Senior Commercial Manager

~ The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization established to address the problem of unsustainable fishing and safeguard seafood supplies for the future. ~

Our vision is for the world's oceans to be teeming with life - today, tomorrow and for generations to come. A sustainable seafood market is crucial to making this vision a reality.

We use our blue MSC label and fishery certification program to contribute to the health of the world's oceans. We want to transform the seafood market by recognizing and rewarding sustainable fishing practices and influencing the choices people make when buying seafood.

We work with fisheries and businesses around the world to achieve this mission.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to co-lead MSC's commercial engagement in the US, promoting and enhancing the organization's profile and partner engagement.

The goal of MSC's commercial program is to raise awareness of seafood sustainability issues in the US market through building support and demand for seafood and seafood products from MSC certified fisheries in the supply chain, including retail and food service.

Ensuring high levels of satisfaction and support to (and from) existing commercial partners is a major priority - to make the MSC program work better for them and demonstrate benefit, and in so doing, deepen their engagement. Additionally, the person in this position will continue to grow and develop the reach of the MSC program with new commercial partners throughout the seafood supply chain.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the US Program Director, the key responsibilities include: 

• Co-lead the development and implementation of MSC's US commercial strategy and action plan, in close collaboration with the Program Director and Western Senior Commercial Manager.
• Lead, motivate and manage one or more professionals in the implementation of a commercial outreach strategy for the Eastern US that is consistent with the MSC's mission and strategic objectives that delivers real benefits for MSC's partners.
• Work with existing Tier 1 customers and partners to improve their satisfaction with the MSC program and to build, deepen and strengthen their participation with the MSC. In addition, ensure use of MSC ecolabel is according to MSCI guidelines and that licensing decisions are taken by the MSCI team.
• Continue growth and development in the reach of MSC program with second tier partners throughout the seafood supply chain. Manage targeted outreach activities to retailers, wholesale distributors, foodservice operators, processors, importers and key players in the restaurant sector.
• Increase demand for and penetration of MSC-certified and labelled products in the US region. 
• Work closely with the Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, US and MSC's Head of Marketing in delivering effective and value for money co-marketing campaigns and initiatives with customers and partners.
• Identify issues and obstacles to the effective delivery of the program, and devise and propose solutions to those obstacles. While the primary focus here will be on effective functioning of the Chain of Custody and Logo License programs in the US, due consideration is required of the global nature of the
• MSC program and the need for solutions that are applicable across all markets important to the MSC.
• Linked to the above, contribute to MSC's policy discussions on key issues affecting commercial success of the MSC.
• Work in conjunction with the MSC's fisheries teams to support MSC-certified fisheries in gaining access to the US marketplace.
• Represent the MSC at meetings and conferences, as appropriate.
• Assume responsibility for negotiating, agreeing and signing contracts on MSC's behalf with external consultants and service providers on commercial related projects as required, and within delegated authority limits.
• Ensure that project management best practices are employed to deliver all commercial activities within strategy, budget and deadline.
• Undertake hands on day to day activity alongside colleagues in order to deliver strategies and action plans.
• Undertake any other responsibilities assigned by the Program Director, USA or Regional Director, Americas. 

Qualifications  

• 10 plus years of experience gained from working within supply chains (processors through to retailers and food service companies) covering marketing, brand development, direct sales or other related commercial activities, with a strong preference given to those with experience directly in the seafood sector. 
• Extensive knowledge of the seafood industry, with existing contacts and networks highly desirable.
• Relevant postgraduate degree, diploma or equivalent - a marketing qualification is an advantage.
• Knowledge of third party certification schemes and the role of eco-labelling an advantage.
• Evidence of excellent management skills and the ability to lead and inspire. 
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, including developing budgets and monitoring expenditure for a diverse range of projects.
• Versatility to combine self-management and self-support with productive team membership and leadership.
• Ability to travel on a regular basis, work irregular hours, and deliver effectively while traveling.
• Must have a valid passport and be able to travel internationally.
• Position will be part of the MSC Americas Team, and will report to the US Program Director in Seattle, WA. 

To Apply 

Please use the email address below, or mail, a letter and resume to:

Robin Mead
MSC Americas Region
2110 N. Pacific St., Suite 102
Seattle, WA 98103

Note: Applications must be received by 5:00 pm PST Friday, December 2, 2016. Interviews are planned for mid-December. Anticipated work start date is January 2017.