Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is the Voice of Retail in Canada. Representing retailers of all sizes across the country, RCC advocates for policies that support a competitive, innovative, and sustainable retail sector.

For more than 60 years, RCC has worked closely with governments, industry partners, and regulators to address the issues that matter most to retailers, from public policy and regulatory compliance to sustainability and emerging industry trends. Through advocacy, insights, and member programs, RCC helps retailers navigate a rapidly evolving business environment.

RCC is looking for a Director, Government Relations (Ontario) to be based out of our head office in Toronto. This role will be reporting to the Senior Vice President, Public Affairs. This position is being posted to fill an existing vacancy within the organization.

About The Role Retail Council of Canada is seeking a Director, Government Relations (Ontario) to lead advocacy and policy engagement efforts with the Government of Ontario and relevant regulatory bodies.

In this role, you will work with the retail sector to develop advocacy strategies and represent RCC members in discussions with government officials and industry stakeholders. A central focus of this position involves collaborating with member-led committees to facilitate pre-competitive dialogue and build consensus on key policy positions. Based on those unified industry stances, this role will provide strategic policy advice to retail leaders to coordinate member outreach into government, ensuring a synchronized and powerful voice when engaging with policy makers.

This is an opportunity to shape policy discussions affecting Canada’s largest private sector industry influencing political staff and senior government officials, working alongside industry leaders, and a collaborative national team.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead RCC’s government relations and advocacy efforts with the Government of Ontario, Ontario Municipalities and relevant provincial and municipal regulatory bodies.
• Work along RCC’s policy team, and member-led committees to develop policy positions responsive to the retail sector’s needs
• Based on policy positions, develop advocacy strategies and coordinate membership to advocate into government
• Build and maintain strong relationships with political staff, government officials, policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Represent RCC and its members in meetings, consultations, and industry forums.
• Serve as a key advisor to Ontario members on public policy and regulatory matters.
• Prepare policy briefs, consultation submissions, and regulatory analyses.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the retail sector and assess their impact on members.

Key Policy Areas May Include

• Environmental and sustainability regulation (e.g., extended producer responsibility, circular economy initiatives)
• Advocating for changes to reduce retail crime
• Burden reduction & regulatory compliance
• Energy policy, with a focus on class B, non-RPP ratepayers
• Retail and consumer policy
• Labour and employment regulation
• Taxation and regulatory compliance
• Supply chain and operational policy matters impacting retailers

Requirements

• University degree or equivalent in public policy, political science, law, business, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 4-7 years of experience in government relations, public policy, regulatory affairs, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario legislative and regulatory processes.
• Strong understanding of governmental advocacy.
• Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with political staff, government officials and industry stakeholders.
• Experience in the Ontario government or a trade association environment is an asset.
• Ability to travel within Ontario as required.

Salary Range: $100,000-$130,000

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter.

DEADLINE: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST

We thank you for your interest in this job opportunity, however only candidates under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.

For information about RCC, visit our website at www.retailcouncil.org.

Retail Council of Canada is an equal opportunity employer. It is the company’s policy to recruit and select applicants for employment solely on the basis of their qualifications, with emphasis on selecting the best-qualified person for the job. Retail Council of Canada does not discriminate against applicants based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, or disability, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, provincial or municipal law. Retail Council of Canada is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment practices. If you require an accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs.