Key Account Manager - Metro

Job Title: Key Account Manager - Metro

Location: Etobicoke (Ontario)

About Us:

We are proud to say we are one of Forbes 2022 Canada’s Best Employers; here’s why!

Lactalis Canada is enriching and nurturing the lives of Canadians with a diverse offering of dairy products such as Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogurt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings; our products are in 94% of Canadian homes! For over 140 years we’ve grown through innovation and a strong dedication to quality, and we’re looking for like minded individuals to keep that growth progressing by joining our team!

Job Purpose

The Key Account Manager is, directly and/or indirectly, accountable and responsible for managing the business relationship including negotiating category agreements, pricing / data integrity, and communication with the sales team on branded and private label products for designated customer.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead in establishing Lactalis as a preferred supplier in assigned categories by negotiating agreements either as preferred or exclusive based on the opportunity and corporate priorities and maximize the Lactalis portfolio availability within the customer.
• Implement price increases by coordinating information with Lactalis Trade Marketing and submitting to the customer. Act as liaison between customer and Trade Marketing to finalize price.
• Determine customer sales requirements by conduct forecasting and entering data into SAP/forecasting system.
• Lead the customer in the development and execution of sales strategies for Lactalis categories that maximize volume, profitability and share results across the region through monitoring financial results and consumer consumption data /market analysis, and making strategic recommendations (e.g., marketing methods, managing product mixes) to achieve agreed targets.
• Act as liaison between the customer=and Lactalis Field sales team (i.e., Regional Sales Managers and Field Representatives) to communicate information/data (e.g., pricing, product codes) and issues
• Present category reviews to the customer at time of business reviews or launch of new product by analyzing internal, customer specific and market data. Develop presentations and include input from cross-functional team members for presentations. Identify issues and opportunities to further develop Lactalis business results.
• Negotiate product category agreements with customers as required. This includes conducting category reviews, developing formal financial proposals, interaction with Lactalis Regional Sales Managers/Account Managers, recommending pricing strategy and obtaining approval from Trade Marketing, Marketing and Finance.
• Provide advice and guidance in the development of Lactalis and the customer’s Annual Business Plans for branded & private label by validating future trade strategies and identifying key category opportunities. Ensure follow-up of the strategic execution and achievement of agreed upon the Plan.
• Clear all outstanding administration and valid deductions by conducting follow up with Finance department to secure repayment of all invalid deductions from the customer.

Education & Experience

• University degree or College diploma
• Minimum three (3) years experience effectively managing major key accounts

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to penetrate customer beyond immediate contact and build relationships such that Lactalis objectives are achieved.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and demands.
• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong category management skills
• Proficient with standard office computer technology such as Lotus Notes, Microsoft Office products (advanced Excel skills)
• Strong project management skills
• Strong analytical, planning and presentation skills
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

This job description is intended to summarize the overall level of responsibility of the job and is not an exhaustive list of all the duties performed.

What Lactalis will offer:

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:

• A Performance-Based Bonus System
• A Volunteer Day to give back to your community
• A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility
• Benefits starting day 1
• A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%
• A Competitive Base Salary
• 4 Weeks of Vacation
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/EOE

Bring Your Uniqueness to Grow Our Culture

We believe each and every individual within the organization provides value. When we encourage and include the voices of all diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we open doors to unforeseen growth and allow individuals to bring their full authentic selves to work. In order to celebrate the uniqueness of our people and the communities in which we operate, we are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive workplace that fosters real belonging for all.

Lactalis is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the member of the Talent Acquisition team in a timely fashion of any disabilities that requires accommodation measures in order to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Please note Lactalis Canada does not request a credit check or conduct other background checks through the LinkedIn application process. If any of the foregoing is required, a Lactalis Canada employee will contact you after a Job Offer has been signed by you.