Founded in 1944, Restaurants Canada is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of industry leaders who provide oversight and strategic direction. The Board approves the Corporate Plan, the Annual Report, and significant new initiatives, ensuring alignment with the broader industry agenda.

 

Headquartered in Toronto, Restaurants Canada is a national association that advocates for the foodservice industry and provides resources, research, events, and discounts for its members. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting the foodservice sector by uniting industry professionals and fueling success through advocacy, connection, and support.

High impact advocacy is the priority focus for the association and there are significant resources in place to support the role. This includes a Chief Economist, Communication and media supports along with investment in significant campaigns and initiatives to support the success of the sectors priorities. 

Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Government Relations, the Director, Federal Affairs will lead its federal advocacy and public policy efforts. This role is central to shaping national policy outcomes that impact Canada’s foodservice industry. The Director will serve as the association’s lead federal representative in Ottawa, responsible for building and maintaining high-impact relationships with Parliamentarians, senior officials, and key stakeholders.

 

As an ideal candidate for the Director, Federal Affairs at Restaurants Canada, you possess excellent communication skills in English (French is an asset), a relevant post-secondary degree, and at least five years of experience in a similar role. You have a deep understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes and excel in diplomacy and relationship-building. You can work independently in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines. You are comfortable working with senior government officials and stakeholders. You are confident in representing the association in high-level meetings and public forums, and experience in media relations or message development is considered an asset.

 

To Apply

 

To fill this position, Restaurants Canada has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online.

 

For more information, please contact Samantha Peloso of Odgers. We would like to thank all applicants but regret that we are only able to personally contact those individuals whose backgrounds best match the requirements for the role.

  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

 

Restaurants Canada is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and Restaurants Canada  throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

 

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.