Job Opportunity: Managing Director, Canada-ASEAN Business Council

Job Description: Managing Director, Canada-ASEAN Business Council

The Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) is looking for a full-time Managing Director as its Chief Executive, responsible for driving the organization’s mission of advancing trade and investment ties between Canada and Southeast Asia. This will be the most senior position that the CABC has ever hired, and the role is intended to strengthen our organization resilience and deepen our relationships with senior stakeholders.

The Managing Director oversees strategy, policy advocacy, partnerships, business development, and operations, ensuring that CABC continues to be the preeminent voice of Canada-ASEAN business.

• Reports to: Board of Directors and Executive Committee

• Location: Singapore Primary.  Other ASEAN-6 economies will be considered for outstanding candidates

  • Frequent regional travel across ASEAN and occasional international travel to Canada required

• Compensation: up to SGD $180K/ annually + annual bonus + healthcare benefits

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Governance

   • Lead strategic direction of CABC in alignment with the vision of the Board.

   • Act as the primary representative for the Council across Canada, ASEAN, and international platforms.

   • Lead government and senior corporate engagement across Canada and ASEAN.

   • Manage and mentor a multicultural team across ASEAN and Canada and various functional roles, foster a high-performance, collaborative culture (current headcount of 6-8 across ASEAN and Canada)

   • Manage ongoing engagement with our volunteer Board and Operating Committee

   • Oversee governance processes, reporting, and engagement with the Board, Executive Committee, and Advisory network

   • Establish and manage to annual operating budgets

     
     

2. Policy Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement

   • Build trusted relationships with governments, private sector leaders, and multilateral institutions in ASEAN and Canada.

   • Shape and drive CABC’s advocacy agenda, particularly around trade agreements (i.e. Canada-ASEAN FTA) and emerging policy frameworks.

   • Represent members’ interests at high-level dialogues and consultations.

   • Maintain media relations and serve as the spokesperson for the CABC

     
     

3. Business Development & Partnerships

   • Lead member engagement, retention, and growth, ensuring CABC delivers value to corporate members across industries.  Manage BD teams to annual membership growth targets.

   • Develop and execute partnership strategies with government agencies, chambers of commerce, and international organizations.

   • Expand revenue streams through memberships, sponsorships, and strategic initiatives.

     
     

4. Organizational Management

   • Oversee operations and finances, including 3^rd party vendor relationships and annual audits

   • Build or improve processes and systems to boost productivity and efficiency

   • Ensure effective delivery of CABC’s flagship programmes and initiatives (e.g., Canada-ASEAN Business Forum, policy submissions, research reports, trade missions).

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in international business, trade associations, diplomacy, or related fields.

• Proven ability to engage with senior government and corporate stakeholders. Excellent stakeholder management, diplomacy, and advocacy skills.

• Strong understanding or interest of Canada-ASEAN economic relations and regional political/economic landscape.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience in business development, fundraising, event execution, and organizational growth.

• Excellent communication and representation skills.

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter to support@canasean.com by October 31^st, 2025.