The motorcycle and off-road vehicle industry is served by two successful national associations who are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader as President. The President is responsible for realizing strategic plans, providing policy counsel, managing operations successfully and meeting budgets.

The Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council of Canada (MMIC) and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV) represent, in MMIC’s case, major manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, and related products, and in COHV the manufacturers and distributors of off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and recreational off-highway vehicles and related products and services. MMIC and COHV deliver value to members by focusing on industry advocacy, ridership growth, and modernizing safety initiatives. There is a significant marketing and communications function to engage with stakeholders and promote ridership.

Of note, the members of the two associations also own and operate Power Sport Services ™ (PSS), a for-profit business subsidiary hosting trade shows and providing trade show services to a number of organizations within, and in addition to, the motorcycle and off-road vehicle industry.

The President is responsible for the effective management of all three organizations and accountable to the boards of directors of the organizations. The organizations are served by a team of dedicated professionals working from a national office in the GTA (Markham). Additional information may be found at mmic.ca and cohv.ca.

Qualified candidates will bring solid business acumen and strong financial skills, knowledge of association leadership, good advocacy and marketing skills, with insight to the Competition Act. Individuals will ideally have experience as a rider and a passion for ridership.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership in the development of the organization’s statement of purpose, vision, and goals, and be responsible for the development of corresponding strategies, and budgets to achieve them.
  • Direct and execute the corporate activities of the organizations either directly or through delegation of authority.
  • Ensure the development and implementation of priority plans, performance measurements, management controls and critical paths.
  • Monitor the ongoing implementation of approved priorities and budgets as part of the annual planning and budgeting cycle and present recommendations to the boards of directors.
  • Develop and maintain an effective staff team which provides appropriate policy and program recommendations for consideration by the boards and their committees, and which delivers services, programs and information beneficial to the members.
  • Lead and motivate staff in all respects (e.g., performance management) in accordance with policy and/or approved budgets.
  • Identify, document and articulate the needs of member companies and the industry as a whole for board consideration.
  • Propose agenda items for the boards of directors reflecting issues, opportunities and priorities.
  • Maintain the necessary contacts to keep abreast of emerging issues of significance to the industries and the organizations.
  • Act as the spokesperson for the organizations and serve as ambassador to represent the industry to relevant organizations in Canada and internationally.

Qualifications

  • Successful experience in a similar executive portfolio, ideally with a blend of senior level association management or business and administration management.
  • Significant experience working with volunteer boards of directors or similar governance bodies is required.
  • Solid business/financial acumen and proven ability to anticipate, influence and manage change through creativity, innovation, vision and leadership.
  • Excellent communication abilities, public relations and presentation skills and a thorough understanding of contemporary association processes and best practices.
  • A creative and innovative professional, the President will bring a strong understanding of risk management and tolerance in rapidly evolving environments.
  • Significant experience in decision-making philosophies and processes in uncertain or rapidly changing business environments.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of government structures, processes, policy-making and regulatory development.
  • Experience in managing/coordinating complex projects in which there are a broad range of stakeholders with varying interests.
  • Post-secondary degree plus demonstrated commitment to broad, continuing professional and personal development.
  • Ten or more years in related senior management positions with a strong track record of success.
  • Fluency in both French and English is highly desirable.
  • Flexibility and availability in terms of work hours and travel are required to meet organizational objectives.

Compensation reflects competitive market comparators for member-based organizations of similar size and scope (e.g., CEO compensation in GTA-based associations). 

To apply, in confidence, please direct applications to:

The Portage Group
Attention: Jack Shand, FCMC, Executive Partner
Email: [email protected]

This opportunity arises due to the retirement of the incumbent. The goal is to have the successful candidate in place by October to work with the incumbent for several months.

Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until a hiring decision is made. Only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.