Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.

Our client is a globally leading mechanical engineering company with over 30 subsidiaries and branches across America, Europe, and Asia. In Canada, our client is currently in the startup phase as a subsidiary of the German headquarters, a family-owned industrial company that has been operating in Canada through the U.S. for over 25 years, specializing in the wastewater industry. To further expand its market presence, our client is establishing an independent subsidiary with a focus on agricultural technology, biogas, wastewater treatment, transportation, and industrial applications.

As the Business Development Manager (m/f/d), you will spearhead the growth of the company in Canada and ensure alignment with the strategic goals set by the German headquarters. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire operation, with a focus on sales, service, and market development whilst closely collaborating with the relevant departments in the German headquarters.

Demonstrated success in sales, combined with strong leadership potential, can lead to a future promotion to Managing Director of the Canadian subsidiary.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Take the lead in setting up our client’s Canadian subsidiary in close collaboration with their German headquarters, developing initial market presence, operational strategies, and infrastructure
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in Canada, targeting industries such as agriculture, biogas, wastewater treatment, transportation, and industrial manufacturing
• Manage customer relationships directly, taking responsibility for sales activities and ensuring a high level of satisfaction and loyalty
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing sales and service team to drive revenue growth and deliver exceptional customer support across the country
• Showcase technical solutions at industry trade shows, conferences, and networking events across Canada to enhance brand visibility and credibility
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform business strategies, product development, and market positioning
• Work closely with our client’s global sales, marketing, and technical teams to implement cohesive sales, marketing, and service strategies, ensuring seamless delivery of solutions and exceptional support
• Assume P&L responsibility, oversee budgeting, and report to the company’s headquarters

To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:

• Technical background (e.g., mechanical, process, or chemical engineering) with strong hands-on skills and the ability to understand and explain complex technical products
• Proven track record in B2B sales of machinery and industrial equipment
• Knowledge of the biogas, agricultural technology, or wastewater sectors is a plus
• Solid experience in developing and executing effective sales and marketing strategies
• Leadership experience, including managing and developing a team of at least five people in sales, service, or technical support
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a structured, self-driven work approach and a strong customer focus
• High willingness to travel within Canada and to international headquarters
• Familiarity with CRM systems (ideally Salesforce)
• Very fluent in English, additional French language skills as an added value; eligible to work in Canada