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.

For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our

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 .

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.