Senior Manager/Director, Ontario Policy & Government Relations

Location: Toronto / GTA (Hybrid)

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $95,000–$115,000/year (based on experience)

Benefits: Defined contribution pension plan, comprehensive benefits package

Reports To: Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and National Policy

Travel: Regular within Ontario; occasional within Canada

About Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

CME is the national voice of Canada’s manufacturing industry. For over 150 years, CME has championed policies that help manufacturers compete globally and thrive locally. Representing 10% of Canada’s GDP, two-thirds of our goods exports, and 1.7 million high-paying jobs, manufacturing is the backbone of our economy. Learn more at cme-mec.ca.

Position Overview

CME is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to drive our Ontario advocacy agenda. As Senior Manager or Director of Ontario Policy & Government Relations, you’ll be the voice of Ontario’s manufacturers at Queen’s Park—translating member priorities into actionable policy, building influential relationships, and aligning with CME’s national strategy.

You’ll work across a broad portfolio of issues including:

Energy affordability and reliability
Workforce development, skills, and immigration
Taxation, investment, and innovation
Regulatory modernization and permitting
Trade facilitation and supply chains
Industrial decarbonization and competitiveness

Key Responsibilities

Policy Leadership: Monitor and respond to Ontario legislation, regulations, budgets, and programs.
Advocacy: Craft and execute campaigns, submissions, and briefing materials.
Government Relations: Build strong ties with elected officials, ministries, agencies, and political staff.
Coalition Building: Collaborate with industry, academia, and associations to advance shared goals.
Insight & Communications: Deliver timely analysis and updates to members and stakeholders.
Member Engagement: Drive retention and growth by demonstrating policy impact.
Compliance: Maintain accurate lobbying registrations and uphold ethical standards.
Other Duties: Support initiatives that strengthen Ontario’s manufacturing sector.

Qualifications

Post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant field
3–6 years of experience in government relations, advocacy, politics, policy, or communications
Deep understanding of Ontario’s policy development processes
Exceptional research, writing, and communication skills
Passion for manufacturing and public policy
Strong relationship-building and organizational skills
Eligible to lobby in Ontario and federally without restriction
Assets: Experience with trade associations or manufacturing, public speaking, bilingualism

Deadline: December 10, 2025

We welcome you to send your cover letter and resume to the attention of our HR Department at resume@cme-mec.ca.

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Open Positions

Senior Manager/Director, Ontario Policy & Government Relations