Role Summary:

The Strategic Account Specialist is responsible for driving profitable sales growth and expanding market share throughout an assigned Canadian territory. This position develops and executes strategic account plans, strengthens relationships with distributors and key customers, identifies new business opportunities, and collaborates cross-functionally to maximize branded product growth. The role serves as a trusted advisor to customers while representing the organization's culture, values, and commitment to exceptional service.

Role Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Develop and execute territory penetration strategies that drive profitable growth within assigned strategic accounts throughout Canada.
• Manage and grow existing customer relationships while identifying and developing new business opportunities.
• Plan, sell, and execute marketing initiatives, promotional programs, and annual trade calendars that maximize branded product growth.
• Lead the strategic selling process by assessing customer needs, developing customized solutions, recommending product assortments, and implementing pricing strategies.
• Continuously evaluate market trends, customer needs, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities to strengthen market position.
• Prepare sales forecasts, pipeline updates, territory reports, and business analyses utilizing CRM tools and internal reporting systems.
• Conduct regular business reviews, sales presentations, and joint business planning meetings with customers and prospects.
• Collaborate closely with distribution partners to increase brand awareness, improve execution, and expand market penetration.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments including Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Operations, and Leadership.
• Participate in local and national trade shows, industry events, customer meetings, and community engagement activities to promote the organization's brands.
• Meet or exceed established sales objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and profitability goals.
• Report food safety or quality concerns to leadership and comply with all Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) policies, procedures, and standards.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in strategic account management, business development, consumer packaged goods, food manufacturing, or a related sales environment.
• Experience working with distributors and retail or wholesale customers is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

A successful Strategic Account Specialist will: 

•  Demonstrate exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills.
•  Communicate professionally with customers, internal stakeholders, and external business partners.
•  Effectively coordinate multiple customer projects while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
•  Analyze sales data, customer performance, and business trends to support informed decision-making.
•  Demonstrate strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
•  Utilize CRM systems, ERP software, Microsoft Office applications, and business reporting tools proficiently.
•  Adapt to changing customer priorities and business demands while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
•  Exercise accountability, integrity, sound business judgment, and a customer-first mindset.
•  Foster collaboration, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and long-term customer partnerships.
•  Demonstrate initiative by identifying opportunities to improve customer satisfaction and account performance.

Physical Requirements:

The role requires the ability to travel regularly to customer locations, meetings, and facilities as needed. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer, attending meetings, or traveling, and must be capable of lifting and carrying materials such as product samples or sales materials, typically up to 25 pounds. The position also requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and possess sufficient visual and auditory acuity to communicate effectively, review documentation, and analyze data. The physical demands must be met with or without accommodation for an employee to be successful in performing the essential job functions of this role.

Frequent travel throughout Canada to support customers, distributors, trade shows, and business meetings.

Local and national travel is required, including overnight travel as business needs dictate.