The Government of Saskatchewan's Growth Plan outlines Saskatchewan's economic roadmap from 2020 to 2030. One of the priorities designed to help the province reach its economic targets is through the network of nine international trade and investment offices in China, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.
The Ministry of Trade and Export Development advances economic growth to generate opportunities in Saskatchewan. The Ministry facilitates a coordinated cross-government approach to attract investment and grow export markets. The Ministry fosters and supports a competitive business environment, facilitates export development, drives investment attraction, and strengthens Saskatchewan's international relations.
To effectively deliver on the commitment to manage Saskatchewan's international network, the Ministry of Trade and Export Development is recruiting for a Managing Director, in Vietnam.
As a leader, with considerable experience working in economic development, the connections you build as Saskatchewan's representative abroad will directly support a stronger Saskatchewan.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Director, International Offices Branch, the Managing Director will be a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who will serve as the provincial representative on initiatives related to trade, investment and other interests in the region.
This position requires a highly motivated senior staff member with experience in business development, preferably in an international environment, to define and deliver the Saskatchewan trade and investment strategy in the region.
As the Managing Director, you will be responsible for:
- Assisting Saskatchewan stakeholders to gain access to trade and investment opportunities;
- Building and providing leadership to a team responsible for providing strategic advice and delivering services to advance Saskatchewan's goals in a client-centred, efficient manner that meets the needs of the stakeholder;
- Developing and maintaining positive and productive business relationships with stakeholders in the region and in Saskatchewan;
- Supporting marketing initiatives that promote Saskatchewan;
- Advocating for Saskatchewan's priorities using your exceptional diplomacy and communication skills, and by exhibiting a high degree of personal accountability;
- Developing, delivering and evaluating trade and investment attraction programs, international relations and advocacy services;
- Identifying business opportunities and gathering relevant market intelligence;
- Providing advice on international business and cultural practices; and,
- Building networks to advance Saskatchewan's interests in the region.
Background and Competency Requirements
This opportunity is for an experienced international economic development professional with an exceptional history of achieving results in collaborative environments. The successful candidate must demonstrate the following:
- Demonstrated track record of achieving results in a commercial environment and the ability to apply this experience to achieve trade and investment results;
- Minimum 8 - 10 years in a business development or related role including demonstrated experience in client relationship management encompassing client identification, relationship building, as well as proven ability to identify and use a senior business network to help achieve results, preferably in an international context;
- Excellent presentation and communication skills (including interpersonal, negotiation, influencing and business writing skills);
- A capacity to understand and promote Saskatchewan's comparative advantage, government policy and business support programs;
- Strategic and analytical skills and proven problem-solving abilities;
- Experience in business planning and execution of business plan within a team environment;
- Well-developed time management skills and proven experience of working independently and in a team;
- A proven track record in leadership that promotes inclusion, engagement and fosters an innovative, collaborative environment;
- Strong leadership and team-building skills, with an ability to mentor and develop employees with a high degree of accountability;
- Proven capability to identify and deliver key strategic insights, and deliver effective programs and services while demonstrating sound professional judgement;
- A commitment to exceptional client service, ensuring coordination between partners to support strategic objectives;
- In-depth knowledge of government processes, in particular, multi-lateral and bilateral government relations; and
- Exceptional ability to communicate effectively and collaborate strategically with a wide variety of stakeholders, balancing the needs and interests of diverse groups of partners.
Typically, the knowledge and experience required to achieve the above is obtained through a combination of:
- A degree in business, economics or marketing;
- Extensive experience in international business or economic development; and,
- Experience conducting business or otherwise engaging in the relevant market.
- Language competency is considered an asset.
Additional Requirements
The position will be co-located with the Government of Canada. As such, the following additional requirements apply:
- Applicants must hold Canadian Citizenship and cannot hold citizenship of the country in which they would be working.
- Successful candidates will be required to undergo additional security screening.
The Government of Saskatchewan offers a competitive compensation package for the successful candidate.
These positions are for a three-year renewable term.
The Public Service of Saskatchewan demonstrates our commitment to excellence by putting citizens first, continuously improving to meet the needs of our clients, valuing our employees, and working together as one government. These values form the foundation of the Ministry of Trade and Export Development. The successful candidate must be a team player, able to both lead and collaborate, with a reputation for integrity, and a focus on service excellence and innovation in their work.
We are committed to workplace diversity.
Hours of Work: M - Monthly Out of Scope
Number of Openings: 1
Closing Date: Apr 13, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
