Vice-President, Policy

Title: Vice President, Policy — Human Capital

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Policy (Theo Argitis)

Location: Ottawa

Organization: Business Council of Canada

About the Business Council of Canada

The Business Council of Canada represents over 170 CEOs of the country's largest enterprises, spanning every major sector of the economy. Our members employ two million Canadians, generate the majority of private-sector investment, drive innovation, and anchor Canada's global competitiveness. We work with governments, business leaders, experts, and civil society to shape policy solutions that strengthen Canada's economic foundations.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Policy — Human Capital will be a senior leader responsible for shaping the Council's strategic direction on the full spectrum of human capital issues: labour markets, education, skills, training, immigration, workforce development, labour relations and talent attraction.

This role is central to building a modern, competitive workforce in a period of rapid technological change, shifting demographics, tight labour markets, and rising global competition for talent. The VP will guide policy thinking, lead major research projects and consultations, and develop actionable recommendations that influence federal government policy.

The ideal candidate brings strong policy instincts, the ability to engage credibly with business leaders and senior government officials, and a talent for translating complex issues into clear insights and strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the BCC's human capital policy agenda
• Set strategy aligned with the Council's broader competitiveness and growth agenda
• Identify emerging trends and risks, and advise leadership on implications for business and public policy
• Shape the Council's external narrative on human capital issues

Policy Development and Research

• Lead development of major policy papers, briefs, and submissions to government
• Oversee research initiatives
• Provide timely analysis on labour market conditions, demographic trends, and talent competitiveness
• Guide development of evidence-based recommendations for governments

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with senior public servants, ministers' offices, academics, business leaders, and partner organizations
• Serve as a key spokesperson on human capital issues in meetings with government and media
• Convene roundtables, forums, and expert panels that inform the Council's strategy

Thought Leadership and Advocacy

• Shape the Council's public voice on talent, immigration, labour markets, and education
• Work closely with the communications team to draft op-eds, speeches, and briefings
• Represent the Council at conferences, panels, and speaking engagements

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Work closely with policy colleagues to ensure coherence
• Contribute to the Council's strategic policy framework
• Mentor junior staff and guide project teams

Qualifications

• At least 10 years experience in either economics or government, workforce development, immigration, education/skills policy, or related fields
• Senior experience in government, business, academia, consultancy, or a major NGO
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop policy positions and influence decision-makers at senior levels
• Comfort engaging with business leaders
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
• A graduate degree in economics, public policy, law, political science or related fields (PhD or Master's preferred but not required).
• Bilingualism preferred but not mandatory

What We Offer

• An opportunity to shape national policy at the highest levels
• Direct exposure to Canada's most influential business leaders and policymakers
• A collaborative, mission-driven policy team committed to practical, solutions-oriented work
• Competitive compensation and benefits