Manager, Economic Competitiveness

Role Responsibilities

Within the Unit, the Manager of the Economic Competitiveness leads a team of professionals tasked with economic and policy research and analysis of issues, trends, and developments that impact economic competitiveness in the province, with a strong focus on: productivity, regulatory reform, provincial competitiveness for job-creating investment, evaluation of policy tools to enhance competitiveness, analytical frameworks for industrial opportunities, and airport competitiveness.

This role requires strong proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research and analysis; a strong ability to translate and apply complex economic concepts to policy advice; and the ability to create clarity and deliver under ambiguous circumstances. In his supervisory position, the incumbent models the way and inspires his team to produce high-quality work that is timely, strategic, and well-researched. To be successful, the incumbent also engages with relevant internal stakeholders inside Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration and across partner Departments to develop policy responses to relevant issues.

Responsibilities include:

1. Research & Analysis: Lead high-quality qualitative and quantitative research on competitiveness, develop analytical frameworks, and prepare briefings and reports for senior leadership and decision-making.
   
   
2. Policy Development: Translate research into clear policy options and strategic advice, analyze trends affecting competitiveness, and apply an economic and political lens to policy evaluation.
   
   
3. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain partnerships across ministries and with industry stakeholders to gather insights, support policy development, and represent the branch at interdepartmental policy tables.
   
   
4. Briefings & Action Requests: Oversee the preparation and timely delivery of briefing notes, action requests, ministerial correspondence, and other materials for the Executive Team and Minister.
   
   
5. Leadership & Staff Development: Provide leadership, mentorship, and strategic guidance to staff and senior leadership while fostering professional development and promoting APS values and an inclusive workplace.
   
   
6. Unit Planning & Administration: Support operational planning, budgeting, performance monitoring, and administrative activities, including contract oversight and participation in corporate initiatives.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Systems Thinking - The incumbent must be aware of potential risks and unintended consequences; consider trends and issues in their context; and obtain different perspectives on a given issue and related potential solutions.

Drive for Results - The Manager is accountable for the team's outcomes and is responsible for ensuring that requirements and deliverables are achieved.

Develop Self and Others - This role is expected to provide leadership, direction and coaching to the team. 

Agility - This position must be flexible to change direction and help the team adapt, as needed, when more information is available and/or new opportunities/challenges are identified.

Develop Networks - The incumbent must maintain strong working relationships with various external partners to make strategic and well-informed decisions.

Qualifications

University graduation in Political Science, Economics, Business, Public Administration, or a related field plus four years progressively responsible experience.

Equivalency: Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of: one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience.

Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your education, experience, and skills align with the responsibilities and qualifications listed in this posting. Candidates are encouraged to provide specific examples demonstrating their experience in research and analysis, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and preparation of briefing materials. Candidates are encouraged to use concise bullet points and focus on relevant examples.

Assets:

• This position relies on political acumen and a thorough understanding of government decision making processes.
• Strong interpersonal and problem solving skills are essential to being able to coordinate timely and effective issue resolution given the constrained environment.
• This positions requires sound knowledge of project management approaches and experience leading a project team to successful achievement of objectives.
• Strong working knowledge of policy development and economic development principles, tools, and practices.
• Strong Communication Skills (both written and oral) are required.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

There is one (1) full time permanent position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Work location is Edmonton.

Final candidate will be required to undergo security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.
  

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Management Employee Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.