Commercial Relationship Manager

Role overview

COBS Bread is seeking a commercially focused and data-driven Commercial Manager to join its Finance team. In this role, you will help strengthen the long-term performance of the franchise network by combining financial analysis, partnership management, and practical business support. The position reports to the Vice President of Finance and is based in Vancouver, BC or Toronto, ON, with a flexible arrangement that combines office and remote work.

The annual salary range for this role is $85,000 to $100,000, depending on experience.

The company is recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified employer and has received Best Workplaces recognition in British Columbia 2025 and in Retail & Hospitality 2025.

Key accountabilities

• Support financially vulnerable bakery locations by monitoring cash flow, reviewing performance trends, identifying risks early, and helping shape recovery plans.
• Track progress against recovery actions, keep reporting records accurate, and assist with repayment arrangements for franchisee debt.
• Prepare recurring updates on financial risk for Finance and Operations leaders.
• Maintain relationships with preferred banking and lending partners and help franchisees explore financing options and lender introductions.
• Keep franchise financing reference materials and related documentation current.
• Manage financial review steps within the franchise gate approval process, including tracking approvals, documentation, and pipeline status.
• Work with Franchise Development and Legal teams to help the approval process run smoothly.
• Review financial information from potential franchisees, evaluate creditworthiness, business plans, and overall feasibility, and prepare recommendation summaries.
• Communicate financial standards and expectations clearly to candidates.
• Complete financial reviews for existing franchisees pursuing multi-site growth, including profitability, debt load, and working capital capacity.
• Escalate concerns and provide recommendations where financial risk is identified.
• Partner with Operations to assess underperforming bakery locations, translate findings into action plans, and follow up on results.
• Handle additional tasks and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline.
• An MBA and/or CFA designation, or active progress toward CFA, would be considered an advantage.
• At least 3 years of experience in commercial finance, FP&A, or financial analysis.
• Background supporting multi-location operations, retail, hospitality, or franchise businesses is preferred.
• Exposure to lending, credit assessment, or banking relationships is beneficial.
• Demonstrated success working across functions with Operations and Development teams.
• Strong capability in financial analysis and modelling.
• Commercial judgment with the ability to turn data into practical operational recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong attention to detail and disciplined governance practices.
• Advanced Excel skills and solid financial reporting experience.
• Clear communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial ideas simply.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.

Benefits and perks

• Flexible work setup with a mix of support-office and remote work.
• Competitive compensation package including salary, bonus, and vacation.
• Extended health and dental coverage, group RRSP matching, and a health and lifestyle spending account.
• Paid sick leave and personal leave days.
• A paid day for community service and volunteering.
• A supportive workplace that encourages ongoing learning, professional growth, and career progression.
• A collaborative, energetic, high-performing, and close-knit team culture.
• A strong degree of autonomy and responsibility in the role.

Additional information

COBS Bread values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Accommodation is available on request for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need adjustments during the hiring process, you may request them and they will be handled confidentially.

About the company

COBS Bread operates more than 170 locations across Canada, offering fresh baked goods to local communities. Unsold products are donated daily to charities and food banks. The company credits its growth to product quality, people development, and warm, friendly customer service.

COBS Bread is part of Bakers Delight, which was established in 1980 and operates as Bakers Delight in Australia and New Zealand, and as COBS Bread in Canada and the USA since 2003. Together, the network includes more than 700 bakeries across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA, employing over 15,000 people and serving more than 2.1 million customers each week.

Values

• Bring passion and purpose by staying connected to the broader meaning and impact of the work.
• Be open and honest through respectful, transparent communication and a safe environment for ideas and questions.
• Make it better by continuously looking for ways to improve work, experiences, and personal and team growth.
• Take ownership by being accountable for outcomes, commitments, and results.