Senior Director of Development

Innovative Food Brands Ltd. (IFB) is an independently owned company that currently oversees management and franchising of Chopped Leaf and Ecobean. Our purpose is to create and provide an enjoyable food experience, incorporating our WOW philosophy and Core Values.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President, as the Senior Director of Development, you will be a growth driver - building relationships in existing and untapped markets, pursuing new franchising opportunities, shaping high-impact solutions, and delivering measurable results. The role will oversee our development team with a focus on franchising, leasing, construction, and documentation. This includes growing the brand through the building of brand equity, developing industry-leading programs, nurturing brand loyalty, growing market share, and ultimately driving brand performance.

We're seeking someone who combines strategic thinking with a relentless drive to execute. Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is customer-focused and motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

How you’ll make a difference:

• Work in tandem with the Director of Development on the full business development lifecycle from prospecting and outreach through discovery, proposal development, negotiation, and close.
• Develop and execute a business development strategy that delivers sustainable and profitable growth.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities across Canada, the United States, and international markets.
• Lead national leasing strategy and broker network development
• Oversee lease negotiations, deal structuring, market analysis and site evaluations
• Support franchisees through leasing negotiation process
• Maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, and commercial brokers. \
• Oversee the execution of end-to-end restaurant construction, including budget control and financial oversight
• Manage contractor, architect, and vendor relationships
• Oversee and ensure cross functional and franchisee alignment throughout the build process
• Oversee franchisee development activities to ensure compliance with franchise legal requirements and the franchise disclosure document
• Support franchisees in understanding legal obligations tied to franchising
• Collaborate with outside legal counsel as applicable

Collaboration across the business:

• Manage, coach, and develop the Business Development team to drive pipeline growth and business development performance.
• Establish and continuously improve business development processes, sales methodologies, and outbound strategies.
• Partner with Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Leadership teams to align commercial priorities with operational capabilities and business realities
• Lead, inspire, and develop team of direct reports, following IFB’s core values

The successful application will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, or related field (MBA preferred).
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in business development, sales, partnerships, or commercial leadership roles
• Track record of closing complex, consultative deals with senior stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to identify new market opportunities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience operating in high-growth environments.
• Experience within a fast-casual/QSR environment
• Experienced in collaborating with commercial lease brokers and real estate agents to source, evaluate, and secure high-quality restaurant locations
• Demonstrated people management and coaching experience, with the ability to provide challenging and stretching tasks to promote development
• Customer focused attitude
• Demonstrated ability to establish cross-functional, collaborative relationships
• Assertive, well organized, highly motivated self-starter; able to work independently and meet deadlines
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

This role is based out of our head office in Oakville, ON. Hybrid: 4 days in office, 1 day WFH.

Perks & Benefits

We offer a competitive total rewards package, including multiple target discretionary bonus opportunities tied to performance KPIs, a company-supported RRSP/DPSP program, comprehensive health and dental benefits, paid vacation and personal days, and additional employee perks.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please send your resume to [email protected]. Our practice is to administer our employment procedures without discrimination; as such we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.Throughout our recruitment process, we do not use AI tools to support our process.