Our client, a leading national food distribution organization in Vancouver, BC is seeking a Director of Business Development / Strategic Accounts to join their executive team. This newly created leadership role is responsible for driving strategic growth across the company's largest national grocery customers while helping modernize and standardize account management practices across the organization.
Reporting directly to the executive leadership team, this role will partner closely with existing account leaders to develop long-term customer strategies, improve cross-functional collaboration, and identify scalable growth opportunities across procurement, sales, sourcing, and supply chain functions.
This position is fully on-site in Vancouver, BC, with flexibility for candidates located in Western Canada. The successful candidate will spend the first six months working primarily from the Vancouver office to build key internal and customer relationships before transitioning to a more flexible hybrid work arrangement.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $130,000 – $150,000
- Performance-based bonus program
- Participation in the company's Unit Appreciation Rights (UAR) program
- Relocation assistance available
- 3 weeks' vacation (potentially negotiable to 4 weeks)
- 5 paid sick days
- Extended health benefits (75% employer paid, increasing to 100% after four years)
- $80/month cell phone allowance
- Business mileage reimbursement
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic growth and development of six major national grocery accounts across Canada.
- Develop and implement consistent annual account plans and long-term customer growth strategies.
- Partner with account managers to identify opportunities for increased market penetration and customer expansion.
- Drive collaboration between procurement, sourcing, sales, and supply chain teams to improve operational efficiency.
- Standardize successful customer programs and best practices across multiple accounts.
- Identify opportunities to streamline procurement activities and reduce duplication across regions.
- Support organizational transformation by improving cross-functional processes and strengthening internal collaboration.
- Build strong executive-level customer relationships while identifying new business opportunities within existing strategic accounts.
- Provide leadership and influence across multiple business functions without direct people management responsibilities.
Qualifications
- 8+ years of progressive experience in business development, strategic account management, or sales leadership within the produce or food distribution industry.
- Demonstrated experience managing large national grocery or retail accounts.
- Strong understanding of produce sourcing, procurement, supply chain, and customer program development.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic growth initiatives across multiple customer segments.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders across multiple business units.
- Excellent relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance customer needs and operational priorities.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented organization; private equity experience is considered an asset.
- Willingness to travel throughout Canada and the United States as required.
At Aplin — together with our brands CompuStaff, Impact Recruitment, and Vantix Systems — we connect great people with great organizations across North America. We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We use AI tools to assist in a fair and efficient matching process, helping our recruiters connect the right people with the right opportunities. To be considered, applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any required permits. Our recruitment services are always free for job seekers.
