National Account Director
Wonderberry European Products
Position Summary
Wonderberry European Products is one of Canada’s fastest-growing specialty food distributors, representing more than 700 authentic European food products sourced from leading manufacturers across Eastern Europe. Our products are distributed in over 1,200 retail locations across Canada, with strong partnerships across major national grocery retailers.
We are seeking an experienced, results-oriented Sales Director – Empire Group to lead our business with Empire Company Limited, including Sobeys, FreshCo, Longos, and other Empire banners. This individual will be responsible for accelerating sales growth, expanding distribution, executing category strategies, and strengthening strategic relationships with Empire’s merchandising teams.
The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge of the Canadian grocery industry, exceptional negotiation skills, and a proven history of growing national retail accounts.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Account Leadership
· Develop and execute the annual business plan for all Empire banners.
· Deliver annual sales, profit and distribution objectives.
· Build long-term strategic relationships with Empire category managers, merchandising teams and banner leadership.
· Identify opportunities to increase market share and category presence.
Sales Growth
· Secure new product listings across all applicable Empire banners.
· Increase distribution of Wonderberry’s existing portfolio.
· Develop promotional strategies that maximize sales and return on investment.
· Identify seasonal, multicultural and event-driven selling opportunities.
· Drive incremental merchandising programs including displays, features and promotional events.
Category Management
· Analyze sales performance using retailer and syndicated data.
· Recommend assortment improvements and SKU rationalization.
· Develop category reviews and customer presentations.
· Monitor competitive activity and emerging market trends.
Business Planning
· Prepare annual joint business plans.
· Develop sales forecasts and promotional calendars.
· Manage trade spending budgets and promotional investments.
· Deliver accurate monthly sales forecasts.
Cross Functional Leadership
· Work closely with Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations to ensure successful product launches.
· Coordinate inventory planning to support promotional activity.
· Ensure execution of customer-specific initiatives.
Customer Relationship Management
· Become the primary point of contact for Empire.
· Conduct regular business reviews.
· Resolve customer issues quickly and professionally.
· Represent Wonderberry at industry meetings and customer events.
Reporting & Analytics
· Track KPIs including:
o Sales Growth
o Gross Margin
o Distribution Gains
o Promotional ROI
o Forecast Accuracy
o Market Share
· Prepare executive reports for senior leadership.
Qualifications
· Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Commerce or related discipline.
· Minimum 7–10 years of grocery retail sales experience.
· Experience managing Sobeys and FreshCo preferred.
· Proven success selling branded consumer packaged goods.
· Strong understanding of category management principles.
· Excellent financial and analytical skills.
· Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.
· Experience with syndicated data (Nielsen, Circana or equivalent) considered an asset.
· Exceptional presentation and negotiation abilities.
Core Competencies
· Strategic Thinking
· Relationship Building
· Negotiation
· Business Development
· Financial Acumen
· Leadership
· Customer Focus
· Analytical Decision Making
· Communication
· Results Orientation
Performance Expectations
The Sales Director will be expected to:
· Achieve annual sales and profitability targets.
· Increase distribution across Empire banners.
· Expand promotional activity and merchandising opportunities.
· Successfully launch new products.
· Strengthen customer relationships.
· Improve forecast accuracy and inventory management.
· Deliver sustainable year-over-year growth.
Why Join Wonderberry?
Wonderberry European Products is a dynamic, entrepreneurial organization bringing authentic European food products to Canadian consumers. We offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing business, work with leading retail partners, and contribute to expanding one of Canada’s most exciting multicultural food portfolios.
If you are passionate about building brands, growing strategic retail partnerships, and delivering exceptional results, we encourage you to a
Pay: $130,000.00-$200,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
