The consultant will create value for organizations/businesses through the application of knowledge, techniques and assets to improve performance. This is achieved through the rendering of objective advice and/or the implementation of business solutions.

The consultant will be a self-starter who works well in a team environment with minimal supervision. He/she will generate revenue for the Division and achieve or exceed profit targets. He/she is able to develop and manage customer relationships through initiation to project completion. 

Job Summary:

You will be responsible for areas of market research and analysis which will be used in conjunction with the area of focus which will be centred on business plans and feasibility studies in the First Nations Team. Such plans will be in support of various projects such as economic development, strategy, market development and marketing strategy. Your goal will be to become intimately familiar with our target market segments and make justifiable recommendations regarding which segments are most attractive to our clients and how such should be approached. Your findings and recommendations will be used in projected completed by you or by other team member’s projects.  

Duties & Responsibilities:

•  Work with and complete various business plans and/or feasibility studies

•  Utilize primary and secondary research to establish size and potential of the available market by relevant market segment(s)

•   Identify market leaders in each segment (Competition for example)

•   Illustrate market needs in each segment and determine how existing, or proposed, products/services meet these needs

•   Perform competitive analysis of the marketplace by segment (substitute technologies, direct competitors, potential partners/licensees or acquirers)

•   Prioritize market segments by attractiveness based on results of the above research

•  Suggest strategies for segment penetration (including necessary collateral, sales/marketing methodologies, brand positioning)

•    In working with senior consultants there is a potential to conduct qualitative or quantitative surveys, which may involve field, interview or focus group assessment 

•     Liaising with colleagues to discuss the progress of research projects 

•    Working with seniors consultants to analyze and interpret data to identify patterns and solutions, including surveys and focus group transcripts

•     Using written and oral reports, graphs, charts and diagrams to present findings to clients 

•     Commit to continuous learning to remain current in business trends and developments

•     Continuing to work with current and potential clients to develop further solutions

Qualifications and Competencies

The consultant should possess the following:

• Undergraduate degree required
• MBA preferred 
• Previous experience in research, business planning and consulting 
• Minimum of 2 years experience in client management and/or customer service
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets and email a requirement
• Experience in working in the Aboriginal industry an asset
• Self-starter, ability to work with minimal direction
• Ability to multitask and efficiently contribute to multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal skills to assist in the building of long-term client relationships
• Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend valuable solutions
• Leadership skills and experience
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills and attention to detail
• Entrepreneurial attitude to understand the Centre’s client base
• Ability to generate creative value-added business solutions

Working Conditions

• Majority of time spent working at a desk in an office
• Some overtime and travel may be required
• Can be a stressful environment at peak times

Competition Opens: November 23, 2009

Saint Mary’s University is committed to the principles of Employment Equity. Saint Mary’s University thanks all applicants for applying. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please direct resumes to:

Kelly Campbell LeFort

SMU Business Development Centre

1546 Barrington Street

Halifax, NS B3J 3X7