HOPA Ports is seeking an experienced, relationship-focused commercial leader to turn strategy into opportunity across our growing port and industrial real estate portfolio.
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 Vice President, Commercial, you will translate HOPA’s commercial strategy into actionable business development, leasing and stakeholder engagement initiatives across our current and future port and industrial real estate portfolio. You will originate and advance opportunities, negotiate agreements, strengthen relationships and coordinate internal expertise to deliver commercially sound solutions. You will also lead assigned Commercial team members and maintain a disciplined pipeline from opportunity through implementation and ongoing portfolio management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support a high-performing Commercial team across multiple sites, setting clear priorities, accountability and service expectations.
- Implement commercial priorities established by the Vice President, Commercial and HOPA’s strategic plan, translating growth objectives into practical account plans, leasing pursuits and stakeholder actions.
- Maintain a prioritized pipeline of commercial opportunities and report on activity, outcomes, barriers, risks and forecasted value.
- Gather market intelligence, customer feedback, industry trends and competitive information; prepare business cases, analyses, presentations and recommendations for decision-making.
- Identify, develop and advance leasing opportunities across HOPA’s Hamilton, Oshawa, Niagara and other managed portfolios.
- Build a diversified prospect and customer pipeline and identify expansion, retention, redevelopment and service opportunities within the existing portfolio.
- Lead stakeholder discovery and coordinate with other HOPA departments to develop comprehensive real estate and supply chain solutions.
- Negotiate leases, licences, amendments, renewals and other commercial agreements within approved authorities and in collaboration with Legal, Finance, Operations, Engineering and Environment teams.
- Develop value-based commercial terms and pricing recommendations that consider asset capability, market conditions, investment requirements, risk and long-term strategic value.
- Protect HOPA’s interests by supporting lease compliance, enforcing lease covenants and HOPA Operating Regulations, and coordinating legal matters as directed.
- Coordinate commercial due diligence and the transition of approved opportunities from negotiation to implementation and ongoing account management.
- Build productive relationships with customers, investors, brokers, industry partners, municipalities, economic development organizations and community stakeholders.
- Represent HOPA at industry events, stakeholder meetings, site visits and community engagements, including across geographic areas associated with HOPA’s operations, properties and managed portfolios.
- Act as the commercial lead for assigned accounts and opportunities, coordinating timely, consistent and solution-oriented responses across departments.
- Improve commercial processes, technology, tools, documentation and reporting to increase efficiency, accuracy, visibility and execution effectiveness.
- Support talent development, knowledge sharing, succession readiness and organizational growth.
What You Bring
- Post-secondary education in business administration, real estate, engineering or another relevant field of study.
- Proven negotiation and sales ability in a commercial business or real estate environment.
- A demonstrated record of building strong customer relationships.
- The ability to analyze and understand project financials and use market, operational and risk information to support recommendations.
- A strong understanding of legal documents and lease clauses.
- Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microsoft 365 Copilot and property management software.
- 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
- Frequent computer and reading work, with responsibility for managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
- Flexibility to travel among HOPA locations and maintain a regular presence across assigned properties and managed portfolios.
- Independent commercial and industrial property showings and site visits are required.
- Outdoor work may involve adverse weather and hazards associated with the condition of buildings, structures and landscapes.
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.
