Manager, Trade Programs

Calgary Economic Development

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Calgary Economic Development (CED) is an opportunity-maker, helping to spark and fuel Calgary’s growth. Our mandate is to position Calgary for long term economic success, through the expansion, retention and attraction of companies, capital and talent. We offer a wealth of information to help everyone succeed and we tirelessly promote Calgary, in Canada and around the world. We are passionate about our role in shaping and sharing Calgary’s story, a place of blue sky thinking and unexpected opportunities. The Trade Programs Manager is responsible for the strategic design, delivery, and continuous improvement of trade-focused educational programs and initiatives that enhance export readiness and global competitiveness for Alberta-based companies. Reporting directly to the Director – Trade, this role ensures the successful execution and growth of flagship programs such as the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), Trade Talks, and emerging offerings like Level Up, while driving innovation in new trade initiatives. The position serves as a key connector, fostering collaboration with provincial and national stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies to strengthen Alberta’s trade ecosystem. By leading these programs, the Trade Programs Manager plays a critical role in advancing Calgary Economic Development’s mission to build resilient businesses and expand Alberta’s presence in global markets. The Trade Programs Manager will also lead a team of 3 and support in team success and collaboration. This role requires provincial travel to oversee program delivery, engage with stakeholders, and ensure consistent quality and impact across all regions. Note: This role is currently offered in one-year terms through a multiyear funding grant.

Requirements

Degree or Diploma in International Business or a related field.
Minimum 7 years of experience in a similar role with 3 years of management experience.
Strong knowledge of international trade and export readiness strategies.
Proven experience in program management and stakeholder engagement.
Track record of working with government partners.
Excellent leadership and team development skills.
Ability to manage budgets and grants effectively.
Strong communication and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Federation of International Trade Training (FITT) Certificate will be considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Oversee planning, recruitment, and execution of trade education programs (e.g., TAP, Global Trade Classroom, Level Up, Trade Talks).
Ensure programs meet quality standards and deliver measurable outcomes for participating companies.
Integrate mentorship, cohort-based learning, and practical market entry tools across programs.
Build and maintain relationships with government partners, industry associations, and SMEs to support program success.
Represent CED at trade-related events and missions as needed.
Oversee time lines and accountability for quarterly and annual reporting.
Lead and mentor program coordinators and specialists, fostering a high-performance culture.
Align team activities with organizational goals and KPIs.
Consistently demonstrate and amplify our CARE values of CED (Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Entrepreneurship).
Foster our CARE values throughout the team throughout our core programs.
Manage multi-year program budgets and cost-recovery models.
Track grant eligibility, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
Identify financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
Implement tracking mechanisms for program outcomes and client engagement in CRM systems.
Provide regular reports and insights to leadership on program performance.
Support trade programs team in creation of funding reports.
Ensuring consistent data entry across programs and staff.
Balancing qualitative outcomes with funder-required metrics.
Translating data into actionable insights.