Venture Innovations Manager

You might not know our name, but you know where we are. That’s because Compass Group Canada is part of a global food service 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!

We are a member of Compass Group North America the leading food service 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 food service and hospitality industries.

Join us.

Compass Digital Ventures (CDV) is the innovation and corporate venture arm of Compass Group, focused on driving the future of food service through open innovation. CDV works with the startup and venture capital ecosystem to identify strategic opportunities, innovative pilots, and cutting-edge technologies. Through CDV we create pathways for successful and disruptive startup solutions to grow and enhance the business and operations at Compass.

As an Innovation Associate at CDV, you will be instrumental in identifying, vetting, and nurturing innovation opportunities and startup partnerships that align with our strategic goals.

• This role requires a proactive, analytical thinker with a passion for innovation and the ability to manage multiple pilot projects.

• You will support the end-to-end innovation process, from deal sourcing and proof of concept (PoC) design to pilot evaluation and strategic alignment. Leading the opportunity.

• Working closely with the startups, Compass Group operators and clients, you will help drive forward CDV’s mission to become the epicenter for the food retail tech space to drive innovation in the industry.

• Position Title:
  
  Venture Innovations Manager
• Salary:  -
• Emplyoment Type:
  Full Time, Permanent
• Hybrid: 3 Times a Week - Toronto ON

In accordance with provincial legislation and our commitment to transparent hiring practices, the compensation range for this position is provided. Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Canadian work experience is not required. Please note that artificial intelligence tools are utilized in the applicant screening process.

• Thesis Building and Developing Expertise in certain areas :

  • Develop a deep understanding of specific innovation areas (e.g., Fin Tech, AI in Food retail) to provide thought leadership and insights to the business. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and emerging technologies within your expertise area.

  • Identify themes within the broader category and validate the thesis through secondary and primary research and meeting with startups

• Startup Deal Sourcing:

  • Identify and evaluate innovative startups that align with our investment/ thesis areas and have potential to progress through the stages of PoC, pilot, and commercial implementation.

  • Build a network to source and find new opportunities

  • Discuss and defend opportunities with the CDV team, why would it be a good opportunity for Compass

• PoC /Pilot Program Oversight:

  • Due diligence for strategic opportunity and being able to defend why those areas are strategic for us.

  • Scope and oversee the Proof of Concept and Pilots, to validate the viability and scalability of the innovation opportunity (i.e startups)

  • Collaborate with…