Position: Manager, Business Development - Canada

Reports To: Vice President, Community Partnerships

LOCATION: Hybrid, Greater Toronto Area

Soles4Souls Mission: Soles4Souls turns shoes and clothing into educational and economic opportunities.

Our CORE values: Transparency, Entrepreneurial, Accountable, Meaningful represent who we are!

Summary: The Business Development Manager Canada plays a vital role in advancing our mission by building and strengthening relationships with current and potential partners. This role is responsible for meeting and exceeding goals related to both financial contributions and product donations.

The ideal candidate brings a passion for relationship-building, a sharp eye for detail, and a strong commitment to providing thoughtful, values-aligned support to our donors and partners.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop an understanding of partner base including supply and geographic footprint to better identify areas of opportunity for new partnerships
• Use industry knowledge and personal network/relationships to establish pipeline of new partnerships with non-retail corporations, footwear & apparel brands
• Conduct daily outreach to prospective customers via calls, emails and social media
• Support the development of pitch materials for prospective partners
• Stewardship of existing partners; providing impact reports and proactively communicating updates
• Identify, lead and support shoe drive volunteers including coordination of existing and new shoe drives
• Work with existing partners to identify opportunities for upselling and expanding programs
• Conduct daily CRM database activity reporting and regular opportunity pipeline status reporting
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including operations, marketing, outreach and financial partners to support growth and focus in Canada
• Responsible for meeting monthly, quarterly and annual goals for cause marketing and product donations
• Attend industry trade shows/conferences (as needed) representing Soles 4 Souls and pitching the Soles4Souls value proposition and market position to prospective partners

Qualifications, Skills and Capabilities:

• Demonstrated background in the footwear/retail industry
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in business development and/or relationship management
• Knowledge of sales techniques and strategies
• Experience managing a portfolio of customers is considered an asset
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships
• Strong oral/written communication, presentation, interpersonal and listening skills - someone who can clearly articulate an organization's message, be an effective spokesperson on behalf of the group's mission, and inspire and earn the respect of his/her internal and external stakeholders
• Exemplary planning and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office and CRM database preferred
• Valid driver's license & passport
• Travel as required
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours, as necessary
• Lifting: The ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds if necessary.

There may be times when you are working at our warehouse or in a capacity outside of your physical office space. Please note that these physical requirements are not exhaustive, and Soles4Souls may add additional job-related physical demands to these if the need arises:

Standing: Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.

Walking: Walk or move around the work area as needed.

• Bending and Stooping: Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch to access equipment or perform tasks.
• Reaching: Reach overhead, horizontally, and down to access materials or equipment.
• Work Environment: Be able to work in various environments, including indoor and outdoor settings, and be exposed to varying weather conditions if applicable.

S4S is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color and other diverse backgrounds.

This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary of $65,000 - $70,000 CAD