Job Title

Area Director Area Director Canada, Americas, and Pacific Area (CAPA) Location: Ottawa, Canada Travel: Domestic and international travel required Introduction to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) honours and cares for the men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars, ensuring they will never be forgotten. Funded by six Member Governments, our work began with building, and now maintaining, cemeteries at 23,000 locations worldwide. The Canada, Americas, and Pacific Area (CAPA) covers 41 countries, including Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Falkland Islands, and 10 countries in the Pacific Region. We care for 72,000 war graves, over 66,000 commemorations, and 89 CWGC-owned cemeteries and memorials. About the Role As Area Director for CAPA, you will lead, direct, and represent the CWGC''s activities and strategy across this vast region. You will ensure the maintenance and conservation of cemeteries, graves, and memorials, upholding the Commission''s mission and standards. You will manage a diverse team, oversee significant budgets, and build relationships with government, military, and community stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Lead and deliver the Commission''s core operational activities in CAPA, ensuring value for money and alignment with strategic objectives. Develop and implement the CAPA Plan and operating model, including manpower and resourcing plans. Oversee the maintenance and repair of all CWGC and Agency sites, including Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) grave markers and UK Ministry of Defence veterans'' graves in the Pacific Region. Manage and report on OPEX and CAPEX budgets (approx. 5M), ensuring financial compliance and effective resource allocation.7 Provide leadership, direction, and motivation to CAPA employees, ensuring performance management and staff development. Represent the CWGC at major ceremonial events, government meetings, and with external stakeholders. Ensure compliance with War Graves Agreements and local legislation, including Health & Safety. Continue to roll out and evolve the Volunteers Programme alongside the core operations. Lead and deliver significant agency contracts and capital projects within the Area. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and uphold the CWGC''s values: Commitment, Ambition, Respect, and Excellence (CARE). Experience Proven experience in senior leadership and management, ideally in public-facing roles. Experience managing employees at all levels, including dispersed and diverse teams. Strong background in asset and project budget management. Sound knowledge of Health & Safety requirements heritage sites and memorial. Experience in contracting, procurement, and operational project delivery (asset, horticultural, or construction disciplines) International experience leading to an ability to work with different cultures, languages and political models. Experience developing strategic relationships with external and governmental contacts. Previous multi-site and country responsibility desired Skills and Abilities Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills. Ability to manage change, drive process improvement, and motivate teams. High ethical standards, integrity, and resilience under pressure. Ability to travel worldwide and adapt to extreme climatic conditions. French language skills or willingness to learn highly desirable; knowledge of Pacific Region languages an asset. Other Requirements Must have the right to legally work in Canada. Must possess and maintain a valid passport and international driver''s licence . If you are passionate about heritage, remembrance, and leading impactful operations across a diverse and international region, we encourage you to apply and help us ensure that the stories of the Commonwealth''s fallen are never forgotten.