Business Development Specialist

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Business Development Specialist - Québec & Atlantic Regions

**Business Development Specialist - Québec & Atlantic Regions**
- Reporting to the National Sales Manager, the Business Development Specialist manages and performs activities that drive corporate objectives and financial results for independently owned Gold Crown and large volume Hallmark Express accounts. Partners with independent retailers (IR) to develop tailored strategies for each rooftop as part of a joint business planning process. Communicates and executes programs that support strategic corporate and IR growth plans and ensure a superior brand experience at retail. Effectively leads installations, revisions, relocations and renovations. Provides ‘feet on the ground' perspective, recommendations and support to the Market Development team for assigned territory and assists in the seamless onboarding of newly acquired accounts.
- A hybrid business model incorporating both work-from-home and in-person meetings and travel as required.

**Key Responsibilities & Duties.**
- As a Business Development Specialist, you will:

- Have responsibility to manage and perform activities that drive objectives and financial results for the Québec and Atlantic provinces, for independently owned Gold Crown/specialty networks and large volume Hallmark Express accounts.
- Develop and nurture professional relationships with independent retailers and their store management associates leveraging a hybrid business model incorporating both digital and in person sales techniques as needed.
- Act as a consultant with independent store owners, partnering to prioritize retailer health and franchisee development while optimizing sales throughout the network.
- Communicate and execute programs that support strategic corporate and IR growth plans and ensure a superior brand experience at retail.
- Focus on joint business planning with owners, targeted goal setting, proactive action planning, and the persistent follow through necessary to maximize revenues, address sales gaps, and ensure execution at store level that is consistent with Hallmark's standards.
- Participate in Market Development initiatives by identifying opportunities for new distribution and/or new franchisees and supporting the onboarding of new accounts.
- Work in a very autonomous environment with no direct reports, although you may be required to provide direction on or manage larger projects such as program revisions, store installations, renovations, and relocations.
- Provide product and marketplace expertise specific to each rooftop to strategically position programs, maximize buy-in, and nurture business changes intended to deliver long-term success and exceed corporate and IR objectives.
- Analyze sales data utilizing space for sales performance, comparative sales, and trend reporting; stay abreast of market and retail trends and sales program intelligence.

**Required & Preferred Competencies**:

- Be available to travel as required based on business needs.
- University degree in Business Administration/Marketing or related field - Preferrable.
- Experience in a customer-focused sales environment (preferably franchised) and general business or marketing understanding is required.
- Must maintain a high and current level of knowledge on financial and strategic goals, products/programs, policies and procedures, and has strong technical capability to navigate Microsoft Office.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and vehicle.
- Strong customer orientation - Clear and strong understanding of retailer goals/business needs and must possess the strategic planning, resourcefulness, and adaptability to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Results driven - Organizes and addresses priorities in a manner that is focused on attaining key sales & performance management objectives.
- Strong relationship management abilities: Able to establish & maintain collaborative & productive working relationships with internal partners and assigned retailers.
- Must possess the ability to effectively navigate conflict and negotiate solutions with retailers to influence their position on a variety of business issues.
- Strong communication skills: Ability to effectively articulate strategy, products, and programs and communicate effectively (both written & verbally) with internal personnel and external customers.
- Must demonstrate a professional demeanor in all interactions and use a positive and enthusiastic attitude to engage others and gain consensus.
- Employs effective problem solving, strategic thinking, and conflict management techniques.
- Our approach to diversity is simple - It's about embracing everyone. From building a culture where all employees can bring their best selves to work, to deploying diversity initiatives that support everyone, we're doing what it takes to build an inclusive world for all.
- Should you require accommodation during the hiring process, pl