Director, Indigenous & Stakeholder Relations

The salary range for this position is $130,000-$160,000. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may be entitled to other elements of total compensation, which may include group benefits, employer RRSP contributions, and discretionary bonus or incentive programs, where applicable to the role. We are committed to offering competitive compensation and comply with all applicable pay transparency legislation. Further details regarding our total rewards program will be shared by the Talent Acquisition team during the hiring process. Canadian work experience is not a requirement for this role. Please note that artificial intelligence–based tools may be used at certain stages of the recruitment and applicant screening process. This is a posting for an existing job vacancy.

The Director, Indigenous & Stakeholder Relations is responsible for leading a strategic approach to Indigenous relations, government engagement, and community partnerships across Eastern Canada. This role will develop and strengthen Indigenous partnerships, joint ventures, and strategic relationships that create shared value, to advance Compass Group Canada’s growth strategy.

Reporting to the Vice President, Communications & Corporate Affairs and in partnership with key stakeholders, this role ensures Indigenous relationships and reconciliation commitments directly inform and accelerate commercial outcomes.

This position requires a highly visible, field-oriented leader who maintains a consistent presence across Eastern Canada, ensuring meaningful, respectful, and ongoing engagement with Indigenous partners and communities.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Vice President, Communications & Corporate Affairs
• Key internal partnerships: Business Development, Operations, Strategic Alliance Group (SAG), Legal, and Sector/Operations Leadership Teams

Key Responsibilities

Indigenous & Stakeholder Relations

• Lead and integrate Indigenous relations, government relations, and community engagement strategies across Eastern Canada.
• Build and sustain respectful, long-term relationships with Indigenous governments, economic development organizations, and community leaders.
• Ensure consistent, culturally appropriate engagement practices across all sectors and regions.
• Maintain a regular, visible presence in communities through a structured, proactive engagement model with clear priorities, governance, and accountability.

Indigenous Partnerships & Joint Ventures

• Identify, develop, and support long-term, sustainable Indigenous partnerships and joint venture opportunities aligned with public and private sector growth.
• Collaborate with key internal departments to structure agreements that balance commercial success and Indigenous economic participation.

Strategic Growth Enablement & Major Pursuits

• Partner with Business Development, Operations, and leadership team to support complex, high-value bids and strategic pursuits.
• Provide guidance on Indigenous relations and partnership considerations that influence deal structuring and competitiveness.
• Act as a senior relationship lead in critical or high-risk client and partner situations.

Internal Advisory & Cultural Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal teams on Indigenous engagement protocols and partnership best practices.
• Champion cultural awareness and reconciliation initiatives, including alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and UNDRIP principles.
• Support internal education and capability-building across leadership and frontline teams

Governance, Performance & Reporting

• Ensure all engagement and partnership activities meet legal, ethical, and cultural standards.
• Establish and track KPIs related to partnerships, engagement, and business impact.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to senior leadership on progress, risks, and opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8–10+ years of experience in Indigenous relations, government relations, stakeholder engagement, or strategic partnerships.
• Bilingualism (French and English) mandatory.
• Demonstrated success in developing and managing long-term partnerships, including joint ventures or collaborative agreements.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, governance structures, and economic development in Eastern Canada.
• Strong knowledge of government processes, policy environments, and regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels in a complex organization.
• Indigenous ancestry and/or lived experience is highly valued and encouraged.

Working Conditions

• Can be approximately 40–60% travel.
• Regular travel to Indigenous communities, government offices, and partner locations across Eastern Canada is required.