BUSINESS MANAGER

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Reporting: CEO

ABOUT US

Big Picture Public Affairs is an Alberta-based public affairs and strategic communications firm supporting clients across government relations, strategic counsel, web & digital communications, stakeholder engagement, regulatory expertise, and corporate communications. We help organizations navigate complex issues with clarity, strategy, and impact.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Business Manager to ensure operations run efficiently, safely, and in alignment with strategic and financial goals.

This senior leader will build and oversee the systems, structures, and discipline required for scalable growth; support the CEO in strategic decision-making, and ensure day-to-day operations run effectively and efficiently. They will strengthen coordination across the company and ensure teams are aligned and equipped to achieve business objectives.

WHAT YOU WILL LEAD

Process Optimization & Operational Systems

• Analyze, improve, develop, document and build business processes, workflows, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Establish and strengthen governance, compliance and decision-making structures

Budget Management & Cost Control

• Lead operational budgeting and reporting as well as the implementation of financial controls
• Oversee monthly project-budget performance and variance analysis
• Collaborate with the CFO to develop the annual operations budget

Cross-Team Coordination

• Maintain a real-time pulse on operations through regular syncs with department leads, surfacing and escalating cross-departmental issues and operational risks early.

Team Management & Organizational Development

• Lead and coach the Leads team; support Senior Consultant progression.
• Oversee resourcing, meeting cadence, and communication flows.
• Support operational inputs for new business opportunities and strategic initiatives.

Governance, Policy & Compliance

• Oversee governance frameworks, document control, and sign-off pathways.
• Ensure policies are implemented consistently and roles are clearly defined.

Operational Excellence

• Monitor operational performance, identify operational risks early, and bring forward solutions.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE (How You Operate)

• Strong operator mindset – you bring structure, clarity, and follow-through.
• Ability to translate strategy into execution and drive results.
• High ownership with sound judgment and decision-making.
• Clear communicator who aligns teams and surfaces issues early.
• Comfort with ambiguity in fast-paced, evolving environments.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years in operations, business management, or consulting, including experience in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience building and scaling operational processes, systems, and team structures.
• Experience in a professional services or project-based environment preferred.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership on strategy and execution.
• Post-secondary education in Business or related field.
• Experience managing multi-function teams.
• Consulting firm experience is an asset.
• 5-8 years of experience.
• Familiarity with project management tools and software.
• Customer relationship experience.