Commercial Relationship Manager

Overview

COBS Bread is hiring a commercially focused and analytical Commercial Relationship Manager to join its Finance team. In this role, you will help strengthen franchisee performance, support financial sustainability across the network, and work closely with Finance, Operations, Franchise Development, and Legal partners.

The position reports to the Vice President of Finance and is based in Vancouver, British Columbia or Toronto, Ontario. The company offers a salary range of $85,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience.

Key responsibilities

Your work will centre on financial oversight, franchise support, and cross-functional collaboration. You will monitor performance, identify emerging risks, support financing processes, and contribute to decisions that affect franchise growth and recovery.

• Track cash flow and financial results for franchise locations showing signs of risk.
• Spot potential financial issues early and help build recovery plans.
• Monitor progress against recovery targets and keep reporting records accurate and current.
• Assist with repayment arrangements for outstanding franchise debt.
• Share regular risk updates with Finance and Operations leadership.
• Maintain relationships with preferred banks and lending partners.
• Help franchisees understand financing choices and connect with lenders.
• Keep franchise financing materials and records up to date.
• Run the financial review portion of the franchise gate approval process.
• Maintain approval logs, tracking documents, and pipeline reports.
• Work with Franchise Development and Legal teams to ensure the process moves smoothly.
• Evaluate financial information from prospective franchisees.
• Assess business viability, credit standing, and proposed business plans.
• Prepare recommendation documents that outline opportunities and risks.
• Explain financial requirements and expectations to candidates.
• Review the financial position of existing franchisees seeking expansion.
• Analyse profitability, debt load, and working capital capacity.
• Suggest next steps and escalate concerns when needed.
• Partner with Operations to review underperforming bakery locations.
• Provide financial analysis and insight to support action planning.
• Follow up on agreed actions and monitor resulting financial outcomes.
• Take on additional tasks and projects as required.

Requirements

This role calls for a strong finance background, commercial judgment, and the ability to work well across teams in a fast-moving environment.

• A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a similar discipline.
• An MBA and/or CFA designation, or progress toward CFA, is considered an advantage.
• At least 3 years of experience in commercial finance, FP&A, or financial analysis.
• Previous exposure to multi-site operations, retail, hospitality, or franchise environments is preferred.
• Experience with lending, credit review, or banking relationships is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with Operations and Development teams.
• Strong capability in financial analysis and modelling.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to turn data into practical operational insight.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Careful attention to detail and a disciplined approach to governance.
• Advanced Excel skills and solid financial reporting capability.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial ideas clearly.
• Ability to juggle priorities in a busy, high-pressure environment.

Benefits

COBS Bread offers a flexible work setup, allowing a mix of support-office and remote work. The package also includes a competitive salary, bonus, vacation plan, extended health and dental coverage, Group RRSP matching, a Health and Lifestyle spending account, paid sick and personal leave, paid community service time, learning and career development opportunities, a supportive team environment, and a high level of autonomy and responsibility.

About COBS Bread

COBS Bread serves fresh baked goods through more than 170 locations across Canada. Unsold products are donated daily to local charities and food banks. The business is known for its product quality, people development, and friendly customer service.

COBS Bread is part of Bakers Delight, which began in 1980 and operates in Australia and New Zealand. Since 2003, the brand has grown in Canada and the USA as COBS Bread. Across all markets, the network now includes more than 700 bakeries and employs over 15,000 people, serving more than 2.1 million customers each week.

Values

• Bring Passion and Purpose: stay connected to the reason behind the work and contribute to something meaningful for the team, customers, and community.
• Be Open and Honest: communicate clearly and respectfully, and create space for constructive questions and ideas.
• Make it Better: keep improving processes, experiences, and personal and team growth through continuous learning.
• Take Ownership: accept responsibility for outcomes, follow through on commitments, and own results.

Additional information

COBS Bread is an equal opportunity employer and values workplace diversity. Accommodation is available for applicants and employees with disabilities upon request, and any accommodation-related information will be handled confidentially. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Great Place to Work Certified™, Best Workplaces™ in British Columbia 2025, and Best Workplaces™ in Retail & Hospitality 2025.