Canada Commercial Director

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking an enthusiastic Canada Commercial Director to join our growing team.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Canada Commercial Director develops and implements a nationwide commercial strategy and vision to achieve sales budgets and margins within the assigned country.  The Director manages and is responsible for the full P&L for the country. This role develops and manages a team of internal and external partners to grow Perfetti Van Melle’s brands within the assigned portfolio of current and potential distributors and retailers to achieve the sales objectives of the brands. The Commercial Director will effectively collaborate with internal Group functions, particularly marketing and trade marketing, to ensure that local strategies and plans are aligned with global priorities. Additional responsibilities include: 

• Leads nationwide commercial strategy and sales planning (defining annual and monthly sales targets) in the assigned portfolio of current and potential customers to build a winning strategy aimed at accelerating growth within the portfolio.
• Manages and develops a brand and insights assistant to build alignment on company values, policies, and sales goals.
• Leads the external advertising agency to design and execute a marketing and communications strategy that achieves sales and positioning objectives at a national level, and that is in line with established global brand guidelines established by Group marketing. Ensures that advertising messaging is adapted for local Canadian cultural nuances, including French-language advertising copy for Quebec.
• Oversees and drives the best use of resources in each brand's marketing budget to achieve sales targets.
• Collaborates with TLS to identify and close new sales opportunities, participating as needed in customer visits to activate new customers.
• Oversees customer service processes, directly managed by TLS, to ensure timely and complete delivery of products to key customer base.
• Designs aligned customer metrics in conjunction with TLS. Tracks and measures against these metrics, ensuring action plans are implemented to address as needed.
• Develops brand strategy and portfolio to address growth targets and unlock new demand. Collaborates with internal partners including Group marketing, P&T, Finance and supplying Operating Companies to ensure that product portfolio is brought to market to deliver profitable growth.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Bachelor's degree in Administration, Marketing, or other Administrative degree. MBA preferred.
• 10+ years in marketing / commercial leadership
• Experienced team builder and demonstrated experience managing external partners/agencies
• Strong preference for experience with CPG brands and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
• Fluent in English, working knowledge of French (fluent in French a plus)
• Strategic Leadership and mind set
• Innovative and analytical approaches to solving business problems
• Strong written and oral presentations skills
• Understanding of consumer insights and ability to apply to business and brands
• Financial acumen and P&L management
• Negotiating skills
• Ability to travel up to 25%, including within Canada, and to USA / global markets as needed

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a welcoming workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:  

• PTO package including vacation, wellness, personal, and pay it forward time off    
• 13 paid holidays    
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases  
• Comprehensive Health Insurance    
• Annual well-being subsidy  
• 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options  
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement    
• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)  
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable statutorily protected group status under local, state, or federal law.