Managing Director, Xaxli'p - Salish GP/General Practice

Entity: Xaxli'p-Salish General Partnership (Posted via Salish Elements)

Project: 25MW Green Hydrogen Production Facility

Location: British Columbia (with regular engagement at the Xaxli'p Nation reserve and project site in Lillooet, and at the Salish Elements offices in North Vancouver)

Type: Full-Time | Executive Level

Implement and administer a B.C. based, Indigenous-owned green hydrogen facility that not only produces hydrogen, but also serves environmental and food security needs. A truly special opportunity to push community development standards forward in the energy space.

About the Partnership

The Xaxli'p-Salish General Partnership (the "Partnership") is a strategic collaboration to develop, construct, and operate a 25MW green hydrogen production facility. This innovative project combines Indigenous-led economic development with clean energy advancement and sustainable infrastructure. Currently, engineering, funding, procurement and development work is executed by teams within Salish Elements, and the Xaxli'p Nation manages and provides resources for the project including land, water and power. The partnership is combining these forces to deliver a green energy project on the Xaxli'p Nation reserve land.

Position Summary

The Managing Director is the senior executive responsible for delivering the green hydrogen project from inception through operations. A key component of this role is overseeing the governance structure, securing land designation and leasing through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), and ensuring reliable delivery of critical infrastructure -particularly water and power. The Managing Director will also lead the coordination of project partners and stakeholders, ensuring alignment, agreement, and timely implementation of the overall project plan. This includes community engagement oversight and management of people in that role. This role provides strategic oversight of all major procurement and contract execution related to plant construction and operation, as well as services related to the development such as legal consultants. This role is primarily for the management of the partnership entity and to support Salish Elements Ltd. and Xaxli'p with their respective contributions to the partnership.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Organizational Development

• Establish and implement the governance structure of the Partnership, including board formation and operations.

• Organize board meetings, maintain corporate records, and ensure transparency in decision-making and reporting.

• Set up internal business functions, including HR, financial systems, and administrative infrastructure. This includes hiring and engaging with necessary personnel resources as consultants or internally.

• Maintain a balanced approach that protects and promotes the interests of both Salish Elements and Xaxli'p.

Land Designation & Leasing (High Priority)

• Lead the land designation process for the use of reserve land, including coordination of the ISC voting process.

• Secure long-term land leases through ISC, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and community expectations.

• Work collaboratively with Xaxli'p leadership, ISC representatives, and legal counsel to advance land-related approvals.

Water Resources & Infrastructure Development (High Priority)

• Identify and secure water sources and associated infrastructure critical to hydrogen production.

• Engage with local, provincial and federal agencies to obtain necessary approvals, rights, and agreements for water use.

• Ensure water delivery systems are aligned with facility needs and broader infrastructure plans.

Stakeholder Engagement, Alignment & Communications

• Act as the primary liaison between Salish Elements and Xaxli'p, ensuring neutral, inclusive communication.

• Coordinate with community liaison and advisory committees to ensure meaningful community engagement.

• Drive stakeholder buy-in at all stages of the project by aligning objectives and securing approvals on key milestones.

Project Oversight & Implementation

• Oversee the overall project timeline and ensure alignment with approved budgets and schedules.

• Provide executive oversight of plant construction and procurement without managing technical construction directly.

• Manage contract negotiation and management for major vendors, EPC firms, and service providers, in coordination with Salish Elements and Xaxli'p.

• Monitor performance, milestones, and compliance across all phases of development and delivery.

Financial & Strategic Oversight

• Establish and oversee financial systems, including budgeting, cash flow management, and fiscal reporting.

• Coordinate with funding partners, lenders, and internal stakeholders to ensure financial sustainability and transparency.

• Support long-term strategic planning to ensure the project delivers lasting value for both partners.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• 10+ years of experience in senior executive or strategic project leadership roles.

• Proven experience working with First Nations on land designation, leasing, and community-driven development.

• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-stakeholder negotiations, communications and maintain cross-partner alignment.

• Experience managing or overseeing large-scale infrastructure or energy projects with a value of $20M or more.

• Strong background in procurement and contract management, particularly in major development projects.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with hydrogen, clean energy, or utility-scale infrastructure.

• Postgraduate degree in business, law, public policy, or related field.

• Experience with ISC, BC Hydro and provincial or federal infrastructure engagement processes.

• Governance and board structure experience is an asset

Core Competencies

• Executive governance and organizational leadership

• Natural Resource management

• Stakeholder engagement and community collaboration

• Strategic project management and timeline delivery

• High-level procurement and contract negotiation

• Cross-cultural communication and partnership facilitation

Reporting Structure

The Managing Director reports to the Board of the Partnership and collaborates closely with:

- Officers of Salish Elements

- General Manager of Xaxli'p Development Corporation

- Community Liaison and Advisory Committee