Business Development Manager - Premium Food Products

About the Company

Based in Montreal, this international food marketing and distribution company has excelled for over three decades under founder ownership. Specializing in premium olive and avocado oils sourced globally, the company manages branding, packaging, and quality control directly at origin. Delivering to major retailers across North America and Asia, the firm boasts one of the longest-standing vendor relationships with a leading global retailer. Their unique expertise includes early forecasting of Spanish olive harvests and a focused philosophy on quality aligned with select retailers. Avocado oil, introduced ten years ago, now drives significant growth, contributing to a doubling of revenue over seven years. The close-knit team of about 20 operates without account or product silos.

Role Overview

The Business Development Manager role is a newly created position aimed at seizing growth prospects beyond the current team's capacity. Reporting to the Director of Business Development, the initial year focuses on comprehensive learning about the business, customer base, products, and supply chain, with progressively increased travel and client ownership. There is no existing playbook – the successful candidate will help develop the strategic approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Forge and sustain strong relationships with retail buyers, progressively leading customer meetings.
• Manage retailer promotional calendars and budgets while overseeing commercial partnerships end-to-end.
• Perform competitive market analyses and identify opportunities for new product introductions within olive, avocado, and related oils.
• Utilize sales data from sources like Circana/IRI, Nielsen, and retailer platforms to enhance current SKU performance.
• Collaborate with supply chain teams on inventory management, product development, and implementation.
• Undertake biannual international travel to Italy and Spain for supplier engagement and production supervision.
• Apply retail mathematics, be aware of currency fluctuations, and proficiently use Excel and retail data tools.
• Develop in-depth expertise in the olive and avocado oil categories.

Candidate Profile

• Possesses 5-10 years of experience in business development, commercial sales, or consumer goods, specifically in large-format retail environments.
• Experience within brokers, distributors, or import/marketing firms is highly advantageous.
• Exposure to P&L responsibilities, startup environments, or launching products into Canadian retail enhances candidacy.
• Demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable with minimal processes or hierarchy.
• Strong commercial insight, data literacy, and exceptional communication skills with senior retail buyers.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and genuinely interested in the product category.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; bilingualism in French and English considered an asset.
• Located in Montreal or willing to relocate, with readiness for regular domestic and international travel.

Additional Notes

This role is less suitable for professionals accustomed to large, rigid corporate structures or strictly defined roles.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience.
• Performance-based bonus structured around measurable outcomes.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and insurance benefits.
• Generous leave policy.
• Frequent monthly domestic travel and biannual trips to Europe.
• Opportunities for significant professional growth with direct access to senior leadership and founder.

Application Process

Due to a high volume of candidates, only those best aligned with the role will be contacted. Candidates interested in remaining informed about future openings and industry insights are encouraged to monitor the company's updates.