Manager, Public Affairs, Canada

Restaurant Brands International•Toronto, ON

8d•CA$105,000 - CA$125,000•Onsite

About The Position

Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI) is seeking a Manager, Public Affairs for its Canadian operations. This role involves translating business priorities into effective government engagement, managing policy files, and executing a government and stakeholder engagement strategy in Canada. The position is at the intersection of public policy, restaurant operations, and advocacy, requiring the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and build stakeholder relationships. The Manager will report to the Senior Manager, Public Affairs, supporting policy initiatives across all government levels, fostering relationships between restaurant owners and elected officials, and communicating RBI's story to government and public audiences. The ideal candidate is a critical-thinking public policy professional with government experience, strong analytical and research skills, a deep understanding of government processes, and excellent relationship-building abilities. They should have a proven track record in developing government engagement strategies, strong writing and presentation skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the capacity to manage complex issues in a fast-paced setting. This unique role offers direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to work across various business areas and with industry leaders on impactful issues. The position is central to engaging with government and public audiences for RBI's portfolio of brands, including Tim Hortons, during a period of significant national momentum.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field/experience.
5+ years of government or relevant experience; private sector experience is an asset.
Strong understanding of Canadian political institutions, decision-making processes, and policy development.
Experience in the restaurant, retail, and/or hospitality industry is an asset.
Demonstrated experience driving policy change and working with industry organizations.
Proven ability to craft and communicate compelling messages to government audiences.
Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize large volumes of information into clear and concise messaging.
Attention to detail, creative thinking, and proven problem-solving skills.
Team player with proactive and strong interpersonal skills to work in a collaborative environment.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines and objectives.

Nice To Haves

Private sector experience is an asset.
Experience in the restaurant, retail, and/or hospitality industry is an asset.

Responsibilities

Assess emerging federal, provincial, and municipal legislative and regulatory activity and evaluate its potential impact on RBI, its brands, restaurant owners, and the quick-service restaurant industry.
Connect business strategy to public policy goals.
Develop and implement government relations (GR) and stakeholder engagement strategies to respond to emerging issues or advance priorities on behalf of restaurant owners.
Advocate on critical issues, both independently and through coalitions, associations, and industry partners.
Coordinate and lead policy working groups with restaurant owners.
Build strong cross-functional relationships, keep a pulse on business priorities, and ensure GR remains a valued and trusted partner to the business.
Advise senior leaders on the most effective way to deliver messages to government, industry, and franchisee audiences.
Support the development of briefings, presentations, submissions, correspondence, and other materials for internal and external audiences.
Help create meaningful opportunities for restaurant owners and elected officials to build relationships and better understand one another’s priorities.