Career Track 8: Business
A day in the life video
The Business Career Track explores job opportunities in the energy sector that stretch across all career tracks and support the financial, human resources, logistics, and management functions of energy projects, distribution and development.
Job profiles:
- Sales and Marketing
- Lawyer
- Financial Manager
- Human Resource Manager
- Information Technology Manager
The impact on employment and contracting income from Indigenous clean energy projects is game changing. While medium- to large-scale renewable energy projects are significant job-creators during construction, operational employment is quite modest. However, micro- and small-scale transmission projects are catalyzing both construction and operational employment. The major clean energy job creators, though, are bioenergy and energy efficiency projects which have long-term and sustained economic multiplier effects.
Source: Accelerating Transition Report
Job Profiles
Job Profile 1
Sales and Marketing Manager
Job description – Sales and Marketing Managers are in charge of planning, coordinating and supervising the marketing of an organization's products or services. They also study the future market demand for the products and services that a business and their competitors have to offer and determine the appropriate pricing strategies to maximize the business’ revenues. Sales and marketing managers increase awareness about a particular project/initiative/brand by researching market trends to effectively identify and connect with the target audience.
Median income: $39.56/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Internet Communications Manager
- Web Marketing Manager
- Media Relations Director
- E-business Manager
- Brand Manager
by 2029
- A bachelor’s degree or college diploma in communications, business, marketing or a related discipline is normally required.
- Previous experience working as a sales and marketing supervisor or coordinator is usually required before taking the management role (Previous leadership positions are considered an asset).
- Good knowledge of marketing strategies and tactics for selling products or services.
- Strong practical knowledge of business and management concepts in tandem with strategic planning and resource allocation.
- Experience with business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) marketing strategies.
- Analytical skills to create short- and long-term strategies and budgets.
- Strong time management skills in order to manage several tasks and competing priorities within a given time frame.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills in order to manage different projects within the same organization and maintain good working relationships with all parties involved.
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills to identify possible project delays and propose appropriate solutions.
- Strong project management and motivational skills.
- Creativity to propose new marketing strategies and succeed in a competitive field.
- Evaluate the marketing and advertising activities of establishments and/or departments within the organization.
- Perform market research in order to determine and evaluate marketing strategies within the organization and assist in the development of new products.
- Conduct competitive analysis and propose marketing initiatives.
- Supervise the activities of the organization and propose advertising campaigns in order to promote sales of products and services.
- Work with the organization's brand to ensure a consistent corporate image.
- Liaise with facility supervisors, team members, and local community members to develop new strategies consistent with the company's values and mission.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Marketing Management – Sales Skills Certificate Program - BCIT
Enterprise Sales Professional Online Sales Training Program
Bachelor of Business Administration Major in Marketing with Concentrations
Digital Marketing Professional - NAIT
Marketing Using Social Media – Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Digital and Social Media Marketing Certificate – The University of Winnipeg
Job Profile 2
Lawyer
Job description - Lawyers represent individuals, companies, or government agencies in courts on legal matters or disputes. They are also responsible for preparing legal documents relevant to the case under consideration. Lawyers working in the clean energy sector represent each sector of the industry by leading the negotiation of contracts and any other legal issues within the company. They may also help define climate strategies related to clean energy and other climate-related issues.
Median income: $116,940/ Year
Alternative job titles
- Prosecutor
- Legislative Counsel
- Legal Advisor
- Solicitor
- Crown Attorney
by 2029
- A bachelor's degree and a from a recognized law school, followed by passing the bar examination and a period of articling.
- Licensing by the provincial or territorial law society is required.
- Thorough understanding and knowledge of applicable legislation and procedures.
- The experience required to work in this profession will vary depending on the field of expertise chosen.
- Track record of good judgment and professionalism.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively represent clients legally, both verbally and in writing.
- Analytical skills to review extensive information, identify pertinent facts, and propose feasible solutions.
- Strong attention to detail to write and revise legal documents.
- Problem solving skills in order to prepare the best representation or advice for clients.
- Negotiation and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work with all stakeholders.
- Lawyers are primarily responsible for counseling and representing their clients in court and/or other legal issues.
- Research legal precedents, collect evidence, and study the applicable laws and regulations that apply to a specific issue.
- Conduct routine administrative tasks regarding the practice of law.
- Give written and/or oral presentations on pertinent facts of the case to clients and interested parties.
- Process and archive legal documents.
- Act as mediator, conciliator or arbitrator.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
In Ontario, candidates for licensure may choose to complete the Law Society of Ontario’s Law Practice Program (LPP) as a substitute for the articling period in order to meet the experiential training requirement of the Lawyers' Licensing Process.
University of Alberta Faculty of Law
University of Calgary Faculty of Law
University of British Columbia Peter A. Allard School of Law
University of Victoria Faculty of Law
Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law
University of Manitoba - Robson Hall Faculty of Law
University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law
Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law
Queen’s University Faculty of Law
University of Ottawa Faculty of Law
University of Toronto Faculty of Law
Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
University of Windsor Faculty of Law
Lakehead University - Bora Laskin Faculty of Law
Ryerson University Faculty of Law
University of Western Ontario - Western Law
Job Profile 3
Financial Manager
Job description – Financial Managers are responsible for planning, overseeing and executing all aspects of financial operations to ensure the company's financial health. They produce reports and plans, and develop effective strategies to maintain business growth in a competitive market. Financial managers are also responsible for setting performance standards and managing the clients' portfolios.
Median income: $46.15/Hour
Alternative Job Titles
- Portfolio Manager
- Finance Director
by 2029
- A bachelor's degree in a finance-related program and/or an industry-related program is usually required.
- Completion of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program offered by the CFA Institute is usually required.
- Several years of work-related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A master's degree in business administration (MBA) is considered an asset.
- Strong knowledge of financial markets and economic principles and practices.
- Experience working as a financial analyst before taking the management role.
- Analytical skills to conduct a thorough analysis of the company's current situation and recommend reasonable future investments.
- Detail-oriented skills to prepare and revise key financial reports.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required to manage diverse relationships related to the funding of projects within the organization.
- Strategic planning skills to develop strategies and achieve the company's goals.
- Critical thinking skills to identify potential financial risks and propose appropriate solutions.
- Good time management skills as well as high ethical standards in dealing with the company's finances.
- Prepare and review documents and assess financial risks, proposing appropriate solutions.
- Carry out thorough research on investment prospects that are both significant and competitive for the company.
- Conduct financial assessments regarding the implementation of clean energy projects.
- Prepare reports for senior management on the optimal investment of funds.
- Identify key opportunities that are environmentally responsible, looking at issues such as carbon emissions and biodiversity.
- Examine market trends to find opportunities for expansion and/or investment in novelties.
- Provide help and support to all departments in making financial decisions.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager Program
An Introduction to Community Economic Development – 2 Day Workshop
Financing a Major Economic Development Project or Infrastructure Project – 1 Day Workshop
Developing Business Plans and Funding Proposals – 1 Day Workshop
Indigenous Financial Management - Assiniboine Community College
Job Profile 4
Human Resources Manager
Job description – Human Resources Managers are responsible for the recruitment process of the company, as well as providing training for existing employees, organizing benefits and payments, and mediating conflicts. They are ultimately responsible for managing the human resources to achieve the company's goals while respecting the values and vision of the organization. They are also responsible for developing and implementing retention programs and any other HR related programs.
Median income: $45.06/Hour
Alternative Job Titles
- Staffing Manager
- Compensation Manager
by 2029
- A bachelor’s degree or college diploma in a field related to human resource management is usually required.
- Some employers may ask for a certification as a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).
- Several years of experience in an administrative or clerical position related to personnel administration, preferably in a management position.
- Strong understanding of the principles and practices of business and human resources management.
- Good understanding of federal and provincial/territorial employment laws and regulations.
- Solid understanding of change management concepts.
- Discretion to keep employee information confidential.
- Good problem-solving skills to deal with possible conflicts that may arise in the organization.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage employee-related procedures and documents.
- Analytical skills to examine data and determine appropriate actions and/or strategies.
- Interpersonal and communication skills to accurately convey information and establish strong partnerships with all interested parties.
- Leadership skills in order to manage staff and lead the resolution of potential HR-related issues.
- Identify current and future personnel needs in order to manage the recruitment process.
- Work closely with colleagues across the company to define human resources strategies and plans that address the organization's needs and goals.
- Develop and implement retention programs to leverage talent within the company.
- Collaborate with key company stakeholders to ensure alignment and integration of strategies into business practice.
- Work closely with occupational health and safety officers to create programs to improve employee wellness and occupational safety.
- Assist senior management in drafting and negotiating collective agreements.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Certified Indigenous Human Resources Professional - AFOA Canada
Human Resources Management Program - Simon Fraser University
Human Resources Management Co-op - Centennial College
Master of Human Resources Management - York University
Job Profile 5
Information Technology Manager
Job description - Information Technology (IT) Managers oversee the activities of an organization related to information systems and to issues involving software, hardware and networks. They research, plan and implement information systems, and are also responsible for managing people and programs and for proposing alternatives to a diversity of organizational systems problems. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors.
Median income: $50/Hour
Alternate Job Titles
- Information Systems Manager
- Computer Systems Development Manager
by 2029
- A bachelor’s degree or college diploma in a field related to computer science, business administration, commerce or engineering is normally required.
- Several years of work-related experience is usually required, preferably in a management or supervisory position.
- Experience in creating and maintaining business cases and management principles involved in strategic planning.
- Hands-on experience in information systems at the operational, managerial and planning levels, comfortable working with information systems, platforms, and trends in technology.
- Combination of technical knowledge and an understanding of business objectives required to be successful.
- Strong understanding of project management techniques and methods with the ability to lead a project team with several members.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to explain complex problems at all levels within an organization.
- Strong interpersonal skills to effectively manage customer expectations.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects with competing priorities and deadlines.
- Analytical skills to develop and implement the project from kick-off to completion.
- Attention to detail in all phases of the project process.
- Leadership skills in order to manage the development of a project and lead the resolution of potential issues.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
- Identify and plan the resources, schedules, budget, and project teams required to address critical deliverables.
- Lead IT-related activities by providing technical and analytical guidance to interested parties.
- Establish and manage the development and implementation of policies and procedures for electronic data processing.
- Align the organization’s goals and deliverables with business operations.
- Report on the progress of the project, assign tasks to the project team, implement any necessary changes, and advise on improvements.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people: