR TERM ACCOMPLISHMENTS Immediately meet and begin to forge constructive value adding business relationships with key internal and external stakeholder leaders. Win trust, credibility and respect of internal and external stakeholder communities. Develop an intimate and detailed understanding of industry business economics and issues. Serve the brewing industry at large and the President of the CNB by contributing significantly to major strategic initiatives a quick and meaningful value-adding participation in key industry issues is required in the near term. IDEAL EXPERIENCE A proven track record of success in delivering results through effective leadership in a government relations and public relations role. This implies having a superb tool kit of government and public relations skills most likely gained in a corporate or trade association setting but possibly in a civil service, political or professional services environment. A proven track record of having built and leveraged relationships of strong trust, respect and understanding with key stakeholders, particularly in the public sector. Proven experience crafting and presenting arguments and positions, in the public, economic or social policy arenas, based on fact, substance and content having built such positions to an analytical depth that can withstand the most severe critical and adversarial assessments. 3 P a g e

4 Multi-stakeholder relationship management experience. Broad exposure to, and understanding of, political, economic and social issues gained in a public or private sector environment. It would be a strong asset to have experience in a consumer oriented business where an intimate understanding of business economics was gained. Accumulated experience of at least 5-7 years in a relevant career setting such as media relations, government, lobbying, is a key contributing asset towards candidacy for the role. A large network of relationships of influence among public and private sector stakeholders, while not necessary, could be helpful. Educational credentials will be considered to a modest extent. IDEAL PERSONAL PROFILE Superb communication skills the confident ability to speak, present and interact in an affirmative, credible and sincere manner at an executive level whether one-on-one or to an audience. At ease, communicating clearly and directly with audiences at all levels of sophistication and able to think on one s feet. A high quality of written communication ability is also required. Superb interpersonal skills the ability to persuade, influence, negotiate and resolve conflicts again at a level expected of a senior executive. A selling style based on substance and an ability to build trust-based relationships. Singularly results focused a strong and hands-on action orientation towards achieving goals known to have a knack for getting things done. A proactive, entrepreneurial and relatively autonomous style consistent with taking initiative and driving hard to complete objectives. Politically savvy and diplomatic understands and is sensitive to people s motives, interests and intentions. An astute and tactful professional who is not over zealous in dealing with an issue, but knows when and how hard to advocate for a position. Strong business acumen an ability to understand complex business issues and their underlying economics. A focus on desired business outcomes and strategic imperatives of the industry and how the government and public relations function can support them. Multi-stakeholder management skills the ability to collaborate and build coalitions among parties with diverse and even opposing interests. A strategic and forward looking ability to identify and creatively deal with the most critical issues and opportunities among the vast array of issues competing for attention. 4 P a g e

5 Project management skills the ability to tactically implement a complex program or process. High energy and stamina the ability to work long and hard in an intense and fast-paced environment where multiple priorities change frequently. A fact-based, analytical, problem solver capable of developing sound and credible positions based on solid justifiable data and taking into account the needs and interests of the target audience. Cool and resilient under pressure. Interested candidates are requested to forward their résumé to: Jeff Newton, President Canada s National Brewers jnewton@nationalbrewers.ca 5 P a g e