The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) is responsible for the overall planning, development, marketing, and management of the commercial port facilities within the Port of Prince Rupert, while building a better Canada by growing global trade. PRPA is committed to working closely with partners and customers to deliver value-added supply chain innovation and to create sustainable prosperity for local and Indigenous communities, the Province of British Columbia and Canada. Last year, 23.1 million tonnes of cargo moved through the Port, and PRPA is increasing its competitiveness by actively diversifying through the development of new terminal and logistics capacity. In 2024, the Port marked considerable progress on multiple strategic projects that set the stage for long-term growth and sustainability. These developments total over $2.5 billion in capital investment and are essential to strengthening and diversifying exports, maximizing supply chain efficiency, and growing cargo volumes.

 

PRPA is looking for a trailblazer to step into the role of Vice President, Business Development. Reporting to the President and CEO and a member of the Executive Team, you will be the strategic architect behind PRPA’s growth and market expansion. The Vice President will be responsible for leading the development and execution of innovative trade and real estate strategies; spearheading initiatives to boost cargo, passenger, and carrier traffic, making the Port a preferred destination in global trade; guiding the development of mixed-use, community-focused projects while enhancing commercial real estate opportunities; and building and maintaining high-level global partnerships with trade, logistics, and real estate leaders. Advocating at the local, provincial, and national levels to influence policies that support PRPA’s growth and competitiveness and leading and developing a high-performance team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and exceptional results are also part of the VP’s mandate.

 

This is a rare opportunity to make your mark on one of the most dynamic ports in North America, while shaping the future of global trade, real estate development, and sustainable growth. As the ideal candidate, you bring a proven track record in senior leadership roles within trade, real estate, or commercial development (maritime, logistics, or similar industries preferred); strong knowledge of international trade, port operations, and the regulatory landscape, including sustainability best practices; strategic insight with a demonstrated ability to drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence; and exceptional leadership skills that inspire teams to deliver results and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. In short, you thrive on strategic thinking, know how to inspire, engage, and negotiate with people from all walks of life, and are excited by finding creative approaches to solving complex problems. A relevant degree (Business Administration, Real Estate, International Trade, Engineering, or related fields) rounds out your qualifications; an advanced degree or MBA is an asset.

 

This position is located in Vancouver; monthly travel to Prince Rupert is required.

 

To Apply

 

To fill this position, PRPA has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers Berndtson. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online with a resume and cover letter ideally before April 19, 2025.

 

For more information, please contact Kyle Mechar of Odgers Berndtson at Kyle.Mechar@Odgersberndtson.com

 

We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Prince Rupert Port Authority is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and Prince Rupert Port Authority throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

 

Odgers Berndtson is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our EDI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.