Key Account Manager, Canada
Overview:
Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer North America, the Key Account Manager is accountable for planning and leading business development and sales growth across assigned accounts in Canada. Accounts will be allocated and managed under the direction of the CRO based on business priorities and strategic needs.
This role works in close partnership with internal leadership and cross-functional teams to drive revenue, distribution, and execution excellence across all assigned retail and foodservice accounts.
You will be expected to deliver on the Ten Things that Require Zero Talent: being on time, work ethic, effort, body language, attitude, passion, being coachable, doing extra, and being prepared. You should live the brand, and our six core virtues & evangelize our delicious creations with passion in everything you do.
Job Type: Full-Time Remote (minimum 40 hours per week, subject to business priorities) Travelling required as needed by the business.
Salary: $85,000 - $100,000 annually with KPI bonus
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead, monitor, and accelerate sales opportunities with current distributor and merchandising partners within Canada
- Lead and manage Key Accounts and sales partners
- Maintain monthly meetings to review business performance and implement course corrections as needed
- Motivate and direct internal and external sales partners to achieve business objectives.
- Own execution of sales plans including product, placement, pricing, and promotion strategies in the region
- Make data-driven decisions to enhance winning strategies and adjust underperforming initiatives
- Collaborate with demand planning and marketing teams to align on priorities, opportunities, resources, and campaigns
- Work with the CRO to develop, plan, and execute strategic selling plans for accounts in Canada, including customer targeting and achievement of volume, profit, and expense goals
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships, understanding their business models and influencing key decision makers to support growth
- Manage and actively participate in trade shows and industry events to maximize sales opportunities
- Support development and execution of marketing strategies within Canada
- Provide weekly reporting on sales and trade spend vs budget
- Identify and escalate budget risks proactively
- Collaborate with finance and process MCBs and trade spend to ensure accuracy and alignment with budget expectations
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT:
- Partner with Category Managers, Directors, and Grocery Buyers to optimize pricing, product, promotion, and placement outcomes within Canada
- Build strong relationships with key retail contacts to increase access and support
- Monitor banner performance and trade spend effectiveness
- Work with the CRO and sales leadership peers to develop annual plans and monthly performance reviews
- Attend and lead Key Account meetings representing the Cedar Valley brand
- Spend at least one day per month in the field with independent sales partners
- Review sales performance, x-factory data, and POS data during monthly business reviews
BUDGET PLANNING:
- Collaborate with CRO and CFO on Canada sales budget planning and analysis
- Provide monthly reporting on top accounts vs budget, prior year, and latest estimate
- Maintain reporting systems using distributor and sales data
- Align resources and execution plans to achieve monthly and quarterly targets
- Support the S&OP process at the regional level, including distribution, sales, and profitability targets
PARTNER MANAGEMENT:
- Manage distributor relationships within Canada by setting clear expectations and performance targets
- Hold partners accountable for results and ensure they have the tools and support required to succeed
- Work closely with merchandising teams to ensure product placement is optimized and Planogram (POG) compliance is consistently achieved
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
- Authorized to work in Canada Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field an asset
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience working in a fast-paced CPG or retail sales environment
- Minimum of 10 years developing, delivering, and reporting performance of integrated marketing & sales plans
- Strong CPG industry experience is required
- Experience in developing and managing budgets
- Experience in negotiating with suppliers and external vendors
- Proven relationship builder with an effective and persuasive communication style
- Data and sales analysis - comfortable and capable of finding opportunities from numbers
- Entrepreneurial mindset - makes decisions and acts like an owner of the brand
- Knowledgeable of market and industry trends, competitors, and leading customer strategies
- Strong and proven leadership skills with experience building, managing and mentoring a dedicated team
- Strategic planning, strong cross-functional exposure and experience
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including presentation
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects against deadlines
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and G-Suite
- Willingness to travel and work outside of standard hours, including evenings and weekends
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Light or moderate lifting may be required
- Able to sit or stand for extended periods
- Limited bending, twisting and crouching
Pay: $85,000.00-$100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Do you have a minimum of 10 years of experience in a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) ?
- Please list the major retail banners, foodservice accounts, distributors, or key accounts you have managed in Canada (e.g., Loblaw, Sobeys, Metro, Costco, Sysco, Gordon Food Service, etc.).
Work Location: Remote
