National Account Manager

We are looking for an enthusiastic and keen individual to fill the role of National Account Manager - Sobeys.

Reporting to the Sales Director - Grocery, the National Account Manager will be responsible for developing long-term relationships with Sobeys divisions/banners, connecting with key business executives and stakeholders. The National Account Manager will liaise between the customer and cross-functional internal teams to ensure the timely and successful delivery, or over delivery, of Lindt’s sales and profitability growth targets.

**Responsibilities**:
Key Account Management
- Operate as the lead point of contact for any and all matters specific to the customer
- Influence growth in the category and at Sobeys through a focused and fact-based selling and decision making process for both the everyday and seasonal segments of the business.
- Achieve sales objectives as per Key Account and Corporate plan through the development and execution of business plans specific to the individual banners ensuring that it is on strategy with Lindt Canada’s sales & marketing plans
- Communicate clearly the progress of monthly & annual initiatives to internal and external stakeholders
- Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships, addressing any customer service issues in a timely fashion both at the category and cross functionally at supply chain, finance and store operations at the junior and senior level desks.
- Provide candid feedback and recommendations on account/banner issues in order to maximize effectiveness and efficiency
- Work collaboratively with the Field Sales team to effectively communicate banner initiatives, priorities and business details to support flawless execution of the Business Plans at retail level
- Maximize account potential by leveraging marketing initiatives (new products, P.O.S., category reviews, etc.) within the category and specified banners
- Analyze and present current market data as part of category reviews utilizing all available fact based selling tools (Cognos, Nielson, POS, etc.) to determine future sales opportunities
- Manage and monitor customer trade spend through continuous analysis & review of the business performance, to fully maximize effectiveness and efficiency

People Management
- 2 Direct Reports: Leads and develops KAM - Account Manager and Key Account Analyst
- Provide direction and support to the direct report to effectively execute business plans and adhere to budget objectives

Qualifications:

- Post-secondary education in Business or related discipline
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in Consumer Packaged Goods industry with 2 or more years of Sobeys account management experience
- A strong understanding of Category Management, strategic business planning and forecast and trade spend management.
- Proven track record of success in account management with a focus on fact based, analytical selling
- Experience in sourcing and analyzing market level and account data for presentations
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time while paying strict attention to detail
- Excellent listening, negotiation and presentation skills
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Computer proficiency with Cognos, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint)
- Self-starter with an ability to work independently and as a team member

Lindt is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request. Please contact our Human Resources department for more information. #CORPORATE #SALES #LI-LINDTCA #LI-Hybrid #LI-DT1