Director, Business Development and Sales – Lauzon Bois Énergétique

OUR CLIENT

Our client is a large-scale manufacturing company whose ambition is to raise operational excellence standards across its two plants by focusing on stronger employee engagement, improved operational practices, and the upgrading and maintenance of its production equipment and manufacturing processes.

This operational efficiency initiative aims to enhance the service potential of the plants and deliver measurable gains and improvements throughout the production, supply, and value chain.

PRIMARY ROLE

As Director of Business Development, you will lead the company’s growth strategy by developing new products, increasing raw material supply, and opening new sales channels — while consolidating the company’s position within the renewable energy and related products sectors to meet current and future market needs.

You will lead and identify new sales channels (local markets, export, digital platforms) and prospect new clients across consumer retail, industrial, and institutional sectors to support business expansion. You will negotiate and close strategic commercial agreements while representing the company externally.

You will play a central role in evolving your department’s structure, developing and mobilizing resources, and enhancing best practices to improve product quality and service levels.

In addition, you will be responsible for developing new markets and optimizing the global supply chain.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Industry Expertise: strong understanding of the wood and renewable energy sectors; ability to operate within a vertically integrated organization and to manage a global supply chain.

Strategic Operational Thinker: proven ability to develop and execute impactful, value-creating business strategies. Mastery of strategic and operational planning processes aligned with corporate objectives.

Business Development Expertise: strong market analysis skills; excellent negotiation, partnership management, and leadership abilities. Capable of leading product and process development initiatives and applying best practices while providing expert guidance and support.

Leadership Skills: proven experience in leading and developing high-performing teams, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and business partners.

Financial Acumen: strong skills in financial and cost analysis, including evaluating CAPEX investments and ROI.

Change Management: experience leading organizational transformation and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Ability to innovate and manage complex projects.

Collaborative Approach: ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels. Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail — a true “get-it-done” attitude.

Problem-Solving Skills: strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience identifying and implementing operational improvements.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

The ideal candidate has over 20 years of experience, including at least 15 years in team leadership, business development, and general management roles.

• University degree in Business Administration, Forestry Engineering, Sustainable Development, or a related field.
• Proven sales professional with solid experience in business development and negotiation with major retail and hardware chains.
• Significant experience in B2B business development within industrial or energy sectors.
• Strong business sense with a customer-focused mindset and excellent understanding of operations and supply chain management.
• Bilingualism (French and English), both spoken and written, is essential.
• Willing and able to travel up to 30% of the time.

DESIRED BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Financial acumen
• Strong communicator
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Mobilizing leadership
• Rigor and discipline
• Analytical thinking
• Manufacturing vision
• Problem-solving skills
• Managerial courage
• Agility

KEY CHALLENGES

1. Position Lauzon Bois Énergétique as a major commercial player among retailers, leveraging product innovations and sustainability initiatives.
2. Establish the analytical foundation for developing sales growth plans within an industry that has limited market data available.
3. Mobilize and develop the sales team.

PRIORITY INITIATIVES BY SEGMENT

Business Development

• Execute the strategic portion of the business plan:
• Introduce three new value-added products to the market and increase the volume of wood pellets available as quickly as possible.
• Support the new product development team.
• Define and penetrate key sales channels (major retail chains, networks, specialized retailers, agents, distributors, etc.).
• Increase wood pellet sales volume by 20% to 30% within 12 months.
• Launch value-added products within 6 to 12 months, maximizing profitability and performance.

Operations Management

• Upon arrival, provide transformational leadership within the sales team and implement necessary changes to enhance execution and engagement.
• Within the first 6 months, review the structure of the sales, customer service, and central marketing support teams.
• Within the first 12 months, gain a thorough understanding of the supply chain and support contract negotiations.

Strategic Planning

• Conduct a complete overhaul of the strategic plan, supported by impactful and value-creating commercial strategies.

PROPOSED INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. First interview with Glasford International Canada (consulting firm);
2. Second interview with the General Manager and Human Resources Director;
3. Third interview with the General Manager and the CEO.