Key Account Manager

OVERVIEW

The Key Account Manager - Blue Buffalo supporting Grocery/Food/Drug/Mass will be responsible for executing the go to market strategy and managing the day to day business between Blue Buffalo and our customers. This individual will be tasked in developing and executing initiatives to drive sustainable growth including innovation, promotions and marketing campaigns. You will need to leverage your strong influential leadership, previous retailer experience & cross-functional expertise to set strategies that enable both BLUE and our current/potential customers to win. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate strategic thinking, negotiation skills, as well as someone who can flawlessly execute, drive a culture of inclusion, and deliver personal accountability. Another facet of the role will be to identify other Key Accounts in Canada and how we can establish a business with them.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

SELLING EXPERTISE & LEADERSHIP

Works closely with Internal and External partners to understand & educate on customer strategies/ priorities/ tactics/ policies
Aligns analytics, customer strategy and trade strategies to build an annual merchandising plan for their category/customer
Lead Joint Business Planning process at grocery accounts & negotiations while accelerating BLUE's long-term strategies
Identify new accounts and routes to market to expand the grocery category

EXECUTIONAL EXCELLENCE

Lead regularly scheduled meetings with customers, provide results and opportunities to drive the business
Lead event execution from initial opportunity through to final event (external concept/opportunity sell-in, participating items, consumer/customer offer, point of sale execution, Special Pack Display confirmation, retail feedback)
Develop and maintain strategic relationships across all Departments including merchants/buyers, marketing and supply chain
Completes requirements for account(s) i.e. deal sheets, promotional executions, customer presentation decks inclusive of new product innovation reviews
Budget, plan and track promotional events with accounts
Present innovative solutions, items and rollout plans in timely fashion that meet the accounts needs

PROBLEM SOLVING & ANALYTICS

Analyze and summarize key business learnings and sales trends from your areas of responsibilities back to the BLUE Business
Identify customer-specific strategic initiative opportunities, leveraging analytics and financial acumen to operationalize both internally and externally.
Integrate customer data and knowledge of BLUE Buffalo's strategies to make promotional and assortment recommendations
Unlock efficiencies through process improvement and promotional analysis

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a Pet enthusiast
3+ years in account management experience in which you manage customer accounts
Strong knowledge of customer sales systems (Loblaws, Sobey's, Metro, Nielsen, IRI & dunnhumby)
Must be able to analyze data and extrapolate insights that translate into results
Ability to multitask and thrive in fast paced, growing business environment
Ability to work in a team setting, display excellent communication skills and interpersonal qualities
Possess the talent to interface directly and effectively with all levels within the organization
Strong negotiation skills, with ability to follow-through
Able to travel occasionally, 10% overnight travel and some weekend work
Must be able to lift up to 30lbs
Strong sales, planning, organization, leadership, teamwork skills and proficient in software packages (Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in Consumer Packaged Goods or Pet food industry
Bachelor's degree preferred
Blingual (French/English) is an asset
Food/Drug/Mass retail experience working with pet product distributors is a plus

**ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS**:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in Canada. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for a Canadian work visa.
International relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of Canada) will not be considered.