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.