Vice-President, Business Development - Ingredients USA

About the Role

Quadra is seeking a strategic and results-driven Vice-President, Business Development – Ingredients USA to play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth, strategic evolution, and long-term success of our U.S. Ingredients business. As Quadra continues to expand its presence in the United States, this role represents a critical investment in strengthening our market position through targeted acquisitions, portfolio development, and team expansion.

Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, Ingredients North America, this executive will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and leading the integration of M&A opportunities; building and enhancing the U.S. ingredients product portfolio; and strengthening the U.S.-based team through proactive talent acquisition and development.

The Vice-President, Business Development – Ingredients USA will be a key member of the U.S. leadership team and the Ingredients NA Leadership team, acting as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to senior leaders across North America. This individual will play a central role in driving alignment, unlocking growth opportunities, and supporting the continued evolution of the ingredients business in a highly competitive and dynamic market.

Location: Ideally, this person will be based in Illinois (Chicago), Texas (Houston) or California (Los Angeles).

Responsibilities

• Mergers & Acquisitions: Identify, assess, and prioritize potential M&A targets aligned with Quadra's strategic growth objectives in the US Ingredients sector. Lead due diligence efforts, including commercial, operational, cultural, and integration assessments. Develop business cases and recommendations for executive leadership and Board review. Lead post-acquisition integration to ensure seamless onboarding of teams, suppliers, processes, systems, and customer relationships. Build strong relationships with the executive team, Ingredients Leadership Team, advisors, and other external stakeholders.
• Product Portfolio Leadership & Growth: Collaborate closely with the NA Director of Product Marketing and Business Directors across Food, Health & Personal Care, Manufacturing, and other segments to create a robust, competitive US product portfolio. Identify white space opportunities, emerging trends, and strategic supplier partnerships. Support prioritization of product line development based on US-specific market needs. Champion innovation and ensure alignment between US market requirements and North American product management teams.
• US Team Development & Talent Strategy: Lead recruitment, selection, and onboarding of key US Ingredients talent. Mentor and develop emerging leaders; foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer focus. Collaborate with HR and internal partners to ensure competitive hiring strategies in key US markets.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a senior ambassador for Quadra's Ingredients business in the US, representing the company with credibility and industry authority. Build strong, trust-based relationships with suppliers, customers, and strategic partners. Work closely with North American leadership to ensure alignment on strategy, resourcing, and organizational evolution. Provide thought leadership on market trends, competitive dynamics, and strategic risks.
• P&L Accountability: Contribute directly to driving profitability of the Ingredients P&L. Establish performance KPIs, monitor financial progress, and support course correction where required. Partner with Finance to ensure accurate forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Science or a related field (MBA strongly preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in the US ingredients industry (Food, Health & Nutrition).
• Demonstrated success in M&A sourcing, deal leadership, operational integration, or corporate development.
• Experience in Ingredients, specialty chemicals, or adjacent B2B distribution sectors strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of U.S. market dynamics, competitive landscape, and regulatory considerations.
• Deep network across suppliers, manufacturers, customers, industry consultants, and intermediaries.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a high-growth environment.
• Strong business acumen, including P&L management, strategic planning and track record of scaling operations and entering new markets in the U.S.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong change leadership and proven ability to lead through transformation, integration and organizational growth.
• Ability to define and execute long-term growth strategies in a complex, multi-market environment.
• Valid passport and driver's license required. Ability to travel across the U.S. (and international), up to approximately 40% of working time, including overnight travel.

Preferred Experience

• Executive experience at a distributor, manufacturer, or major supplier in the ingredients sector.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams across North America.
• Experience working in or leading U.S. market expansion initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to operate with autonomy, entrepreneurial mindset, and senior-level decisiveness.
• Deep understanding of commercial, operational and cultural diligence with the ability to assess risk, synergies and long-term value creation.
• Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities; ability to develop future leaders.

Evaluation Criteria

• Leadership & Influence: Ability to quickly earn credibility with senior executives, Business Directors, suppliers, and the broader organization. Depth of industry knowledge and reputation within the US market.
• Strategic Capability: Demonstrated track record of building or transforming product portfolios. Expertise in evaluating growth opportunities and driving execution.
• M&A Skills: End-to-end deal experience (sourcing through integration). Ability to manage complexity and lead cross-functional integration teams.
• People & Culture: Ability to recruit, manage, and inspire high-performing teams. Strong alignment with Quadra's culture, values, and collaborative style.
• Financial Accountability: Understanding P&L levers and ability to deliver sustained profitable growth.

Benefits

• Flexible Remote Work & Autonomy
• Tailored training and personalized support for growth
• Permanent, full-time position
• Competitive salary & Performance Incentives
• Excellent Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous Time Off: Flexible personal days, sick days and vacation
• Wellness Programs: Health and mental wellness programs
• 401K with match
• Car & Tech Perks: Car allowance, mileage, cellphone and internet costs
• Family-owned and supportive environment
• Award-Winning Workplace: Certified Great Place to Work®, WEConnect Women Owned, and Best Managed Company
• Inclusive Culture
• Career Growth opportunities
• Fun Social Activities: Company events, volunteering programs
• Referral & Recognition Programs: Monetary rewards for referrals, years of service, merit awards