We Are Hiring: Economic Development Officer (BRE)

Salary Range: $39.40-$51.84 per hour

Compensation will be commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and experience.
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Application Deadline: September 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM (EST)

Early applications are strongly encouraged, as candidates may be contacted and interviewed prior to the closing date. This posting may close earlier than anticipated should a suitable candidate be selected.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Occasional evenings and weekends may be required)

Work Location: In-person at our office.  ‍

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ABOUT US 

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for Lambton County. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses and industry to the Sarnia-Lambton area.

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership office is located in the City of Sarnia at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, but Lambton County is comprised of eleven municipalities and three First Nations for whom we seek to advance economic growth and opportunity through leadership, partnership, collaboration, and strategic direction.

Our office is recognized by the International Economic Development Council as an Accredited Economic Development Organization. One of only six in Canada to attain this top distinction. ‍

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ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

As part of SLEP's ongoing efforts to support local business growth and competitiveness, we are seeking an Economic Development Officer (BRE) for a full-time contract term.

The successful candidate will focus on forwarding our business retention & expansion and rural engagement priorities by engaging directly with businesses, municipalities and community partners across Lambton County to identify business growth opportunities, challenges, workforce needs, and future growth plans. Insights gathered through business outreach and engagement activities will help inform economic development priorities and strengthen support services for the business community.  

You will also benefit from many advantages, such as:

• Full time hours, with an optional regular day off compressed work week
• Optional OMERS (Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) Pension plan
• Working with an established, knowledgeable team  
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WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING?  

The Economic Development Officer (BRE) will lead focused business engagement initiatives designed to identify opportunities, challenges, and growth priorities among Sarnia-Lambton businesses. Through business visits, interviews, and stakeholder engagement, the Officer will gather actionable intelligence to support business retention, expansion, investment, and job creation, while building relationships between the business and the organization.

The Officer will analyze findings, prepare reports and recommendations, and connect businesses with available programs, services, and resources, while also developing related programming to support the broader business community.

Business Outreach & Engagement:

• Conduct business retention and expansion visits with local businesses.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with business owners, municipalities, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and ecosystem partners.
• Identify business opportunities, expansion plans, workforce challenges, and barriers to growth.
• Respond to business inquiries and connect businesses with relevant programs, funding opportunities, and support services.
• Advise and assist businesses in applications for funding, incentives, or other supports.
• Attend business and community events to promote the program and strengthen local business connections.
• Assist and provided resources to businesses through expansion, relocation, or succession lifecycle.

Data Collection & Analysis:

• Conduct surveys, interviews, and other engagement activities.
• Collect and maintain accurate business and engagement records.
• Analyze findings and identify trends, opportunities, and emerging issues.
• Maintain CRM records and track program metrics.

Reporting, Recommendations & Program Development:

• Prepare summary reports, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Develop recommendations and action items based on business feedback.
• Create a Business Retention & Expansion framework and implementation plan to guide future business outreach, engagement, and business relationship building efforts.
• Present findings and recommendations to SLEP leadership and community stakeholders.

Other Tasks:

• Represent SLEP as a contributing stakeholder to the Sarnia-Lambton Industrial Alliance.
• Develop and implement business support events and activities across Sarnia-Lambton.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of content and relevant reference materials for use by collaborating EDO’s and the SLEP marketing team.
• Keep abreast of government legislations and funding programs and prepare SLEP-focused grant and project applications if required.
• Participate in multiple committees and stakeholder groups.

The above is not an exhaustive list of all job duties of the position. Other duties may be assigned.

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‍QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education in Economic Development, Business, Public Administration, Commerce, Planning, or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in economic development, business development, stakeholder engagement, or project coordination.
• Experience conducting interviews, consultations, surveys, or community engagement activities is an asset.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM/database systems.
• A valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s Licence and access to a vehicle
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DESIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of the Lambton County economy is a significant asset;
• Possess excellent oral and written communications, strong presentation skills and successful client relationship management skills;
• Demonstrated professionalism and ability to handle confidential and sensitive material;
• Business and stakeholder engagement
• Research and data analysis
• Report writing and presentations
• Project coordination
• Relationship management
• Although not required, a Certified Economic Developer (Ec.D.) designation from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) would be considered an asset.

At the conclusion of the contract, the successful candidate will have:

• Worked on further developing and implementing a targeted business visitation and engagement program plan.
• Developed a database of business opportunities, challenges, and priorities.
• Produced a BR&E findings report with recommendations for action.
• Created a long-term Business Retention & Expansion program framework, including recommended processes, priorities, and performance measures.
• Strengthened relationships between SLEP and the local business community.

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Submit a resume AND cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest to careers@sarnialambton.on.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest and wish to advise that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Contract Term

This is a full-time, fixed-term contract position to provide coverage during an employee's leave of absence. The anticipated duration is approximately six (6) months; however, the actual term will end upon the earlier of six (6) months from the start date, or the date the employee on leave returns to work. The contract may therefore conclude earlier or later than anticipated, depending on the timing of the employee's return to work. This position is temporary in nature and does not include a guarantee of ongoing employment beyond the contract term.

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