General Manager

Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Reports to: Board of Directors

Direct Reports: Administrative Support (1)

ABOUT CATB

The Construction Association of Thunder Bay (CATB) is the collective voice of the construction industry across Northwestern Ontario. We support contractors, suppliers, consultants, and industry partners by advocating for fair practices, building workforce capacity, strengthening technical competence, and advancing the long-term health of the sector.

CATB is entering an important next chapter. With major infrastructure investment on the horizon, growing workforce pressures, and evolving member expectations, the Association is intentionally shifting from an operational service model toward a more strategic, externally focused, and influential industry leadership role.

THE OPPORTUNITY

CATB is seeking a General Manager who is energized by building relationships, advancing industry interests, and turning strategy into action.

This is not an administrative role. It is a senior leadership position for someone who is comfortable being visible, vocal, and present in the industry — meeting members on job sites, at council tables, in boardrooms, and across the region.

You will be CATB’s:

• Chief relationship-builder and advocate
• Trusted advisor to members and the Board
• Strategic leader responsible for moving the Association forward

With a lean internal structure, the successful candidate will be self-directed, pragmatic, and unafraid to roll up their sleeves while keeping their eyes firmly on the horizon.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Lead CATB’s Strategic Direction

• Drive the implementation of CATB’s Strategic Plan, translating priorities into clear annual goals, work plans, and measurable outcomes
• Help shift CATB toward a more proactive, strategic, and industry-leading association aligned with national best practices
• Provide clear analysis, insight, and recommendations to support Board decision-making

Advocate and Represent the Industry

• Act as CATB’s primary external representative with municipal, provincial, and federal governments, Indigenous partners, educators, and industry bodies
• Advocate on procurement practices, permitting, workforce issues, policy, and regulatory matters affecting Northwestern Ontario
• Monitor industry, economic, and legislative trends and translate their impact for members

Build Member Value and Industry Capacity

• Strengthening CATB’s role as a trusted technical and advisory resource on contracts, risk, safety, and regulatory change
• Expand and modernize training, education, and professional development offerings
• Lead workforce development and youth engagement initiatives with schools, colleges, training providers, and partners

Lead a Lean, Effective Organization

• Oversee CATB’s operations, finances, programs, communications, and events
• Provide leadership and direction to administrative staff, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and support
• Establish systems and processes that reduce risk, support modernization, and enable future growth

Ensure Financial Sustainability

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget
• Work with the Board to ensure strong financial oversight and transparency
• Identify opportunities to diversify revenue through partnerships, sponsorships, and programs

Support Strong Governance

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors
• Prepare Board materials that elevate discussion from operations to strategy
• Support governance best practices, role clarity, and leadership effectiveness

WHO YOU ARE

You are a mid-career leader who:

• Thrives in relationship-driven, externally focused roles
• Is comfortable advocating, negotiating, and representing an industry
• Enjoys working independently and taking ownership of outcomes
• Sees ambiguity as opportunity, not risk
• Is motivated by building something meaningful and leaving organizations stronger than you found them

You are equally comfortable:

• Meeting members where they are — on job sites, at meetings, or over coffee
• Advising Boards and navigating governance environments
• Balancing hands-on problem-solving with long-term strategy
• Travelling, as required

Desired qualifications and experience:

• Post-secondary education in business, public administration, construction management, engineering, or a related field (sector experience is considered an asset)
• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience, ideally within construction, infrastructure, trades, or association environments
• Demonstrated experience working with Boards of Directors and a general knowledge of governance practices
• Experience in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, or public policy is a strong asset
• Strong financial acumen and comfort overseeing budgets and reporting
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
• Professional association management credentials (e.g., CAE) are considered an asset, but are not required.

Salary range: $100,000- $130,000

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

CATB is trusted, respected, and well-positioned — but under-leveraged. The next General Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping how the construction industry in Northwestern Ontario organizes, advocates, develops its workforce, and prepares for the future.

This is a role for someone who wants real influence, real relationships, and the opportunity to help an entire sector move forward.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their experience and interest in the role. All applications should be sent to Melissa Blackwell at melissa@compassleadership.ca by end of day March 13, 2026.

CATB thanks all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.