Business Development Manager

Job Title: Business Development Manager Reports To: Country Manager Location: Toronto, Canada We are a family-owned multinational that makes a difference for families every day by producing and distributing a diverse offering of more than 60 quality brands. Our brands are loved across generations. Meeting the needs of people around the world. Making their everyday lives more enjoyable, more beautiful and more delicious. It is these everyday moments that make the difference to the way families live. Each and every one of these moments help us to make a positive contribution to people, communities and planet. Finding the optimal balance between economic, environmental, and social responsibility is key. We are determined to minimize our environmental impact, and we want to generate and share sustainable value in everything we do. Entrepreneurship is in the DNA of our company. We empower our people to seize great opportunities, to imagine big, to think differently and anticipate the future. As a family-owned business with a history of 75 years, we are all about long-term relationships. We believe that our business should be based on strong values and a respectful business model that takes human and social needs into account. We are committed to fostering an entrepreneurial, stimulating, inclusive and safe work environment where people feel valued and respected, in which they can flourish and succeed. The difference everyday makes. Our North America Region plays a critical role in our Group's growth ambition. We are passionate about disrupting and leading category growth and are looking for leaders who share that same passion and entrepreneurial spirit who thrive in growth environments. We are building a multi-brand, multi-category business. Today, our Wild Planet brand is the #1 premium shelf seafood brand in the US, and Rio Mare is the #2 tuna brand in Canada, and are recognized for category growth leadership. Job Summary: Bolton is seeking a Business Development Manager to accelerate growth in the Canadian market. Reporting to the Country Manager, this role will be responsible for building strong customer partnerships, securing new distribution, and delivering commercial results across retail, distributor, and foodservice channels. The Business Development Manager will combine strategic vision with hands-on execution. Success will come from entrepreneurial drive, strong account management skills, and a proven ability to deliver results in the CPG industry. Essential Responsibilities Commercial Growth & Account Management Build and manage relationships with the distributor , retailers and broker networks to accelerate new business and in-store execution. * Negotiate trade terms, promotional agreements, and pricing with customers. * Secure incremental distribution and expand shelf presence across channels. New Business Development Identify and pursue new retail, distributor, and foodservice opportunities. Support expansion into new categories and channels. Represent Bolton NA at industry events and trade shows to build visibility. Distributor Relationship Management Serve as the primary liaison between the company and the distributor, ensuring strong alignment on business goals, execution plans, and performance metrics. Foster a collaborative partnership to drive mutual growth. Retail & Customer Development Work closely with the distributor's sales team to identify and unlock growth opportunities across key retail channels and customer segments. Support initiatives that enhance market penetration and brand visibility. Execution Excellence Monitor and support the execution of commercial plans, promotional activities, and supply chain coordination. Ensure timely and high-quality implementation of strategies across the market. Collaborate with marketing on product launches, brand activations, and category growth initiatives Performance Tracking & Insights Analyze sales data, market trends, and execution KPIs to provide actionable insights. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and the distributor to continuously optimize performance and address gaps. Strategic Planning & Support Contribute to the development of annual business plans and strategic initiatives. Act as a key resource for the distributor in aligning with company priorities and navigating operational challenges. Market/Category Analysis Review market trends to identify new category trends, changes in consumer behaviours & competitor strategies Requirements & Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience). * 5+ years of progressive sales or business development experience in CPG (food & beverage strongly preferred). * Strong knowledge of the Canadian retail landscape and proven success with mass grocery accounts. * Demonstrated success in opening new doors and converting whitespace into sustainable business. * 3+ years of experience working with distributors and brokers in CPG industry * 3+ years of experience in sales forecasting, trade spend management, and ROI analysis. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience in shelf-stable food categories or premium CPG brands is a plus * Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a small, high-growth team environment. * Excellent relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills. * Ability to analyze sales and market data to develop insights that drive customer growth * Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with syndicated data analysis * Experience using retailer platforms to extract and analyze data (LDIA, Retail Link, Dunhumby, Circana) Why Join Us * Gain hands-on experience in brand management within a global company. * Work on a diverse range of marketing and brand projects with international exposure. * Opportunity for long-term growth. * Competitive compensation and benefits package. Diversity & Inclusion We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of underrepresented communities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment process.