Commercial Leasing Specialist

HOPA Ports is seeking a detail-oriented, organized and commercially minded individual to join our Commercial team as a Commercial Leasing Specialist. 

Who We Are

The Commercial team at HOPA Ports works with Canadian and international companies to facilitate trade across our growing port network on the Great Lakes. The team identifies strategic growth opportunities and maximizes HOPA’s assets through leasing, investment and partnerships that support trade and transportation-related infrastructure. 

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Special Projects & Leasing Officer, you will support the day-to-day preparation, negotiation and administration of HOPA Ports’ commercial lease agreements. You will work closely with Legal Counsel, Account Managers and colleagues across the organization to keep documents accurate, compliant and moving forward, while providing responsive support to tenants and other stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the preparation and administration of commercial lease agreements, ensuring documentation is accurate, compliant and responsive to stakeholder needs.
  • Collaborate with in-house Legal Counsel and Account Managers to draft, review and finalize lease agreements, renewals, amendments, non-disclosure agreements, special agreements and memoranda of understanding.
  • Lead the leasing process and negotiate contracts, including increasingly complex agreements, with minimal management guidance.
  • Proofread and edit lease proposals, confirming that terms align with legislation, regulations and HOPA policies and procedures.
  • Support the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures and standardized leasing templates.
  • Use data and cross-functional input to make fair, efficient decisions and provide strategic recommendations to management.
  • Coordinate with other departments to support accurate contract billing and the preparation of business cases.
  • Modernize records management practices, including the transition to a fully digital model; track critical lease dates and support timely execution.
  • Monitor document flow to ensure agreements are fully executed within contract parameters.
  • Maintain commercial reporting systems and prepare reports on metrics, lease status and activity; organize and support monthly meetings.
  • Build positive working relationships with tenants, colleagues, consultants, suppliers and other stakeholders.
  • Support business development and commercial revenue-growth initiatives, with opportunities for cross-functional learning and job shadowing.

What You Bring

  • Post-secondary education in business administration or another relevant field of study.
  • One to three years of relevant experience, including exposure to lease administration.
  • A strong understanding of legal documents and lease clauses.
  • Excellent attention to detail, organization and written and verbal communication skills.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and other Microsoft Office applications, as well as experience with property management software. Salesforce experience is considered an asset.
  • Transportation or shipping industry experience is considered an asset.
  • A valid Class G driver’s licence and access to a vehicle for business use at all times.
  • The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions

  • Office-based work requiring extended periods at a computer.
  • Some travel, outdoor work and site visits are required.

What We Offer

HOPA offers a competitive compensation package, including an annual bonus program, pension plan, health benefits, education support, employee charitable donation matching and more. HOPA also offers a hybrid work model, subject to an onboarding period and the requirements of the role. 

About HOPA

HOPA is a small but mighty team of professionals with expertise spanning Engineering, Finance, Commercial operations and virtually everything in between. Together, we manage Ontario’s largest port network and strive to do our work in a way that protects the environment and enhances our communities. 

Learn more about HOPA and our careers: HOPA People and Careers.

How To Apply

Email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. In your cover letter, review HOPA Ports’ Mission, Vision and Values and tell us how they align with your career goals and what motivates you to join our team. 

Everyone Is Welcome

As part of our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility, our goal is a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome all qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities, those who identify as Black, Indigenous or persons of colour, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community and others. We are happy to honour accommodations at any part of the recruitment process and invite you to let us know how we can help. 

We thank all applicants; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Renee Bulger, CPA, CGA

Vice President, Finance

Renee assumed the role of Vice President, Finance after having served as Director of Finance since 2023.

Renee joined the Hamilton Port Authority in 2006 as a General Accountant and was promoted to Controller in 2018. She was previously a member of the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Conservation Foundation from 2017 to 2020.

Renee received her Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Larissa Fenn

Larissa Fenn

Vice President, Corporate Affairs

Larissa Fenn is Vice President, Corporate Affairs at HOPA Ports, leading a team responsible for strategic initiatives, public affairs, sustainability reporting, corporate governance and culture.

In progressive roles over 14 years, Larissa has helped to define and execute the strategy that has grown HOPA Ports into Ontario’s largest and most dynamic port authority. Her previous experience includes policy and communications management roles in financial services and municipal government.

Larissa holds a B.A. in Political Science from Queen’s University, and an MBA from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. A champion for the Great Lakes and vibrant waterfront cities, Larissa serves as a Board Member of the Ontario Marine Council and is former Vice Chair of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton/Burlington, Ontario.

Bill Fitzgerald

Vice President, Strategic Development

Bill assumed the role of Vice President, Strategic Development in 2024, after having served as HOPA’s Vice President, Operations since 2008.

Bill joined the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority in July 1995 as Project Engineer. He previously worked with the Regional Municipality of Ottawa’s Transportation Department, as well as for the Toronto Transit Commission and the City of Waterloo.

Bill received a Bachelor of Applied Science, civil engineering / water resources, in 1995 from the University of Waterloo and registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario in 1997.

Jeremy Dunn

Vice President, Operations

Jeremy assumed the role of Vice President, Operations in 2024 after having served as HOPA’s Commercial Vice President since 2019. Prior to joining HOPA, Jeremy served in successive leadership roles at The Miller Group, one of Canada’s leading transportation construction and infrastructure maintenance companies. Jeremy has managed multiple business groups in the heavy construction, asphalt paving and aggregates sectors driving results through business restructuring, service improvement and strategic growth. In his most recent role, Jeremy served as General Manager of Miller Maintenance, responsible for managing and growing Miller’s highway maintenance business in Ontario.

Previous to The Miller Group, Jeremy held the position of Director of Operations for the Dunn Group of Companies.

Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) through Queen’s University. He also holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management.

Ian Hamilton

President & CEO

Ian Hamilton is President & CEO of HOPA Ports (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority). He assumed this role in 2017, after serving as the Port Authority’s Vice President of Business Development and Real Estate since 2008. Ian has been instrumental in developing working waterfronts in Hamilton, Oshawa, and Niagara by attracting new business and private investment, and creating an integrated marine network across Southern Ontario.

Ian possesses more than 25 years of experience in international transportation and logistics in Europe and North America, and has held progressively senior positions in the liner shipping industry, including Transatlantic Trade Director (Europe) for CP Ships and Business Development Manager for Hapag-Lloyd. Ian is Chairperson of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, and holds positions on various other boards, including: the Chamber of Marine Commerce, the Hamilton Club, and Brigs Youth Sail Training.

Ian holds an MBA from Aston University (UK) and a BSc in business administration and economics from the College of Charleston, South Carolina.