Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Higher Talent is currently seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the leadership team at Qalipu Holdings LP and the Qalipu First Nation, located in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

 

OUR STORY: 

Qalipu is part of the Mi’kmaq Nation whose territory extends from Maine to Quebec, through the Maritime Provinces and into Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). This territory is also known as Mi’kma’ki. This Indian Act Band is unique in its size (one of the largest Bands in Canada) and representation; Most Mi’kmaq ancestors who were denied rights when Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949 would not live long enough to see the government finally recognize their existence more than sixty years later. Instead, today, some twenty-five thousand of their descendants proudly claim Indian status in their place. 

 

Qalipu is made up of 67 traditional Mi’kmaq communities, spread out over 9 Electoral Wards. An elected Chief and Council govern the Qalipu First Nation.  Ward Councilors are elected to represent each of the nine Wards.  Additionally, two Vice-Chiefs represent western and central Newfoundland, and the Chief is the official spokesperson and leader of the Qalipu First Nation as a whole. 

 

Qalipu has five satellite offices located in Gander, Glenwood, Grand Falls-Windsor, St. George’s, and Stephenville and its central administrative office is in Corner Brook. These offices give representation to the regions of our dispersed Mi’kmaq communities. 

 

For more information, please visit www.qalipu.ca  

 

THE ROLE: 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead and oversee the diverse portfolio of businesses under Qalipu Holdings LP, which operates in industries such as natural resources, construction, real estate, hospitality, and other strategic ventures.  

 

The COO is responsible for driving the overall vision, strategy, and growth of the companies while ensuring alignment with the cultural values, economic goals, and long-term sustainability of the Indigenous community. The COO will work closely with the Board of Directors, shareholders, community leaders, and government partners to deliver financial performance, economic development, and positive social impact.  

 

THE KEY FUNCTIONS: 

• Developing and executing long-term business strategies that are aligned with the community’s economic goals and cultural values 

• Providing strategic leadership to senior management across multiple business units, ensuring operational excellence and financial sustainability 

• Fostering positive relationships with Indigenous community leaders, government agencies, investors, and other stakeholders 

• Ensuring effective governance and compliance with legal, regulatory, and corporate standards 

• Leading initiatives to create economic opportunities and promote employment for Indigenous peoples 

• Overseeing financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and risk management, ensuring profitability and growth across all business units 

• Championing sustainable business practices that respect the environment and align with Indigenous cultural principles 

• Representing the organization at industry conferences, government forums, and community events 

• Driving business innovation and expansion, seeking new opportunities for growth and diversification 

• Identifying and responding to economic opportunities and challenges 

• Working closely with relevant Indigenous services organizations, public officials, business leaders, and community groups to promote economic growth within Qalipu Territory 

• Attracting new businesses to the area through marketing and promotion efforts 

• Developing, sourcing financing, and overseeing programs that aids local indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs 

• Securing funding for economic development projects through grants and other resources 

• Advocating for policies and legislation that support economic growth within Qalipu Territory 

• Building and maintaining relationships with external economic development partners, such as investors, developers, and government agencies 

 

Leadership: 

• Responsible for providing strategic leadership to the organization, oversee group of companies and all related commercial operation issues 

• Responsible for budgeting, staffing, financial oversight, BOD operations and support  

• Overseeing Board of Directors (BOD) operations, reporting through Chair 

• Developing a long-term vision for QHLP which represents the aspirations of QFN council as shareholders and 26,552 members across designated communities 

• Developing and operationalizing long-term strategies for each business line 

• Effectively functioning as “quarterback” for both BOD and staff in both long term initiatives day-to-day activities 

• Implementing complex processes 

• Preparation of quarterly reports and annual reports to shareholder and BOD 

• Presiding over annual shareholder meeting  

• Overseeing preparation of annual budget 

• Monthly monitoring 

• Revenue projections & cash flow  

• Annual audit 

• Negotiating MOU arrangements, formal business partnerships and Joint Venture entities 

• IBA and equity arrangement negotiations 

• Identifying, retaining and overseeing national level consulting & legal firms 

• Authority to enter in contracts, agreement and legally bind QHLP group of companies  

• MOUs, contracts, IBAs, commercial ventures 

• Senior liaison with government at both federal and provincial levels at ministerial level (DFO minister, various provincial ministers related to strategic commercial activities of QHLP) 

• Representing QHLP and to some extent, QFN as speaker at major conferences and events 

 

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: 

• Academic background in an area of economics, commerce, business administration or public administration required 

• Strong understanding of Indigenous culture, values, and governance 

• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and business and economic development  

• Experience in industries such as natural resources, construction, or real estate is an asset 

• Ability to inspire and lead diverse teams in a collaborative environment 

• Excellent ability to professionally represent the Qalipu First Nation and the Indigenous communities  

• Must have exceptional leadership, decision making, analytical, planning, organizational, prioritization, and execution skills, as well as oral and written communications skills 

 

THE EMPLOYMENT PACKAGE: 

The Qalipu First Nation offers a competitive compensation package tailored to experience, along with benefits designed to support your professional and personal growth. 

 

HOW TO APPLY:  Apply in strictest confidence to: www.highertalent.ca  

 

For more information, please contact: 

 

Megan Jackson | Senior Recruiter | megan@highertalent.ca  

OR 

Brendan Hagerty | General Manager & Partner | brendan@highertalent.ca 

Higher Talent | www.highertalent.ca 

 

 

At Higher Talent we recognize the value of diversity and are committed to making intentional steps toward building inclusive teams that better reflect the communities JUMP and the organizations we serve operate within. We believe that inclusion is not just about making room at the table but about seeking out talent through a diversity lens and letting everyone know that their unique perspectives are important contributions to building stronger workplaces in a changing world. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for our posted positions. We welcome candidates to self-identify or make our recruitment team aware of any potential accommodations they may need during the recruitment process. This opportunity is only available for candidates legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates being considered for an interview will be contacted.