Economic Development Manager

Primary Work Location : Walkerton, ON

Employment Type : Permanent, Full time

Who We Are

Welcome to Bruce County! We are located within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which includes the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. We are a community where excellence, opportunity, and exploration come together amidst the natural beauty of Southwestern Ontario. Nestled between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, our community thrives in stunning landscapes, from tranquil rivers and iconic lighthouses to bright starry skies. Home to nearly 75,000 residents in predominantly rural communities, Bruce County offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big opportunities, Bruce County is a place where you can work, live, and explore to no end.

Guided by our vision of being a welcoming, thriving community committed to the well-being of current and future generations, Bruce County fosters innovation, sustainable growth, and collaboration. As an upper-tier municipality, Bruce County provides essential services that shape the daily lives of our residents across 12 towns and communities. Our responsibilities include housing, childcare, Ontario Works, infrastructure, paramedic services, and long-term care homes, as well as cultural and recreational programs through our libraries and museum. In everything we do, we uphold our core values: excellence, welcoming community, good governance, environmental stewardship, and financial sustainability.

As one of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers, joining our team means becoming part of a dedicated group of public servants committed to making a meaningful difference. At Bruce County, you’ll find opportunities to grow your career, contribute to impactful solutions, and help shape a sustainable future—all while enjoying the exceptional lifestyle this remarkable region offers. Explore with us—your journey starts here.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Director of Government Relations, the Economic Development Manager provides leadership and support for the Corporation on planning and implementing strategies to support the sustainable growth of Bruce County communities and for the well-being and prosperity of its residents, businesses and visitors. This position requires a dynamic individual with a high level of political acuity managing multiple strategic initiatives, policy initiatives, programs and partnership development for the Department. The Manager acts in a leadership role in Economic Development as the catalyst for the developing and implementing tactics for attracting visitors, residents and businesses in support of the County’s strategic vision and economic development strategy.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• University Degree preferably in Planning, Community Policy, Business or a related field
• Additional education in Municipal Leadership, Economic Development or other related fields
• A certification in economic development (Ec.D.) would be an asset
• Seven years of progressive experience in policy work, research, strategic planning, and economic development
• Two years of supervisory/management experience
• Membership in Ontario Professional Planning Institute, or Economic Development Association of Canada or Economic Development Council of Ontario

Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of, and experience in, a municipal setting
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills
• Effective leadership skills, with a strong focus on mentoring and motivation of employees
• Ability to delegate, set expectations, and monitor progress of all direct reports
• Experience with budget preparation and management
• Strong knowledge of, and experience with, Microsoft Office and Adobe software
• High flexibility with strong interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse environment
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated time management skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage conflicting demands.
• High level of integrity and work ethic

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: $114,824 to $135,080 per annum
• Hours per week: 35 hours
• 100% Employer Paid Health Benefits
• Dental Benefits
• OMERS pension with equal employer match
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid health and wellness Leave
• Parental leave top up program
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee recognition programs

Apply by: September 7, 2025

Join Us!

Your Career, Our Community: Let’s build a Welcoming and Sustainable Bruce County Together!

If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be the ideal candidate for this or other opportunities. At Bruce County, we celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive, and genuine workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We are dedicated to fostering an equitable, accessible, and welcome environment where all individuals feel valued and supported. Bruce County provides equal employment opportunities to all candidates, including those with disabilities, and ensuring that our recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes are barrier free and fully accessible. If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, please contact us at employment@brucecounty.on.ca .

The successful candidate for this opportunity will be chosen based on their relevant education, experience, knowledge, and skills, as well as a competency-based interview and formal background reference checks. We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.