Economic Analyst

Company Overview

Restaurants Canada is the country’s largest national membership association serving the foodservice sector, representing more than 30,000 members. As a not-for-profit organization, it supports restaurants and related businesses through research, advocacy, member programs, resources, and events. This role offers the chance to contribute directly to an industry that plays a vital role in Canada’s economy and communities.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Chief Economist & Vice President, Research, the Economic Analyst will advance the organization’s research and advocacy priorities through economic analysis, data gathering, policy assessment, and reporting. The position helps produce evidence-based insights that shape government relations work, strengthen advocacy campaigns, and deliver useful intelligence to members and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will need strong quantitative and analytical capabilities, hands-on experience with economic and policy research, and the ability to explain complex findings clearly to audiences such as government representatives, industry executives, media contacts, and association members.

Key Responsibilities

Economic Research and Analysis

• Perform economic studies, statistical modelling, and trend analysis to support the association’s research priorities.
• Assess how federal, provincial, and municipal policies affect Canada’s foodservice sector, including areas such as taxation, labour, food policy, sustainability, and related regulatory matters.
• Create economic forecasts and policy impact reviews that inform advocacy planning and strategic decisions.
• Track and interpret budgets, policy statements, legislation, and broader economic changes that influence the industry.

Policy Research and Advocacy Support

• Work closely with the Government Relations team to provide research input for policy development, advocacy efforts, campaign support, and stakeholder outreach.
• Help prepare presentations, briefing notes, reports, and submissions for parliamentary committees, government departments, and other decision-makers.
• Support evidence-led advocacy by identifying and communicating the economic effects of proposed rules and regulations.

Survey Research and Data Management

• Assist with designing, rolling out, and analyzing surveys used to gather industry data aligned with policy and research goals.
• Examine survey results and industry datasets using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
• Use advanced Excel and statistical tools such as R to organize, analyze, and interpret information.
• Check research outputs, spot inconsistencies, and maintain strong data quality and accuracy.

Reporting and Knowledge Sharing

• Draft and refresh research reports, economic analysis documents, briefing materials, and articles for industry publications, government submissions, and member communications.
• Share research outcomes and economic insights with government officials, association members, media, and conference audiences.
• Convert technical economic and policy concepts into practical, easy-to-understand messages for non-technical audiences.

Additional Contributions

• Help foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative workplace culture.
• Take on special projects and additional tasks as needed.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline. The role calls for 3 to 5 years of experience in a research setting, with exposure to research methods, economic analysis, and statistical analysis, along with experience writing research reports and delivering presentations.

Experience in economic research, forecasting, and statistical analysis is required. A solid understanding of public policy issues affecting taxation, labour markets, food systems, sustainability, and economic development is also important. Strong command of Excel and practical use of R or similar statistical software are needed.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to prepare reports and present findings to varied stakeholders. Experience working with government representatives and policymakers will be viewed positively, and media experience in explaining research to outside audiences is an added advantage.

Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid role with a minimum of three in-office days each week. The current schedule is Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, although flexibility may be required depending on business needs. The hybrid model is reviewed regularly and may change over time.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is CAD 82,644 to CAD 103,305 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.