ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE

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.

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 Canada.
• Showcase their 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.
• You will also assume P&L responsibility, oversee budgeting, and report to the company’s headquarters.

With successful sales activities and proven leadership, promotion to Managing Director of the Canadian subsidiary will be possible.

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

• Ideally, you have a technical background, such as in mechanical engineering, process engineering, or chemical engineering. You possess strong practical skills and the ability to understand and communicate technical products.
• A high willingness to travel is required. You should also have experience as a sales manager or managing director, including leading a team of at least five employees in sales, customer service, and technical support.
• You have solid knowledge in developing and implementing marketing and sales strategies. Experience in B2B sales of machinery is essential. Additionally, knowledge of industrial machinery sales, particularly pumps, is advantageous. Experience in the biogas or agricultural machinery sector is desirable but not mandatory.
• Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce is also a plus.

This role offers a competitive salary of CAD $100,000–$130,000 annually (plus commission), depending on experience, with the opportunity to shape our client’s Canadian presence from the ground up.