About our client:

Our client is an innovative manufacturing company based in Quebec, specializing in beverage production. They value a family-oriented environment within the company. The team is dynamic and passionate. Each team member works with dedication to maintain their leadership position in the health products sector in Canada. They are committed to offering high-quality products and building strong relationships with their clients and partners, while maintaining a family-sized company culture.

Main Responsibilities:

As the Head of Sales | Vice President of Sales, you will be responsible for designing and implementing our client’s sales strategy, focusing on increasing revenue and consolidating their market-leading position. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Developing a strategic vision for the company’s sales and implementing concrete execution plans to achieve growth objectives, leveraging detailed data analyses to guide strategies and tactics.
• Determining the optimal sales team structure to achieve sales goals, considering performance imperatives and budget constraints (internal vs. external teams).
• Leading the sales team, fostering a culture where each member is accountable for the customer relationship, including P&L management, logistics, payments, penalties, etc.
• Coaching and developing the sales team, emphasizing skill development and professional growth while encouraging a mindset of accountability and a holistic approach to customer management.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with strategic customers, fostering long-term partnerships based on trust and added value.
• Identifying and addressing distribution gaps, working closely with internal teams to maximize product availability in the market and achieve optimal coverage.
• Developing new partnerships by attracting new customers in Canada and the United States, adopting a proactive approach to prospecting and business development.
• Mastering the art of storytelling to effectively engage customers, integrating data insights into narratives, and positioning the company as the category leader.
• Planning and executing the launch of innovative products, collaborating with R&D, marketing, and operations teams to ensure successful market deployment, and maximizing cross-selling and up-selling opportunities.
• Collaborating closely with buyers and decision-makers at the VP level and above, to position our client as a trusted partner and preferred supplier.
• Optimizing sales processes, implementing effective training for the sales team, and developing a culture focused on performance and excellence.
• Contributing to the creation of a solid and innovative sales function, aiming to maximize revenue and reinforce their number one market position.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a sales leadership role, preferably in the consumer products, beverage, or food industry.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute an effective sales strategy, generating significant revenue growth and strengthening the company’s competitive position, using data to guide decisions.
• Advanced leadership, team management, and talent development skills, with a collaborative approach, mentorship focus, and accountability mindset.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with customers and partners at all organizational levels.
• Strong results orientation, with a commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to analyze data to guide strategic sales decisions.
• Experience in trade marketing.
• Strong financial skills, ability to integrate financial considerations into decision-making and strategic thinking.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, capable of working in a dynamic and growing environment, and taking initiatives to drive innovation and performance.
• In-depth knowledge of the Food Service industry, an asset.
• Proficiency in both French and English, spoken and written.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Resourceful. Able to find effective solutions even with limited resources.
• Humble. Knows their strengths and weaknesses.
• Team player. Enjoys helping colleagues and teammates.
• Solution-oriented. Seeks solutions rather than excuses.
• Resilient. Able to face adversity and setbacks with optimism and determination.
• Sense of humor!