Lead, Indigenous Relations & Programs

Your New Company

Hays has partnered with a major Canadian energy infrastructure organization to recruit a Lead, Indigenous Relations & Programs. This opportunity supports a significant construction project and programs designed to strengthen Indigenous participation while fostering safe, respectful and inclusive environments across construction sites and workforce accommodations.

Your New Role

As Lead, Indigenous Relations & Programs, you will provide leadership across Indigenous-focused programs supporting major construction activities. You will work closely with Indigenous communities, community representatives, field-based program teams and internal project stakeholders to strengthen program delivery, address complex concerns and manage emerging risks. You will also use program data, lessons learned and stakeholder feedback to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engagement and issue-resolution discussions with Indigenous communities and representatives regarding program delivery, construction activities and workforce accommodations.
• Act as a key point of contact for sensitive or complex community concerns, coordinating timely responses, risk mitigation and resolution.
• Coordinate Indigenous-focused programs across construction sites and workforce accommodation locations, supporting consistent and effective delivery.
• Build collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities, program coordinators, field-based liaisons and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Monitor program performance, analyze metrics and emerging risks, and develop reports, recommendations and business cases that support continuous improvement.
• Coach and support field-based coordinators while contributing to program planning, budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation and strategic initiatives.

Must-Have Requirements

• Degree, diploma or equivalent education and experience in Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Community Development, Public Administration or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Indigenous Relations, stakeholder or community engagement, program management, business analysis or project coordination.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, monitoring and continuously improving programs or initiatives.
• Experience providing day-to-day leadership, coaching and support to field-based coordinators or comparable project teams.
• Strong analytical, communication, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to manage complex or sensitive issues.
• Experience preparing reports, presentations, recommendations and executive-level materials while managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Nice-to-Have Requirements

• Direct experience building collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations and community leadership, ideally within construction, energy or major infrastructure environments.
• Knowledge of change management, continuous improvement, data analysis, performance measurement and reporting methodologies.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Visio.

What Success Looks Like

• Indigenous-focused programs are delivered consistently and effectively across project locations while maintaining strong relationships with participating communities.
• Community concerns, program risks and emerging issues are identified early and addressed through collaborative, practical solutions.
• Program data, stakeholder feedback and lessons learned are translated into meaningful improvements and stronger project outcomes.

What You'll Get in Return

This is an opportunity to play an influential role on a major Canadian infrastructure project while contributing to meaningful Indigenous participation and relationship building. You will work across community, field and corporate environments, gain exposure to complex project and stakeholder challenges, and have the opportunity to shape programs through leadership, analysis and continuous improvement.

What You Need to Do Now

If you're interested in this role, click "Apply Now" to submit your application or contact Hays to discuss the opportunity.

This posting is for an existing vacancy with the organization.

AI may be used to screen, assess or select applicants for the position.