Consulting Services

Description:

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) is seeking an experienced and visionary Director, Advisory Services to join its team in Montreal, Quebec. This senior leadership role is pivotal in shaping CSA Group’s strategic direction for the delivery of advisory and consulting services to governments and key industry sectors, reinforcing CSA’s mission to make the world safer, better, and more sustainable.

Founded nearly a century ago, CSA Group is a global organization with over 30 offices and laboratories across North America, Europe, and Asia. The organization develops and certifies standards that impact millions of lives — from safety codes and engineering standards to environmental sustainability and product performance.

As the Director of Advisory Services, you will define, lead, and execute the strategic and business plans for professional consulting engagements that align with CSA’s core strengths: standards research, development, education, and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Business Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy and value proposition for CSA’s advisory services targeting governments and major industries.

• Align all initiatives with CSA Group’s overall organizational goals and priorities.

• Register CSA Standards as a supplier on government procurement portals and identify relevant opportunities.

• Build and maintain strong networks with government bodies, policymakers, and industry leaders.

• Lead the annual business plan for professional advisory services, including execution timelines, budgets, and revenue projections.

• Deliver presentations and thought leadership at industry conferences, symposiums, and multi-stakeholder forums to enhance CSA’s influence and reach.

Operational and Client Engagement

• Oversee all advisory projects from planning through delivery, ensuring high-quality outcomes and compliance with organizational objectives.

• Work closely with internal CSA teams to position and deliver customized consulting solutions for clients.

• Support Standards teams in preparing client proposals, ensuring that professional advisory offerings are clearly articulated and aligned with client needs.

• Conduct research and policy analysis to support the development of strategies that address emerging challenges in standardization and regulatory frameworks.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Recruit, lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing advisory team.

• Foster collaboration across internal departments, ensuring shared understanding of client needs and government priorities.

• Provide guidance and leadership beyond direct reporting lines, promoting consensus, accountability, and excellence across functions.

• Encourage a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Government Policy, Public Affairs, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 10–15 years of progressive experience in professional services, business development, consulting, or strategy execution.

  • Minimum 5 years in a leadership role, managing cross-functional teams.

  • Proven success in promoting and delivering consulting services within government or non-profit environments.

• Skills:

  • Strong understanding of government public policy objectives at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.

  • Proficient in strategic planning, budgeting, and relationship management.

  • Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills with senior officials and executives.

  • Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.

  • Ability to lead with influence, manage multiple complex projects, and foster collaboration across diverse teams.

  • Strong facilitation and negotiation skills with a diplomatic and proactive approach.

• Languages:

  • Fluency in English and French (both written and spoken) is mandatory due to the bilingual nature of the organization and its operations in Montreal and Ottawa.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic and visionary thinker with strong business acumen.

• Results-oriented leader with a track record of building and growing professional service portfolios.

• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills with a collaborative mindset.

• Demonstrated commitment to CSA Group’s values of safety, integrity, and sustainability.

• Ability to work independently while inspiring excellence within cross-functional teams.

About Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group):

CSA Group is a global leader in standards development, testing, inspection, and certification, serving industries that shape the modern world — from infrastructure and energy to healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer products. Headquartered in Canada, CSA Group plays a vital role in public safety, environmental sustainability, and innovation through the creation and implementation of over 3,500 standards and codes.

CSA Group is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization fosters a respectful and supportive workplace where opportunities are based on merit and skill.