FBIC Business Development Manager

University of British Columbia - Staff; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Business Development Manager for the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre. This role will involve fostering partnerships and driving organizational growth through strategic business development in the food and beverage industry. The successful candidate will have a solid educational background and at least five years of relevant experience in business specialization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of related experience in business specialization.
• Strong understanding of food and beverage trends.

Responsibilities

• Develops strategies for business development in the food and beverage sector.
• Identifies and pursues new business opportunities and partnerships.
• Collaborates with faculty and industry experts to enhance research capabilities.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Market Analysis

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Master's degree in Business, Marketing, or MBA

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category M&P - AAPS Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Business Development, Level B Job Title FBIC Business Development Manager Department Food and Beverage Innovation Centre | Faculty of Land and Food Systems Compensation Range $6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date June 28, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Jun 30, 2026

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The BC Food and Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC) at the Faculty of Land & Food Systems the University of British Columbia offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and development in the food and beverage industry.

The under-construction FBIC shall extend the Faculty’s current 3000 sqft Food Processing pilot plant facilities into a new 8250 square-foot facility, equipped with small industrial scale R&D equipment, pre-processing equipment, packaging equipment, freezer/cooler spaces, and 3 product development innovation bays. The current food processing pilot plant contains a series of lab-scale or pilot scale (0-10 kg/hr) processing, food thermophysical analysis equipment and other core facilities in the Food Nutrition and Health building.

The Business Development Manager will strategically foster meaningful partnerships, drive organizational growth, and extend the Centre’s transformative impact. The Manager will be responsible for actively developing business opportunities for the FBIC, while also liaising and collaborating with the BC Food Hub Network.

Organizational Status
Reports to the FBIC Director and works closely with the FBIC team, the LFS Development & Alumni Engagement team and other outside professionals/consultants. Liaises with University Industry Liaison Office (UILO); works closely with researchers and industry partners by facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Work Performed

• Develops strategies for expanding the opportunities offered through the business and identifies opportunities and products that will improve business effectiveness, facilitating research for companies that may form potential business partners or providers, identifying potential target markets, coordinating plans with other departments to offer similar opportunities, managing multiple core functions and systems in a complex business operation like accounting, administrative, information technology, security and purchasing systems for the operation.
• Develops strategies to improve business effectiveness, manage projects and complex purchase/service agreements & research contracts, and develops policies and management controls for smooth administration of the Centre.
• Identifies and pursues new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and collaborations within the food and beverage industry to enhance the Centre’s research capabilities and funding streams.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with the Centre’s objectives, focusing on revenue generation, industry engagement, and technology transfer.
• Collaborates with faculty members, researchers, and industry experts to identify market trends, potential commercial applications, and areas for innovation.
• Leads the negotiation and establishment of research and service contracts, licensing agreements, and collaborative projects with industry partners and the UILO.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders in the food and beverage sector, including industry leaders, government agencies, and funding organizations.
• Provides market insights and analysis to guide the Centre’s research direction, ensuring alignment with industry needs and emerging trends.
• Represents the Centre at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance its visibility and reputation.
• Works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution, effective communication, and timely delivery of outcomes.
• Monitors and evaluates the performance of business development initiatives, preparing regular reports for senior management and stakeholders.
• Leads the planning of the FBIC’s various events including an annual Food Industry Summit at UBC, fund-raising activities and other events such as project calls, tours etc.
• Assists the FBIC Director in preparing and presenting reports to the various funding agencies, UBC bodies, industrial stakeholders and Steering/Advisory committees for the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre.
• Stays updated on regulatory and compliance requirements related to research partnerships and technology transfer in the food and beverage industry.
• Performs other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Works independently, the role holds significant weight in making well-informed decisions and grasping their wide-ranging impacts. Exercising good judgement in tackling intricate situations, considering the various options, and deciding on the best one that aligns with the Centre’s objectives. The Business Development Manager must strike a balance between short-term necessities and long-term aspirations in sustaining the growth of the Centre. The ability to uphold ethical standards, adapt to changes, and optimize resource allocation will be essential. Poor judgement and decision making will reverberate throughout operational efficiency, team dynamics, financial outcomes, and the Centre/Program/Faculty/University’s overall image. Recommendations and decisions affect the initiation, formulation and implementation of new programs within the business operation. By consistently demonstrating prudent judgment and anticipating decision outcomes, this position will propel the FBIC, FNH, UBC's advancement.

Supervision Received
Reports to the FBIC Director and works closely with the LFS DAE and Communications/Marketing team and other outside professionals/consultants. Works independently exercising his/her initiative but under established guidelines and policies, receiving directives on matters deviating from normal policy.

Supervision Given
Oversees FBIC internal/external users and independent contractors as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of five years of related experience in an appropriate business specialization, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business, Marketing, MBA, or equivalent qualification is preferred.
• Proven track record in business development, strategic partnerships, or sales within the food and beverage industry.
• Strong understanding of food and beverage trends, consumer preferences, and market dynamics.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including industry representatives, researchers, and government officials.
• Experience in contract negotiation, intellectual property, and technology transfer is an asset.
• Results-oriented mindset with the ability to drive initiatives from concept to execution.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Knowledge of research funding mechanisms and grant application processes is advantageous.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and coordinate the work of others.
• Computer experience required at an intermediate level (e.g. MS Office).
• Ability to work flexible hours (possible weekend work, and/or hours to suit a client’s facility).
• Valid BC Driver’s License.