Vice President, Project Development

Location: Flexible within Canada. Candidates based in Northern communities are encouraged to apply. Travel to projects sites in Northern communities is required.
Type: Full-Time, Executive leadership

Arctic Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

AEDC is Canada’s dedicated Arctic infrastructure and logistics services provider. A federally incorporated entity registered in all three Northern territories; it solves problems for visionary clients committed to getting big things done in the Arctic.AECD generates significant economic value for its clients, Indigenous partners, contracting companies, and investors through broad capabilities, world-class quality standards, Indigenous participation, low-cost solutions, and rapid delivery.

Through collaborative delivery models, AEDC will accelerate projects such as transportation corridors, marine services including icebreakers, satellite communication, warehouses, clean energy, strategic construction projects, while also developing project finance capabilities. AEDC’s model provides a strategic vision for Arctic development— that is then executed through in-house capabilities & expertise, along with a diversified contractor pool drawn from across Canada and allied nations.

AEDC was founded to address the persistent gap between vision and execution in the North, where promising ideas often stall before becoming reality. The company works with partners to build comprehensive infrastructure solutions across the Arctic.

Role Summary

AECD is seeking an entrepreneurial, commercial, and technically capable executive leader to join its team.

As Vice-President, Project Development you lead technical scoping assessment of new projects and will oversee regulatory permitting capabilities, procurement coordination and contractor oversight.

You will be a leader in the development, delivery, and commercial success of complex infrastructure projects across Canada’s Arctic and northern regions. You will be responsible for shaping project concepts, navigating regulatory and permitting processes, managing technical teams, and working with partners, contractors, and Indigenous organizations to bring high-impact projects to life.

This role requires hands-on leadership, a deep understanding of infrastructure delivery in remote and culturally distinct environments, and the ability to translate strategic vision into executable project plans.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development Leadership

  • Oversee all phases of project development from concept to construction readiness
  • Lead technical feasibility, scope definition, capital cost estimating, and project phasing
  • Ensure alignment with company strategy and northern community needs

Permitting & Regulatory Navigation

  • Lead permitting and environmental assessment processes in multiple jurisdictions
  • Manage relationships with federal, territorial, Indigenous, and co-management regulators

Contractor & Partner Management

  • Source and manage engineering, construction, and specialty service providers
  • Develop scopes of work, negotiate terms, and ensure project performance

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Work with Indigenous leaders & organisation and Northern stakeholders to co-develop projects
  • Represent the company in meetings with a wide range of partners

Qualifications

  • 10+ years experience in infrastructure project development, preferably in remote or northern regions
  • Commercial acumen and entrepreneurial motivation
  • Proven success delivering capital projects in energy, transportation, communications, or utilities
  • Experience delivering infrastructure through EPC, design-build, or collaborative delivery models, including PPPs, ideally across multiple asset classes
  • Knowledge of permitting regimes (e.g., YESAA, Nunavut Impact Review Board, MVRMA)
  • Experience working with Indigenous governments and understanding of Crown consultation duties
  • Professional engineering (P.Eng.) designation strongly preferred, candidates with deep construction or infrastructure experience in lieu of a P.Eng will also be considered
  • Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills
  • Requirement to travel to northern communities and field sites
  • Understanding of Arctic logistics, climate resilience, or Indigenous ownership models is an asset

AEDC strongly encourages applications from Inuit candidates, other Indigenous peoples, and Northern residents.

Compensation

A competitive executive compensation package will be offered, including performance incentives, reflecting the seniority and impact of the role.

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