Strategic Partnerships Manager (Ventures/Innovation)

COMPASS GROUP CANADA; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group Canada seeks a Strategic Partnerships Lead to drive partnership strategy and engagement within the company and the innovation ecosystem. This pivotal role focuses on building relationships, elevating brand presence in key innovation hubs, and crafting compelling narratives for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in partnerships, strategy, innovation or business development roles.
• Experience within the startup or venture capital ecosystem is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Build strategic internal partnerships to drive innovation.
• Organize and present quarterly briefings to Compass executives.
• Design and lead sessions introducing teams to new technologies.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Relationship Building

Effective Communication

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Resourceful & Self-Directed

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Innovation or related discipline

Job description

You might not know our name, but you know where we are. That’s because Compass Group Canada is part of a global foodservice and support services company that’s the 6th largest employer in the world, with 625,000 employees.

You’ll find us in schools, colleges, hospitals, office buildings, senior living communities, tourist attractions, sports venues, remote camps and military installations and more. We’re in all major cities, at remote work sites and everywhere in between – doing business in Canada and 50+ other countries where you can learn and grow. Join us now and point your career forward!

Why work with Compass Digital? We are a member of Compass Group North America the leading foodservice and support services company. We create remarkable customer experiences through the innovative design and development of technology products and services. Compass Digital began as an innovation startup and the team has since rapidly grown and now supports technology and innovation across all of North America. Compass digital is comprised of user experience designers, developers, data scientists, project managers, business analysts, marketers and technology implementation managers, all of whom look at the world from a human perspective to rethink what's possible in the areas of technology innovation and consumer engagement within the foodservice and hospitality industries. Join us.

Job Summary

The Strategic Partnerships Lead will play a pivotal role on the CDV team, driving partnership strategy and engagement both within Compass and in the external innovation ecosystem. They will focus on building strong relationships across business units and positioning CDV as a core innovation driver. A key part of the role involves elevating CDV’s presence in major innovation hubs like San Francisco, New York City, and Toronto. The ideal candidate brings strategic insight, strong relationship-building abilities, and a deep enthusiasm for innovation. They thrive on connecting stakeholders, leading immersive experiences, and representing CDV at the crossroads of corporate and startup innovation.

Now, if you were to come on board as our Strategic Partnerships Lead, we’d ask you to do the following for us:

• Build Strategic Internal Partnerships: Cultivate strong relationships with leaders across Compass to champion CDV’s innovation agenda and drive internal adoption.
• Lead Innovation Briefings: Organize and present quarterly briefings to Compass executives, highlighting CDV’s portfolio progress and emerging trends.
• Facilitate Pilot Integration: Connect startup partners with Compass operators to initiate pilot programs and scale commercialization efforts.
• Create Innovation Experiences: Design and lead immersive sessions that introduce Compass teams to cutting-edge technologies and startups.
• Elevate CDV’s Brand: Position CDV as a key innovation leader both within Compass and in the broader foodtech ecosystem.
• Develop Compelling Content: Craft impactful narratives and materials that communicate CDV’s research, insights, and strategic focus to stakeholders.
• Activate Innovation Ecosystems: Lead CDV outpost events in major hubs (SF, NYC, Toronto) to engage with top startups and spotlight CDV’s portfolio.
• Expand VC/CVC Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with leading venture and corporate innovation partners (e.g., Pepsi, Google) to source top opportunities and co-develop initiatives.

Think you have what it takes to be our Strategic Partnerships Lead?We’re committed to hiring the best talent for the role. Here’s how we’ll know you’ll be successful in the role:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Marketing, Innovation, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years in partnerships, strategy, innovation, or business development roles.
• Startup/VC Exposure: Experience within the startup or venture capital ecosystem is highly valued.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align innovation initiatives with broader business goals and market dynamics.
• Strong Relationship Builder: Demonstrated success in cultivating trusted partnerships both internally and externally.
• Effective Communicator: Skilled at delivering presentations to senior stakeholders and crafting clear, persuasive messaging.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Proactive and adaptable, thrives in high-growth, fast-moving environments.
• Resourceful & Self-Directed: Comfortable operating with autonomy and driving results independently.

Compass Group Canada is committed to nurturing a diverse workforce representative of the communities within which we operate. We encourage and are pleased to consider all qualified candidates, without regard to race, colour, citizenship, religion, sex, marital / family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, aboriginal status, age, disability or persons who may require an accommodation, to apply.

For accommodation requests during the hiring process, please contact [e-mail] for further information.