Job Title

Reporting to the Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Relations, the Employer Engagement Specialist is responsible for driving measurable growth in employer participation in our programs and apprenticeship services. This employer-facing role combines outbound sales with strategic relationship development to expand SOYs employer network across targeted sectors and geographic regions, positioning our skilled trades programs as practical workforce solutions. We are seeking a confident and results-oriented relationship builder who is comfortable initiating conversations with business owners and industry leaders and motivated by converting employer interest into active participation. The Specialist balances new employer acquisition with ongoing relationship development, ensuring strong, sustained employer engagement over time and keeping SOY top of mind as a skilled trades workforce resource. Success in this role is defined by employer growth, effective conversion, and continued participation. RESPONSIBILITIES Outbound Sales & Employer Recruitment Proactively recruit new employer partners through a variety of platforms. Book and conduct employer meetings (virtual and in-person). Present program benefits confidently and persuasively. Identify employer workforce needs and position our apprenticeship services as solutions. Move prospects through the sales cycle and confidently close partnership agreements. Track and manage a sales pipeline with clear performance targets. Brand Ambassador & Industry Presence. Represent the organization at industry events, trade shows, job fairs, networking events, and community engagements. Initiate conversations and build visibility in Construction, Industrial, Services, and Motive Power sectors. Deliver compelling presentations to employers and stakeholders. Actively expand referral networks with associations, business groups, and community partners. Maintain a strong professional presence both in-person and online. Relationship Management & Growth Maintain consistent, value-driven communication with employer partners ensuring SOY remains a trusted workforce resource regardless of hiring cycles. Monitor employer capacity, needs and engagement levels to identify opportunities for increased program participation. Support employer progression within the engagement lifecycle, encouraging deeper collaboration when operational capacity allows. Collaborate with internal teams to align employer hiring needs with participant readiness and program supports. Document engagement history, hiring outcomes and testimonials, and partnership success stories to support program growth. Strategic Growth & Accountability Actively explore sectors and regions showing strong employer traction and provide insight and recommendations to support strategic growth. Maintain accurate employer outreach and pipeline records, including CRM management and initial partnership setup prior to handoff. Track and document employer outcomes, placement results, and success stories to support KPIs and organizational reporting. Meet or exceed employer engagement and recruitment targets. Education & Experience Post-secondary education in Business, Marketing, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience. 35 years of experience in Business development, B2B sales, Employer recruitment, management and Workforce development outreach. Demonstrated success in outbound sales and closing. Experience in skilled trades or apprenticeship pathways is an asset but not required. Experience in not-for-profit environments is an asset. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Confident and professional communicator, comfortable initiating outreach to business owners and industry leaders. Demonstrated experience in outbound sales, employer engagement, or business development. Results-oriented and accountable for meeting defined employer growth targets. Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to establish credibility across diverse industry sectors. Strong organizational skills with the ability to track employer outreach and engagement effectively. Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams. Professional, adaptable, and solutions-focused in a dynamic environment. Knowledge of skilled trades and Ontario Apprenticeship programs is an asset. Intermediate level skills with technology (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint), adapts well to new technologies (i.e., databases, learning management systems, etc.). REQUIREMENTS Must be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant Ontario legislation and regulations. Ability to accommodate occasional evening commitments related to employer or apprentice engagement. Valid G Drivers licence, reliable vehicle and valid insurance. Ability to travel within Ontario, including occasional overnight stays. Ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies up to 20 lbs independently. WORKING CONDITIONS Full-time, Monday to Friday schedule with flexibility in daily start and end times. Hybrid work model with expected travel to the Etobicoke head office, and travel across Ontario for events, meetings if required. Occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight stays may be required. How to apply: Attach a detailed cover letter and resume to be considered for this role. Assessment must be completed to be considered for this role. Please copy and paste this link: We will ONLY be in touch with candidates who qualify for the positionand complete the assessment. We wish all applicantsthe best of luck. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible workplace. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all stages of the hiring process. #J-18808-Ljbffr