JOB TITLE: Business Development Specialist Canada/USA

JOB CATEGORY: SALES

Department/Group: Business Development

Job code/Req#: BD

Location: Langley

Travel Required: Y

OVERVIEW

Direct Plus Deli Group comprised of 5 companies, is a fast-growing sales, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution

company, leader in the specialty food segment in the minds of our customers and consumers. Our product offering is

carefully selected and continually maintained, through industry-leading product innovation and the continued commitment

to exceptional products, brands, and service. We believe in providing our customers with products of the highest quality

made by a selection of trusted brands including Grimm's Fine Foods, McSweeney's premium jerky and meat snacks, Audrey's

Patisserie, Saporé Foods, Butcher's Companion, Country Cravers. To learn more please visit our website at

OBJECTIVE

The Business Development Specialist is responsible for driving sales growth and expanding the market reach of our specialty

pet food product in the US and Canadian market. They are responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities,

building, and maintaining relationships with customers, and achieving sales targets. With a deep understanding of the North

American market, the Business Development Specialist will play a crucial role in expanding the company's US and Canadian

market and driving revenue growth, which requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role and Responsibilities

• Have a strong understanding of US trade.

• Research and target potential US/Canadian clients, distributors, and retail partners in the Specialty Pet Food

space.

• Establish and nurture strong relationships with key decision makers in the retail chains, pet stores, e-commerce

platforms, and distributors across the US and Canada.

• Develop and implement sales strategies to expand the company's US and Canadian presence.

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities by researching and analyzing US and Canadian market trends,

competitor activities, and customer needs.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential customers through regular

communication, meetings, and follow-up.

• Conduct sales presentations and product demonstrations to showcase the company's offerings

and value proposition through competitive branding, pricing, and promotional strategy.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Sales and Marketing, R & D, and plant operations to

ensure operational and organizational readiness for customer satisfaction and successful sales outcomes.

• Stay up to date on industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory requirements in the US and Canadian

markets.

• Prepare sales reports and forecasts, providing insights and recommendations to management for

strategic decision-making.

• Negotiate and close business deals, ensuring favourable terms and conditions for the company.

• Travel across Canada and into US markets as required to meet current and potential customers, attend trade

shows, and participate in industry events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, international relations, or a related field. Additional certifications or

training in international business development is an asset.

• Proven track record of success in international business development, with a minimum of 5 years

experience. Ideally in the pet food space or heavy experience in the CPG grocery space.

• Strong knowledge of US and Canadian markets, including cultural nuances, business practice, and regulatory

frameworks.

• Experience in launching products into new markets or expanding sales channels.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and negotiate

effectively with customers from diverse backgrounds.

• Analytical mindset, with the ability to conduct market research, analyze data, and identify business

opportunities.

• Results-oriented mindset, with a demonstrated ability to meet and exceed business development targets.

• Experience in digital technology to access US and Canadian markets, and other business development tools to

manage leads, track activities, and generate reports.

• Holds a valid passport and able to travel outside of Canada.

• Willingness to travel as required (approx. 50%-60%).

To learn more, please email Lynne Ciardullo at