Manager, Research Commercialization (Business Development Manager)

About Toronto Metropolitan For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world. About Toronto Metropolitan For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education.

Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world. For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.

Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada. In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University.

Learn more about our next chapter. About The Office Of The Vice-President, Research And Innovation As Canada's comprehensive innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University engages in scholarly, research and creative (SRC) activity that addresses real-world challenges to drive economic growth and improve quality of life for Canadians. Our strong focus on innovation and evidence-based research has made us a preferred partner for government, industry, not-for-profit organizations, communities and individuals.

Together, we are improving processes, developing new technologies and services, and creating new companies and social enterprises. The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) establishes the strategic direction and oversees the administration of Toronto Metropolitan University’s scholarly, research and creative activity (SRC) enterprise, including grants administration, external funding, SRC policies, partnerships and collaborations, commercialization, and business development. The Opportunity What does it take to turn breakthrough research into real-world impact?

In the Business Development Manager role, you’ll be at the forefront of building the partnerships, deals, and pathways that bring innovative ideas out of the lab and into the world. The Business Development Manager role is entitled to benefits from day one, vacation days from day one and tuition waiver benefit after 4 months as well as 2 weeks paid time off during the winter holidays. As a key driver of technology commercialization and industry engagement, you will lead large-scale, high-profile initiatives spanning licensing, innovation, and business development from initial concept through to successful execution.

You’ll manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, ensuring progress stays on track, resources are aligned, and outcomes are delivered with precision and impact. Working closely with faculty, you will identify research with strong commercial potential and play a lead role in shaping its path to market. This includes negotiating licensing agreements, navigating complex stakeholder interests, and ensuring opportunities are positioned for long-term success.

You will actively cultivate and expand a dynamic network of partners—spanning industry, investors, venture capital, patent agents, funding bodies, and the broader innovation ecosystem, to unlock new business opportunities and drive technology adoption. Your ability to spot potential, connect the right players, and build trust-based relationships will be central to your success. Collaboration sits at the heart of this role.

You’ll bring together diverse stakeholders across academia, industry, the public sector, and the non-profit space to advance shared goals and create meaningful partnerships that accelerate innovation. With a strong focus on results, you will also track, analyze, and communicate commercialization outcomes. You will turn data into insights that inform strategy, demonstrate impact, and support continuous growth.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of research, business, and innovation, for someone who is energized by building partnerships, closing complex deals, and translating ideas into tangible outcomes that make a difference. Qualifications To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications: Completion of a post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Science, Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in technology transfer, business development, commercialization, or program implementation, preferably in a university, research, innovation, or similarly complex environment.

Demonstrated experience managing multi-faceted relationships, influencing without authority, and providing sound counsel and operational support to peers and senior executives is required. Strong business development skills with the ability to assess the commercial viability of new technologies and manage the end-to-end path from research discovery to market execution. Demonstrated entrepreneurial approach to networking, with an ability to build "win-win" partnerships and promote complex University research to senior industry contacts and investors.

Advanced project management skills, including the ability to plan, manage, and evaluate multiple programs simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines and commercial targets. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the proven ability to break down complex technical information into logical, persuasive concepts to gain diverse internal and external stakeholder buy-in. Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.

Additional Information Position Number(s) 20005603 Reports To Director, Innovation and Commercialization Department Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) Vacancy Type TERM Employee Group MAC Work Location Hybrid Start Date ASAP End Date May 15, 2027 Hours of Work 36.25 Grade C52 Salary Scale $86,502 - $138,178 Hiring Salary Range $86,502 - $112,340 TA Specialist Claudiu Posting Date April 15, 2026 Application Close Date May 30, 2026 As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment. Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site. Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.

We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please contact [email protected].

All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential. Leadership Competencies Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies: Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values. Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.

Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences. Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact. Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes. #J-18808-Ljbffr