Countryside Farms – Business Development Manager

Responsibilities :

Under the responsibility of the National Sales Director, the Business Development Manager is primarily responsible for the planning and organization of all Territory Business Development activities and the assigned accounts. Among other things, key accountabilities are the increase of sales and profitability for current customers and the development of new accounts. Finally, the incumbent is result oriented and able to work under minimal supervision.

• Ability to manage both retail (70%) and Food Service – HRI (30%) customers
• Exceed pre-established sales and profitability targets for all customers
• Enthusiastically prospect for new retail and FS/HRI customers
• Offer creative business solutions that drive sales growth and profitability for the company and customers
• Ensure the complete listing of the company’s priority products for all its customers.
• Create or renew contracts with current and new customers while maintaining or increasing profitability
• Communicate clearly and effectively information on promotions and sales forecasts to customers and production
• Work closely with customer service representatives and sales management to maintain ongoing knowledge of market realities and needs
• Analyze the potential of the territory and accounts and identify opportunities for sales, profitability, and operational improvements
• Recommend strategies to maximize the sales and operations efficiencies of the company
• Assist colleagues in the management of major National Accounts
• Work closely with management to establish specific sales strategies for the territory and accounts receivables
• Act as a “super user” for the company, ensuring that customer information and channel marketing are always up to date in the company’s database
• Participate occasionally in trade shows, which includes booth setup and sample transportation
• Negotiate promotional strategies or special promotions for all customers according to the company’s rates
• Assure deployment of the broker (store coverage) for weekly store initiatives
• Prepare and present business reviews to customers
• Write and send to the team periodic sales and expenditure reports
• Act in accordance with an action plan that includes the production of operational plans and reports for staff and management
• Assume any other responsibility related to the function

Requirements :

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in a similar position
• Significant experience in the retail food industry. Experience in food service sales and accounts receivables management are important assets
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (English)
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PP, Outlook) and SAP
• Requires occasional evening and weekend availability as well as occasional trips in the Western Canada region and nationally
• Valid driver’s license
• 80% of the time teleworking, 20% on the road looking for new customers

Skills :

• Strong business acumen and ability to act strategically as well as operationally, while complying with the company’s values
• Ability to work in an environment where activities are happening quickly
• Ability to make decisions, solve problems and set priorities
• Versatile, open, resourceful, autonomous and ability to work in a team
• Mobilizing leadership
• Strong political skills
• Strong ability to develop sales within a geographical territory
• Orientation towards excellence in customer service
• Good communicator with a sense of active listening
• Skilled negotiator focused on problem solving
• Creative and innovative