Business Unit: Business Development LP (BDL)
Location: Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Reporting to: Board of Directors
The Lax Kw’alaams Business Development LP has an exciting and immediate opening for a Full-Time Chief Operating Officer. As a key member of the team, this role provides executive leadership and operational oversight while advancing strategic economic development initiatives. The role is responsible for the identification, development, and implementation of business opportunities that contribute to the long-term economic sustainability, growth, and prosperity of the Lax Kw’alaams Band.
The COO provides strategic leadership in business development, investment analysis, joint ventures, taxation, risk management, and securing financial resources for approved initiatives. The incumbent oversees the day-to-day operations of BDL, ensuring alignment with the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of the Lax Kw’alaams Band. The COO implements the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors, with the Board providing governance and oversight while the COO is accountable for operational leadership, execution, and fostering sustainable economic growth, employment, and training opportunities for the Band and its members.
Responsibilities:
General
Business Development
- Identify and evaluate new business opportunities and emerging market opportunities aligned with the strategic objectives of the Lax Kw’alaams Band
- Conduct due diligence and financial analysis on potential acquisitions, investments, partnerships, and joint ventures
- Develop comprehensive business cases, recommendations, and strategic analysis for review and approval by the Board of Directors
- Identify, evaluate, negotiate, develop, and implement business opportunities that support the Nation’s long-term economic development objectives
- Promote investment opportunities, strategic partnerships, and economic development initiatives that create lasting benefits for the Lax Kw’alaams Band
- Advance initiatives that maximize long-term own-source revenue generation and economic returns while supporting the social, cultural, and economic priorities of the Lax Kw’alaams Band
- Develop and execute strategic plans that achieve organizational goals, business objectives, and financial performance targets
- Receive, evaluate, monitor, and respond to project proposals, partnership opportunities, funding applications, and business development initiatives
- Oversee the successful delivery of approved business development projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and aligned with organizational priorities
Financial Oversight
- Negotiate agreements and business arrangements within the authority delegated by the Board of Directors
- Develop and manage capital budgets and support effective financial planning
- Monitor financial performance and ensure accountability for operational results
- Administer approved operating and capital budgets in accordance with Board-approved plans and policies
- Manage departmental budgets and resources with a strong commitment to financial stewardship, accountability, and transparency
Leadership and Operations
- Provide overall leadership and management of the day-to-day operations of Lax Kw’alaams Business Development LP, ensuring operational excellence and effective service delivery
- Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of business development strategies, operational plans, budgets, and organizational performance measures
- Provide leadership in enterprise risk management by identifying, assessing, mitigating, and monitoring strategic, operational, financial, and business risks
- The Chief Operating Officer will promote a leadership approach that honors the cultural values and traditions of the Lax Kw’alaams Band while advancing innovative and sustainable economic development
- Demonstrates a willingness to learn about and understand the territories, histories, and perspectives of the nine allied tribes, particularly in relation to the role of industry within those territories
Human resources Leadership
- Lead the recruitment, supervision, mentorship, performance evaluation and professional development of staff
- Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives to strengthen organizational capacity
- Responsible for the effective management and leadership of staff within approved organizational structures
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team while fostering a collaborative, respectful, and accountable workplace culture
First Nations Governance
- Seek approval from the Board of Directors when committing to major investments, loans, partnerships, or strategic decisions
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of Indigenous governance, Nation building, Indigenous rights and title, and economic reconciliation
- Ensure business and operational strategies reflect the values, priorities, and long-term vision of the Lax Kw’alaams Band
- Support effective governance by providing accurate information and informed recommendations to assist Board decision-making
- Represent the Nation in negotiations and meetings with federal and provincial governments, crown corporations, indigenous organizations, industry partners, investors, and other key stakeholders
- Provide regular financial and operational reporting to the Board of Directors
- Provide regular written reports, recommendations, and strategic updates to the Board of Directors regarding operational performance, business opportunities, strategic risks, and organizational priorities
- Perform other related duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Business Systems, or a related field
- An equivalent combination of education, professional training, and relevant experience may be considered
Experience
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience, with demonstrated success in operations, business development, strategic planning, and organizational leadership
- Demonstrated success in business negotiations, project management, organizational leadership, and budget administration.
- Experience developing business cases, operational plans, policies, procedures, funding proposals, and technical reports.
- Proven experience working collaboratively with federal, provincial, and local governments, Crown corporations, private industry, and external partners.
- Experience working with Indigenous governments, communities, or organizations is considered a strong asset.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems
Competency
- Maintain the highest standards of integrity and strict confidentiality regarding corporate, financial, legal, and strategic information
- Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Proven negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Sound financial management and budgeting expertise.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
- A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to supporting Indigenous economic development and community prosperity
Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Physical Demand
- Ability to work for extended periods at a computer while preparing reports, reviewing documents, and participating in meetings.
- Occasional travel, including travel to remote locations and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Mental Demands
- Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while meeting competing deadlines.
- Capacity to respond to urgent issues, complex challenges, and changing organizational priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Condition of Employment
- You will adhere to the Lax Kw’alaams Band Code of Conduct, Code of Confidentiality, Social Media Policy and any other Policies in the Human Resource Manual
- Follow all guidelines harmoniously and cooperatively, creating a team approach in their duties for the Band’s future success
- Acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
- Valid Driver’s License (Class 5)
Classification/Pay Scale
- $140,000–$150,000 annually
- You can expect a supportive work environment, a total compensation package which includes a competitive wage, extended health and dental benefits and a pension plan
Submission Deadline:
- Open until filled
- We invite all interested parties to reply in the strictest confidence to Human Resources: hr_resume@laxband.com
** Preference will be given to Lax Kw’alaams Band Members or qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry. However, we invite all qualified individuals to apply.
