THE ORGANIZATION
Our client, West Fraser was founded in 1955 when three brothers – Sam, Bill, and Pete Ketcham – pooled their resources to buy a small planing mill in Quesnel, B.C. The sweat and hard work of three young men, along with a founding group of pioneering employees, have laid the foundation for the Company, West Fraser, that thrives to this day. More than six decades later, the Company has grown from the original 12-person crew at Two Mile Flat to be the largest lumber producer in North America.

West Fraser’s heritage is a story about people who came together to build so much more than those three young men imagined was possible. Today, they remain anchored by these early core beliefs that stand the test of time:

• cost control in all aspects of the business
• efficient, modern mills
• responsibility and leadership in environmental performance
• the active involvement of employees in the business
• a relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do

West Fraser has grown to be one of the world’s largest lumber producers, is a leading diversified forest products company, and has been rated as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for eight years. West Fraser is an established leader in sustainable forestry, high-efficiency wood product production, and innovative manufacturing. They are committed to a responsible stewardship of the environment and have also been recognized as:

• one of Canada’s 10 Best Companies to Work For in 2014
• a Top Employer for Young People five times
• a B.C. Top Employer six times
• a Best Employer for Recent Graduates twice
• two-time winner of the Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures award.

West Fraser takes pride in what they do and in who they hire. Many of their employees have grown right at their side and have built their careers with them.

For further information on West Fraser, please visit their website at www.westfraser.com

THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the Alberta Chief Forester, the Alberta Indigenous Relations Lead will have a strategic focus on maintaining and enhancing West Fraser’s relationships with Indigenous communities across Alberta. This position will be responsible for developing and leading the corporate Indigenous relations strategy as well as fostering collaborative relationships with community partners and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator and facilitator with broad internal and external networks. Your strong relationship building, collaborative and listening skills are essential to the position. West Fraser believes in building strong, diverse teams. To learn more about their commitment to diversity and Indigenous Relations, see their Workforce Diversity Statement, and their Indigenous Peoples’ Policy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in the development and implementation of an Indigenous relations strategy.
• Work with West Fraser Indigenous partners to build respectful relationships, seek long-term sustainable benefits for Indigenous communities, and enhance the quality of work through understanding and incorporating traditional Indigenous knowledge.
• Support West Fraser core service areas and contribute to corporate business development with a strategic focus on developing and enhancing relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Support divisional managers in building relationships and developing agreements with Indigenous communities.
• Collaborate with, and provide leadership to, Alberta Indigenous engagement and consultation leads.
• Design and advance Indigenous employment and business development strategies in Alberta.
• Participate in internal task groups to achieve corporate Environmental, Social & Governance goals.
• Liaise with other Canadian jurisdictions and participate on various committees related to Indigenous relations.
• Advise on policy development through engagement internally, as well as with industry associations, other companies, Provincial and Federal Governments.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary project teams while planning and executing business development efforts.
• Interact and work with a community of technical experts from other West Fraser regions.
• Implement West Fraser’s Indigenous Relations Policy and integrate its principles across the organization.
• Define priority areas for Indigenous inclusion in project execution and business development across Alberta Operations.
• Identify and develop relationships with Indigenous communities and businesses in alignment with Indigenous Relations Policy and corporate strategy.
• Provide support for new and existing relationships with Indigenous businesses across West Fraser’s operations.
• Develop Indigenous engagement strategies to support successful proposals.
• Understand client strategies with regards to Indigenous engagement and support West Fraser staff across regions to ensure positive outcomes for Indigenous communities, their clients, and West Fraser.
• Support negotiation of partnership agreements with Indigenous businesses and communities.
• Through an Indigenous lived experience, advise and support project delivery teams regarding Indigenous protocols and practices.
• Promote and support cultural awareness initiatives within West Fraser.
• Travel will be required throughout Alberta.

 FIRST YEAR – MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Development of a corporate Indigenous relations strategy and action plan to engage communities in Alberta.
• Build solid, trusting, and respectful relationships with internal partners and stakeholders.
• Lay the foundation for the development of a strong external communication plan that contributes to the growth strategy and vision of West Fraser, bringing together corporate initiatives and maintaining forward momentum.

THE INDIVIDUAL
Given the pivotal role this individual will be expected to play in achieving the strategic objectives of the company and in supporting the success of the organization, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

Education

• Post secondary education in Indigenous Studies, Human Services, Communications, Community Development, or a related field considered an asset.
• Demonstrated equivalent training and experience in communications highly valued.
• Evidence of ongoing learning in above mentioned areas an asset.

Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience in progressively senior positions working directly with Indigenous businesses and communities.
• Experience or training in relations strategy implementation.
• Experience or training in forestry or biology considered an asset.

 Competencies and Knowledge

• An Indigenous lived experience that supports the applicant in creating meaningful and authentic relationships with Indigenous partners.
• Strong project management skills.
• A solid understanding of current conversations regarding Alberta and Federal Indigenous policies.
• Ability to align processes with an organization’s strategic goals.
• Strong communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively.
• Proven track record of building positive relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Strong leadership and ability to provide mentorship related to Indigenous relations.
• Strong understanding of the consulting sector and opportunities to partner with Indigenous communities.
• A valid and clean driver’s license with no restrictions.

Personal Profile

• Confident with unquestioned personal and professional integrity
• Highly accountable
• Tenacious
• Displays ethical leadership
• Agile with the ability to respond and pivot quickly to new initiatives and business needs
• Enjoys change and leading others through it
• Respectful of others
• Positive attitude and energy
• Leads by example
• Strategic and operational performer
• Collaborative
• Highly organized with good time management skills
• Critical thinker with problem solving skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and without supervision
• A positive attitude when faced with adversarial situations
• Exhibits sound judgment

COMPENSATION
An excellent compensation package awaits the successful candidate.

LOCATION
Slave Lake, Alberta preferred. Other Alberta communities with organization operations will be considered.

HOW TO APPLY
For the opportunity to join West Fraser in the role of Alberta Indigenous Relations Lead, please email your resume to DreamBig@profoundtalent.com referencing Position ID # AQWS 345108.

Should you have an inquiry regarding this position, please contact Stacey Laing at 587-200-0114 ext. 104.

For further information on ProFound Talent Inc. please visit: www.profoundtalent.com

West Fraser Timber has over 60 locations across Canada, the United States and Europe. They believe strongly in promoting from within and pride themselves on providing a challenging environment with continuous development. Preferred candidates will have interest in growing their careers with the company through internal advancement opportunities. 

West Fraser believes inclusive, diverse teams build a more vibrant workforce, safer operations, and a stronger company overall. They strive to create workplaces and leadership teams that are reflective of the diverse communities they are a part of. They will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, gender, national origin or any other protected legal characteristic.

* We thank all applicants for your submissions, however only candidates being considered for this role will be contacted. *