The Customer Experience & Business Development Representative is responsible for driving growth at Ideal Group of Companies by combining exceptional customer service with proactive business development. This role supports existing customers while actively identifying, engaging, and developing new business opportunities across key markets.
The ideal candidate is energetic, resilient, competitive, and coachable, someone who is comfortable initiating conversations, handling rejection, and delivering a high level of service. This role offers a clear pathway into external sales and account management for high performers. Ideal is looking for a committed person who aligns with our core values:
· Value Creation: helping all stakeholders improve themselves.
· Empowerment: providing the tools and skills for you to get the job done.
· Bold: we are not afraid to change things around and look in new directions.
· Dependability: you can count on your teammates, who can count on you.
· Continuous Improvement: Good, Better, Best!
Key Responsibilities
Customer Experience & Order Management
· Serve as a primary point of contact for customer inquiries
· Process orders, quotes, returns, and exchanges accurately and efficiently
· Provide product recommendations based on customer needs
· Ensure timely communication and follow-up with all customers
· Maintain high service standards to drive repeat business and retention
· Handle customer concerns professionally and resolve issues quickly
Business Development & Lead Generation
· Identify and target potential customers including restaurants, hotels, bars & nightclubs, golf & country clubs, retail stores, convenience stores, and institutional clients such as hospitals and universities
· Conduct outbound outreach via phone, email, LinkedIn, and networking
· Generate and qualify leads to build a consistent pipeline
· Schedule and support discovery conversations
· Execute on lead generation campaigns in collaboration with leadership
· Track outreach and opportunities using CRM tools
Sales Support & Process Execution
· Prepare and follow up on quotes to convert opportunities
· Maintain accurate customer data and notes in CRM/ERP systems
· Support pricing updates and promotional execution
· Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities within existing accounts
· Contribute to continuous improvement of sales processes and workflows
Collaboration & Growth Contribution
· Work closely with leadership to support growth initiatives
· Participate in training and coaching sessions
· Contribute ideas to improve outreach, service, and sales performance
· Support the development of a high-energy, growth-focused sales culture
Ideal Candidate Profile
· High energy and a positive, proactive attitude
· Excellent communication skills
· Learns quickly and takes initiative
· Comfortable making calls and initiating conversations
· Resilient and not discouraged by rejection
· Enjoys working with customers and solving problems
· Wants to grow into a long-term sales or business development role
Education
Post-secondary education in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related field is an asset but not required.
Experience
· 1–5 years experience in customer service, sales, or a client-facing role
· Experience in hospitality, food service, retail, or technology solutions is an asset but not required
Skills
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills
· Ability to multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
· Basic proficiency with CRM tools
· Strong organizational and follow-up skills
· Ability to balance customer service with proactive outreach
Attributes
· Self-motivated and coachable
· Goal-oriented and accountable
· Strong work ethic
· Team-oriented with a growth mindset
· Competitive and self-motivated
Bonus Qualification
· Experience with outbound calling or lead generation
· Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, hospitality technology, or food & beverage operations
· Experience working in a fast-paced sales or service environment
Salary
· Base salary plus commission, based on qualifications
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $35,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Do you have a valid Manitoba drivers license?
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- Sales: 3 years (preferred)
- Hospitality and/or Food Industry: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
