Now Hiring - Retail Sales Director, Business Development in Los Angeles, CA

T&T Supermarkets is marking 30 years as Canada’s favorite Asian grocery store with the announcement that it will soon open a store in the United States. The new store will open Summer of 2024 in Bellevue, Washington in the Marketplace at Factoria. At 76,000 square feet, it will be the largest Asian supermarket in the state, and a flagship store for T&T.

Additionally, T&T will be establishing a regional office in the greater Los Angeles area to grow T&T’s vendor base with American food suppliers.

Headquartered in Richmond, BC, T&T Supermarkets is the largest Asian supermarket chain in Canada, operating stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. The stores feature an expansive variety of fresh produce, meat, seafood, Asian packaged goods, trendy kitchenware and gifts, as well as in-store kitchens and bakeries. T&T Supermarkets was founded in Vancouver in 1993 and is now led by second-generation successor and CEO, Tina Lee. In 2009, T&T Supermarkets was acquired by Loblaw Companies Limited.

The Role

Reporting to the CFO, the Director, Business Development will play a crucial role in driving strategy, capitalizing on business opportunities, and supporting the growth of T&T Supermarkets. This newly created role will be an exciting leadership opportunity to shape the organization’s overall direction, operations, and strategy.

The Director, Business Development is experienced in the retail industry, with solid industry connections, and a strong pulse on the market.

Major Responsibilities

· Manage and oversee the overall business growth and operations in the US, as a strategic partner to the leadership team

· Provide oversight and leadership to the T&T US Marketing and Digital teams

· Build and foster strategic relationships with government entities, industry leaders, vendors, and partners to drive business growth

· Lead strategic initiatives and special projects as determined by the CFO

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, finance, and legal to develop and implement strategies to support the successful operation of T&T in the US

· Demonstrate strong competence in US business practices, regulations, and compliance requirements, ensuring full adherence to local laws and regulations

· Lead negotiations and manage contract agreements with potential partners, vendors, and other stakeholders

· Monitor and analyze key performance metrics and market trends to assess the effectiveness of business development strategies, and make data-driven recommendations for improvement

· Represent T&T at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to enhance brand visibility and establish valuable connections

· Provide input on retail site selection, taking into consideration market demographics, competition, and local business practices

· Engage with local community, including identifying sponsorship opportunities and non-profit partnerships

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree

· Proven track record of at least 8 years in the retail industry

· Strong business acumen, with extensive knowledge of the US retail industry, including understanding of local business practices, consumer trends, and competitive landscape

· Strong network of contacts within the retail industry, including vendors and partners

· Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, with ability to influence and build relationships at all levels

· Analytical mindset and proficiency in conducting market research, analyzing data, and making data driven recommendations

· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, with the capacity to adapt to changing priorities

· Familiarity with US business practices, regulations, and compliance requirements

· Proven self-starter, with ability to find, develop and close leads and relationships

· Strong interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain effective relationships, and work with cross-functional teams

· Exceptional verbal and written communication in English

· Conversational in Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) an asset

· Experience with marketing and e-commerce an asset

· Experience with public relations and government relations an asset

· Ability to travel as required

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $105,000.00 - $190,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Are you legally eligible to work in Los Angeles?
• Are you able to work on site during regular working hours?
• Are you able to travel within North America?

Language:

• Chinese (Preferred)
• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person