OVERALL FUNCTION

Utilizing the Options Group of Companies business model, the Director of International Operations will be responsible for developing and overseeing international housing and social enterprise opportunities. This individual is responsible for building strategic business relationships, formulating innovative business development strategies and providing vision for their execution.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, develop and implement business strategy for international developments and growth of the international operation
• Develop a network of contacts within international development (landowners, contractors, government officials)
• Establish relationships with key support providers and affiliates
• Negotiating land acquisition terms
• Negotiate terms with potential contractors
• Write funding applications and administer disbursement of funds
• Manage each project through different stages to completion
• Troubleshoot issues as required
• Select and implement technology and systems used for co-ordination among affiliates
• Develop policies, procedures, affiliate training manual, forms and work-flow for smooth operation of the business model on an international basis
• Establish legal agreements in various countries consistent to the business model
• Establish marketing plan and marketing materials with in-house marketing area
• Develop marketing materials and organize presentation events with in-house marketing area
• Direct, supervise, schedule and provide training and development to International affiliates
• Ongoing administration regarding International operations
• Supervise International Co-ordinator effectively
• Ensure planning activities are scheduled
• Maintain an engaged and motivated group working on the International Operations
• Abide by all company rules and regulations
• Comply with all Occupational Health & Safety Act requirements

Additionally: This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. You will be expected to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested by your Supervisor.

DIRECTION RECEIVED

The position requires a self-motivated individual that is capable of facilitating excellent relations with people, researching information on their own and receiving direction from the chief executive officer.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR GIVING DIRECTION

Direction will be given to the international affiliate co-ordinators. Consultation and advice may also be given on occasion to the other office staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & JOB COMPLEXITY

The business environment is in an office setting and can be fast paced at times. This position requires an individual with strong skills in:

• Communications and negotiating
• Planning and time management skills
• Leadership and conflict resolution skills
• Organizational skills
• Budgeting, estimation and numeric precision

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION

• Masters Degree in Business or Development Related Field
• Understanding of financial reports including budgetary guidelines and project expenditures
• Ability to create marketing plans for services

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 10 years progressively responsible experience in International Operations (preferably in the development industry)
• Direct working experience relevant to social enterprise, co-operatives or the non-profit sector would be highly beneficial
• Extensive experience and knowledge in dealing with financial systems, budgets and internal controls

TECHNICAL & SPECIAL SKILLS

• Computer literacy, including effective working skills of MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and email
• Possess the following personal qualities: integrity, creativity, high standards, commitment, ethical values, and achievement oriented
• Excellent organizational, strategic, planning and implementing skills
• Ability to process vague, abstract verbal and written instructions to create marketing plans for services
• Strong presentation, written, and verbal skills
• Able to create realistic schedules and meet deadlines under stress and interruptions
• Confident with decision making in regards to determining project guidelines and purpose
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills
• Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written: (excellent writing and verbal skills)
• Assertive, comfortable communicating with various types of individuals
• Proven skills to interact effectively with employees in order to direct work flow, assign duties, and to respond appropriately in pressure situations with a calm and steady demeanour
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Able to build and maintain lasting relationships with other areas and key business partners