Manager, Public Affairs, Canada

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Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with nearly $45 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 32,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories.

RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities.

RBI is committed to growing the TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES® and FIREHOUSE SUBS® brands by leveraging their respective core values, employee and franchisee relationships, and long track records of community support. Each brand benefits from the global scale and shared best practices that come from ownership by Restaurant Brands International Inc.

Position Overview 

RBI is looking for a Manager, Public Affairs who can translate business priorities into effective government engagement, connect the dots across policy files, and help shape and execute a government and stakeholder engagement strategy in Canada. This is a hands-on role at the intersection of public policy, restaurant operations, and advocacy — requiring someone who is equally comfortable navigating a complex regulatory file and building relationships with key stakeholders. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Public Affairs, the Manager will support policy files across all levels of government, build and maintain relationships between restaurant owners and elected officials, and tell the broader story to government and public audiences. 

The ideal candidate is a public policy professional who thinks critically, has worked in government, and brings strong analytical and research skills, an in-depth understanding of government processes, and a natural ability to build relationships. They will have a proven track record of developing new strategies to government engagement, excellent writing and presentation skills,sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex files in a fast-paced environment. 

What Makes This Role Unique 

This role offers rare, direct access to the most senior members of the leadership team, along with the opportunity to work across virtually every area of the business and alongside restaurant owners and prominent industry leaders on issues that have real implications for owners, the communities they serve, and the business. 

You will work at the centre of a high-profile, globallyrecognized consumer brand portfolio — including Tim Hortons, one of Canada’s most iconic and beloved coffee brands— helping shape how we engage and tell our story to government and public audiences at a time of significant momentum across the country. 

Key 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. 

Education and Qualifications 

• 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. 

Location and Travel 

• Full-time GR / Public Policy professional, based in Toronto or Ottawa.

• Toronto-based hire will work from the Tim Hortons office in Toronto.Ottawa-based hire will work remotely and travel to the Toronto office as required. 

• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis to the head office in Toronto, to government meetings in Ottawa and other provinces. 

This posting is for an existing vacancy. For candidates based in Ontario, the expected salary range is 105,000 -125,000 CAD. Base salary for this position may vary based on relevant factors such as experience, education, location, and skills. This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual discretionary bonus plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the incentive program, based on individual and company performance metrics. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity grants pursuant to the Company’s long-term incentive plan.

RBI follows a 5 day, in-office work schedule to support collaboration. Successful candidates will be expected to work onsite 5 days per week.

Benefits at all of our global offices are focused on physical, mental and financial wellness. We offer unique and progressive benefits, including a comprehensive global paid parental leave program that supports employees as they expand their families, free telemedicine and mental wellness support.

Restaurant Brands International and all of its affiliated companies (collectively, RBI) are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, provincial or federal laws, rules, or regulations. RBI's policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request.