Groupon Employee Spotlight:
Jordan Behem

Meet Jordan Behem, Groupon's Regional Director for North America, who currently leads our Sales team from France but is gearing up for an exciting move to Chicago this October ✈️
In this revealing interview, you'll discover what it takes to build a high-performing sales team, navigate a company-wide transformation, and thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment. This interview offers invaluable insights straight from a leader at the heart of the action so don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look!

Tell us about your journey to Groupon and what is your role?

I joined Groupon in 2010 as a Sales Representative for the South of France. Over the years, I've had the privilege of advancing through various roles, from Sales Manager to Regional Director, and eventually to Director of New Partnerships in 2017. In July 2018, I was honored to take on the role of Country Manager for Groupon France, leading the company’s Local operations in the country.

My role then expanded internationally, overseeing operations in Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany. Building on this European experience, I have recently taken on the position of Head of NA Local in the United States. This new responsibility reflects my commitment to embracing global challenges and continuing to drive growth on an international scale.

Tell us a little about your team. 

My team is still in the process of being built, as we are actively recruiting for several positions both for sales roles and managerial positions in the U.S. Despite being in this phase of development, I am already very proud of the individuals who are currently in place. I am committed to supporting both our experienced team members and new hires, helping them to grow and demonstrate their potential within Groupon.

I place a strong emphasis on trust and transparency within the team, and my goal is to serve and support them in their roles. By fostering an environment where open communication and mutual respect are paramount, I believe we can achieve great things together and continue to drive success for the company.

Can you give us a sneak peek into some exciting projects or challenges your team is currently tackling?

As mentioned earlier, one of our primary challenges is to build a strong and ambitious sales force capable of driving long-term growth. We are focused on developing a team that can sustain and build upon the initial positive results we’ve seen in North America since implementing our transformation strategy.

This involves not only recruiting and integrating new talent but also empowering our current team members to excel and contribute to our ambitious goals. By fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture, we aim to capitalize on early successes and position ourselves for continued success in the region.

You said you are currently expanding the sales team in the US. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes, we are indeed in the process of expanding our sales team in the U.S. This expansion is a key part of our strategy to build a robust and dynamic sales force that can drive sustainable growth and capitalize on the positive momentum we’ve experienced since implementing our transformation strategy.

We are focusing on bringing in talented individuals who are not only skilled and ambitious but also aligned with our company values and vision. Our goal is to create a team that is not only capable of achieving immediate sales targets but also equipped to contribute to long-term success and innovation within the company.

As we expand, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive support and development opportunities to both new hires and existing team members. This approach will ensure that everyone is well-prepared to thrive and make a significant impact as we continue to grow in the U.S. market.

Groupon is going through a unique transformation. What's the most exciting aspect of it?

Since I joined Groupon in 2010, I can confidently say that the current transformation plan is the most ambitious I’ve seen. This sweeping change is both exhilarating and demanding, reflecting the need to adapt and thrive in today’s intensely competitive e-commerce environment.

What excites me the most about this transformation is our commitment to leveraging our unique local DNA. Our distinctive approach and deep local expertise have always been core strengths for Groupon. By amplifying these attributes, we can better differentiate ourselves and respond more effectively to the needs of our merchant partners and the evolving consumption patterns of our users.

This transformation not only represents a significant opportunity for growth but also a chance to reinvigorate our brand and redefine our market position. Embracing and enhancing our local strengths will enable us to stand out, meet our partners’ needs, and lead with confidence in an ever-evolving industry.

Who finds the current culture interesting and will be successful with us?

The current culture at Groupon is well-suited for those who thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment. We are looking for motivated, flexible, and ambitious individuals who are excited about taking ownership and being accountable for their work. High performance is essential, and we value team members who are committed to delivering exceptional results.

Transparency and open communication are key to our operations, and we encourage innovative thinking and creative problem-solving. A strong customer and merchant focus drives everything we do, ensuring that we meet and exceed our customers’ and merchants' needs. Respect, integrity, and inclusion are fundamental to our culture, fostering a work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

If you resonate with these values and are eager to contribute in a fast-paced, forward-thinking setting, you will find success and fulfillment with us.

Tell us more about yourself. What was your first job?

My first job was as a Business Development Manager at Kidioui, a website specializing in price comparison for new and used vehicles. This role gave me valuable experience in building and nurturing business relationships, and it laid a strong sales foundation for my career.

What's a hobby or passion of yours that most colleagues might not know about?

One aspect of my personal interests that might surprise my colleagues is my keen fascination with the climate and natural events. I’ve always been captivated by how natural phenomena shape our world, and I make a point of staying informed about these developments. I almost ended up on the north pole studying climate :)  Additionally, I have a passion for traveling and discovering new cultures, which enriches my understanding of different environments and perspectives.

Why did you ultimately choose sales as your field? What was your path to sales and to this position?

I started my career as a Sales Representative and quickly realized my passion for the dynamic nature of the role. Over the years, I’ve worked through nearly every level of the sales hierarchy, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the field and its critical importance to business success.

At Groupon, I’m firmly convinced that a strong sales force is essential for our future. Sales drive growth, build relationships, and deliver value, which are all crucial for our continued success. My journey through various sales roles has only reinforced my belief in the foundational role that a dedicated and effective sales team plays in achieving our strategic objectives.

What would you recommend to anyone looking to start building a career in sales?

My advice would be to focus on developing key skills and cultivating a growth mindset. Strong communication is essential; being able to listen actively and articulate your value proposition clearly will set you apart. Understanding your product and the market you’re in is equally important—invest time in learning about your industry and what drives customer decisions.

Building genuine relationships is at the heart of successful sales. Strive to create trust and rapport with clients and colleagues, as these connections can be incredibly valuable in the long run. Sales can be challenging, so resilience and a positive outlook are crucial. You'll face rejection, but it's important to stay motivated and persistent.

At Groupon, the diversity of our partners requires a high degree of versatility, flexibility, and curiosity. You need to be adaptable and eager to learn in order to effectively meet the varied needs of our partners and stay ahead in a dynamic environment.

What has been your proudest moment so far at Groupon?

It was when one of my deals in France made 400k of GP in 3 days. It was an Eye Surgery deal and the merchant couldn’t believe it, we brought them 2500 customers at a very expensive price point.

What is unique about Groupon and why should people join us?

What sets Groupon apart is our unique combination of local expertise and innovative solutions that connect businesses with consumers. Our platform excels by leveraging deep insights into local markets to provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of both our partners and users.

Joining Groupon means becoming part of a team that values collaboration and continuous improvement. We offer a dynamic work environment where your contributions can make a real impact. The diversity of our partners demands adaptability and forward-thinking, which ensures a stimulating and engaging experience.

Additionally, our commitment to transparency, respect, and integrity fosters a supportive and inclusive culture. If you’re driven by the opportunity to drive growth, tackle new challenges, and contribute to a company that values its employees and partners, Groupon is an excellent place to build your career.

What qualities do you believe are essential in a team member, especially in our current phase of transformation? What do you look for when you hire into your team?

In our current phase of transformation, essential qualities in a team member include adaptability, resilience, and a strong sense of ownership. Given the dynamic nature of our changes, it's crucial for team members to be flexible and open to new approaches. Resilience is important because navigating through transformation can involve challenges and setbacks, and being able to stay motivated and focused is key.

A proactive mindset is also critical. We look for individuals who take initiative and drive their own projects forward, showing commitment to achieving our goals. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively are equally important, as working closely with others and sharing insights can significantly impact our success.

What are the top 3 roles you’re looking to hire in your team and why?

We are particularly focused on hiring Sales Representatives, in Business Development and Account Management, and Sales Managers. 

Sales Representatives are essential for driving growth and building strong relationships with our partners. They play a crucial role in expanding our market presence and delivering value to our clients. Sales Managers are equally important; we need leaders who can guide and support our sales teams through this transformative period. Their ability to implement new strategies, motivate their teams, and achieve our ambitious goals is key to our success.

For both roles, we seek candidates who are not only skilled and experienced but also enthusiastic about contributing to our transformation. We value individuals who are eager to embrace change, drive innovation, and play a significant role in shaping Groupon’s future.

What would you say to those who are still thinking about joining us at Groupon?

For those still contemplating a move to Groupon, I'd emphasize that this is a unique and pivotal moment for our company. We are in the midst of an exciting transformation, offering a chance to be part of something impactful and evolving. Also, our mission is great! Helping local businesses grow!

Rapid and Fire Questions

Book or Podcast? Got a favorite?

Book, The Ice People (La Nuit des Temps), from Barjavel 📚

Morning person or night owl?

Morning 

#1 on your bucket list?

Organize my move to Chicago 

Last thing you cooked?

Crepes 🥞

What series are you currently binging?

House of the Dragon 🐉

Favorite Groupon you've purchased? 

A Mattress

Favorite city you have visited? 

New York, for its energy

What is your karaoke song? 

I’m not a good singer 

Favorite emoji? 

👍

What is your guilty pleasure? 

Pain au chocolat