Director, Government Relations

Trans Mountain Corporation operates Canada’s only pipeline system transporting oil products to the West Coast. We deliver approximately 890,000 barrels of petroleum products each day through a dual pipeline system of more than 1,150 kilometres of pipeline in Alberta, British Columbia and Washington state.

Trans Mountain also operates a state-of-the-art loading facility, Westridge Marine Terminal, with three berths providing tidewater access to global markets.  

As a federal Crown corporation, Trans Mountain continues to build on more than 70 years of experience delivering operational and safety excellence through our crude oil pipeline system. 

With our expanded pipeline system now in place, Trans Mountain provides enhanced direct access for Canadian crude oil to world markets. The expansion realizes a world-class system for oil transport, developed to Canada’s high standards within one of the most stringent regulatory regimes in the world, creating long-term economic benefits, enhanced marine protection, enhanced safety and emergency management capabilities, and enhanced skilled-worker capacity building in communities and Indigenous groups.

Our Core Values

Trans Mountain’s core values – Safety, Integrity, Respect and Excellence – guide our every step. Each obstacle we’ve overcome or success we’ve experienced has been the result of a shared commitment to living these values every day. Together, we’re focused on doing the right thing for each other and our communities.

Trans Mountain is seeking a strategic and experienced Director, Government Relations to lead our engagement with provincial and federal governments, regulatory bodies, and key stakeholders. Reporting to the Vice President, Government & Indigenous Relations, this role is critical in shaping and executing our government relations strategy to support corporate objectives and maintain our leadership in the energy sector.

This role is ideally based in at our Calgary, AB head office, however candidates open to working from our Burnaby, BC office will also be considered. This is a full-time in office-based position. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy across British Columbia, Alberta, and federal jurisdictions.
• Stay abreast of regulatory policies, government mandates, competitor activities, and industry trends.
• Build and leverage key government relationships to anticipate political developments and inform corporate strategy.
• Cultivate and maintain a robust network of stakeholders, including business associations, think tanks, academics, and influencers to advance Trans Mountain’s policy interests.
• Monitor and analyze federal and provincial policy developments, legislation, budgets, and political dynamics impacting the organization.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to develop policy positions, briefings, and communications for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate swift internal responses to emerging policy issues, operational challenges, or political developments affecting the organization’s reputation or operations.
• Represent Trans Mountain at key events, conferences, and briefings, articulating the organization’s positions and strengthening its public profile.
• Manage the budget for all Government Relations activities, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Law, or a related field. Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, or Business Administration is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in government, public affairs, or related fields.
• Certified Public Affairs Professional (CPAP) and/or Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) designations are considered assets.
• Knowledge of the oil and gas pipeline industry is an asset.
• Proven track record of working with senior executives, politicians, government agencies, and navigating governmental frameworks.
• In-depth understanding of policy development and implementation at provincial and federal levels.
• Familiarity with legislative cycles, regulatory bodies (e.g., Canada Energy Regulator), including their mandates, processes, decision making structures, and stakeholder engagement protocols.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing government relations strategies with complex regulatory environments.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders at senior levels, including elected officials, senior government staff, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Proven ability to influence policy outcomes and navigate political landscapes at both provincial and federal levels.
• Deep knowledge of networks of influence within government, including formal and informal channels that shape policy and decision-making.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex policy issues into actionable insights that align with corporate objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing policy briefs, government submissions, and executive-level presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective government relationships, including proactive sharing of information and insights to support mutual understanding and collaboration.
• Flexibility to respond to emerging issues and shifting political landscapes with agility and professionalism.

Other Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ottawa, as required.

Relocation Eligibility

We invite applicants from outside the position location to apply. Relocation to the position location will be required and domestic relocation assistance may be considered for the successful candidate.

Application

Candidates may submit their application in English or French. To apply in French, please use our French careers site: Careers (French)

We Build Careers and Pipelines That Last

Our story is about determination, resourcefulness and resilience. It’s about charting our own course, finding innovative solutions to challenging problems and doing the right thing. It was true when Trans Mountain became a company in 1951 and it’s just as true today. We welcome new members to our team that embrace the qualities in our story, that thrive on the new path and directions we take.  Our culture is one of care and taking our responsibilities seriously. If you would like to contribute to our culture, then join our journey.

A Rewarding Opportunity

We offer:

• Valuable experience providing opportunity for professional development and career advancement;
• An opportunity to engage with and learn from some of the most talented and experienced people in the business;
• Competitive compensation;
• Comprehensive benefits programs including flexible benefits, pension and savings plans;
• A place to share a sense of purpose and build relationships;
• Meaningful work that makes a difference;
• An opportunity within the Canadian energy industry.

We value:

• The health, safety and wellness of everyone working in our company;
• Meaningful participation from Indigenous and local communities;
• The commitment and resilience of our people;
• Collaboration and achieving success together. 

In keeping with Trans Mountain’s commitment to maximize benefits for communities, priority will be given to qualified candidates from Indigenous, local and regional communities along the Trans Mountain pipeline corridor.

In Alberta, the pipeline system spans the traditional territories of Treaty 6, 7 and 8, and the Métis Nation of Alberta (Zone 4).

In British Columbia, the system crosses the traditional territories of numerous First Nations that are affiliated with the Secwepemc, Dakelh (Carrier), Nlaka'pamux, Syilx/Okanagan, Interior and Coast Salish, Stó:lo, as well as the Métis.

Trans Mountain also operates through 15 First Nation Reserves located within the region spanning the BC interior through Fraser Valley.

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA)

Trans Mountain is committed to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.  The diverse viewpoints and cultural knowledge that our employees bring to work enrich our organization’s collective cultural understanding, which is reflected in the work we do every day.  We strive to create an environment that is free of barriers to promote full participation in the workplace. Trans Mountain welcomes new team members from traditionally underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized groups, persons with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.