Versele-Laga is a leading manufacturer of high quality food and care products for pet and performance animals with 10 factories in 3 continents. We sell our strong brands in over 85 countries thanks to our team of 1.100 colleagues with a true passion for animals. Our group headquarters are based in Deinze near Ghent. We produce more than 95% of our products in house starting from the best raw materials until the final packed product.
After more than 90 years of expertise since our founding, we are still a rock solid family owned company with a unique culture based on respect, passion and engagement. Our track record of strong growth continues in our long term ambitions based on innovation, high investments, regional expansion and of course our dedicated teams.
Every day, we are nurturing the bond between people and over 25 Million animals with the best nutrition and care products. We take our responsibility to improve the wellbeing of people and animals seriously through a wide range of initiatives. Next to that, we contribute to a better planet through local sourcing, lower CO2 emissions, energy and waste reduction.
In the United States, Versele-Laga oversees four core company brands: Versele-Laga, Higgins Premium Pet Foods, Cavalor and Roudybush.
· Versele-Laga and Higgins Premium Pet foods operate out of Miami, FL and offer a wide assortment of food, treats and supplements for birds, small animals and pigeons. They are committed to providing pets with the highest quality nutrition free of any artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
· Cavalor operates out of Dalton, GA and produces a complete line of premium horse feed, supplements and care products. They are focused on addressing the unique nutritional issues and challenges in the equine industry and are considered a leading nutrition solution provider.
· Roudybush operates out of Sacramento, CA and is a specialized bird food manufacturer. It offers science-based pellets, nectars, squab, and other diets for companion birds.
Role:
As Management Trainee, you will start your journey in our Sales department to drive international growth at Versele-Laga with our most strategic retail partners. You will play an important role in supporting daily business operations and ensuring excellent collaboration with our customers, while actively supporting the Global Channel Manager in executing the overall channel strategy.
Over time, you will have the possibility to explore other departments, other channels and other regions to build a strong foundation for a future leadership role within the company.
Key Responsibilities
1. Account Support & Relationship Management
Assist KAMs in managing day-to-day contact with strategic customers.
Build and maintain relationships with buyers, category managers, and store managers (for smaller accounts).
Follow up on client requests, orders, and service issues.
Ensure promotional agreements and contracts are executed as planned.
2. Sales & Promotion Execution
Monitor sales performance of accounts.
Track and follow up on promotions (discounts, POS materials, in-store activation).
Support listings of new products and ensure proper implementation at the client side.
Help prepare and deliver sales presentations.
3. Analysis & Reporting
Perform in-depth analysis of sales, distribution, and market data to identify growth drivers and assess potential risks.
Prepare reports and dashboards for KAMs and management.
4. Internal Coordination
Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, logistics, finance, and customer service to ensure alignment
Ensure correct flow of information regarding orders, forecasts, and promotions.
Support in resolving logistical or financial issues with customers.
Coordinate key accounts across countries in alignment with local Versele-Laga teams.
5. Strategic Support
Support the Channel Manager in rolling out the modern trade strategy across international markets.
Help optimizing processes in KAM, support the Channel Mgr in deploying them globally and securing a perfect adoption of new tools.
Who and what are we looking for?
Master’s degree with maximum 3 years of experience
Leadership experiences in campus or student organization are a plus
Growth mindset, resilience and flexibility to adapt with the rapid business changes
Strong business acumen and willingness to learn continuously
Analytical and strategic thinking skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
A natural affinity for working in an international context
You are open to regular travel
Fluent in Dutch, French and English. Knowledge of German is a strong asset.
Offer:
A competitive salary and benefits package tailored to your experience and impact.
The opportunity to work with a passionate and driven team in a dynamic and growing industry and to explore different departments, channels and regions.
Possibility to grow into a leading role in a large, ambitious, and international family-owned company, where your contributions truly matter.
The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their owners worldwide.
A collaborative and innovative work environment that values your ideas and creativity.
A unique perk: your well-behaved pet (dog, cat, rabbit, bird, or chicken) could become one of our cherished office companions!
A true family atmosphere, including active participation in team events such as the Versele-Laga Run in Deinze, the Versele-Laga Classic (cycling), and more.