Business Development Associate - Ontario

at  Inspired Cannabis Co

Inspired Cannabis sets the standard for cannabis retail. As advocates of responsible consumption, we are here to educate and build our cannabis community. Our goal is to provide customers with only the finest products, with our knowledgeable and personable team to assist with each individual need.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Business Development Associate will play a critical role in the growth and expansion of the cannabis retail chain by identifying new acquisition opportunities and potential locations for opening new stores. This individual will be responsible for researching potential markets, sourcing store acquisitions, and analyzing site locations. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, experience in real estate or retail development, and a keen understanding of the cannabis/retail industry.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Marketing, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in business development, real estate, retail expansion, or a related role.
• Knowledge of the cannabis industry, including provincial and local regulation, is a strong plus.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess market potential and financial viability of new opportunities.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills with a proven ability to engage stakeholders and close deals.
• Ability to travel regularly for site visits, meetings, and industry events.
• Experience with financial modeling, market research tools, and location analytics software.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Strong research and market analysis capabilities.
• Ability to build relationships and engage in business development negotiations.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and CRM systems.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Market Research & Analysis:
• Conduct in-depth research into new and emerging markets to identify viable expansion opportunities.
• Analyze demographic data, competitor locations, local regulations, and market trends to assess the suitability of new store locations.
• Monitor cannabis retail market trends and provide insights on strategic opportunities for growth.

Site Identification & Evaluation:

• Search for potential retail locations, including properties for lease or purchase, in key growth markets.
• Evaluate the viability of locations based on foot traffic, accessibility, zoning laws, and proximity to competitors.

• Collaborate with real estate brokers and property owners to negotiate favorable lease or purchase terms for potential new locations.

Store Acquisition Strategy:

• Identify existing cannabis retail stores that are open to acquisition.
• Conduct outreach to store owners and stakeholders to initiate discussions around acquisition or partnership opportunities.

• Assist with the due diligence process by gathering key financial, operational, and compliance data on target acquisition stores.

Business Case Development:

• Prepare detailed business cases for each potential new store location or acquisition opportunity, including financial projections, market analysis, and ROI assessments.
• Present findings and recommendations to the Executive team and the Board of Directors.

• Assist with the preparation of proposal documents, contracts, and term sheets for new acquisitions and site development.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Work closely with internal teams including legal, finance, and operations to ensure alignment on expansion strategy and compliance with cannabis regulations.

• Coordinate with construction and design teams to ensure the feasibility of store build-outs in new locations.

Travel & Site Visits:

• Regularly travel to potential store locations for site visits and meetings with property owners, local officials, and stakeholders.
• Conduct on-site evaluations to assess store viability, neighborhood dynamics, and regulatory concerns.