Michael Helash

• Responsible for developing, negotiating and managing strategic partnerships with key customers through joint business planning to deliver volume, share and profit targets.
• Managed 2 of the most important accounts nationally as well as the largest budget with the national team (50%). Indirectly responsible for the majority of regional accounts in Western Canada.
• Developed and implemented the commercial strategy with key partners.
• Working with internal stakeholders to develop programs to drive results in a heavily restricted environment.
• Deployed prioritizes and actions in line with business strategies.
• Leading the key account team and supporting the field sales team in the implementation of the commercial plan.
• Hired, trained and developed the Key Account Executives in Western Canada and any new hire on the team across Canada.
• Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
• Developed and maintained high level, courteous and effective working relationships with customers both internally and externally.
• Extremely high sense of urgency with proven success working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
• Recognized for strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
• Participated/lead team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
• Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.

• Managed 9 direct reports (8 District Managers/1 Key Account Executive) and 56 indirect reports across Western Canada
• Developed strategic plans for the Western Canadian market in terms of price changes, launches, distribution, forecasting, pipeline and trade activity.
• Drove cost efficiencies across various areas including staff training, inventory control and customer acquisition by continuously optimizing processes and systems.
• Enhanced team performance by providing ongoing coaching, training, and mentoring to sales representatives.
• Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
• Coached and promoted high-achieving sales and account management employees to fill leadership positions with qualified staff and boost company growth.
• Developed comprehensive territory plans that ensured efficient allocation of resources and maximized productivity for the entire area.
• Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.

• Assisted in the development of annual sales forecasts for individual accounts as well as aggregated projections at a regional level; provided ongoing analysis of actual results against forecast figures throughout the year.
• Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
• Contributed to event marketing, sales and brand promotion.
• Increased sales with execution of full sales cycle processing from initial lead processing through conversion and closing.

Sales Representative - Saskatoon (November 1998 to August 1999)

Sales Representative - Winnipeg (August 1999 to November 2001)

District Sales Manager Manitoba - Winnipeg (November 2001 to February 2003)

Trade Development Manger - Toronto (February 2003 to November 2005)

Key Account Manager - Toronto (November 2005 to May 2009)

District Sales Manager GTA - Toronto (May 2009 to December 2009)

District Sales Manger AB South - Calgary (December 2009 to September 2010)