Associate Brand Development Manager

Overview:
**_ Our core purpose is “We are curators of unique brands, bringing elevated food and beverage experiences to Canadians.”_**Primary Responsibilities:
The overall focus is to manage the relationship between the foodservice principals of the brands managed and Tree of life Canada. The Associate Brand Development Manager has the responsibility of being the overall general manager for the brands under their area of responsibility. Main accountability is measured in margin dollar delivery, volume delivery (cases), expense control, and SKU productivity. Other qualitative areas of measurement include core principal satisfaction, customer satisfaction and interpersonal relationship development with company associates. As with all positions with Tree of Life Canada we expect that all activities will be consistent with Tree of Life Canada’s Mission, Vision and Values.

Essential Functions:

- Support and participate in food safety programs including SQF (Safe Quality Food)
- Accountable for overall gross margin dollar delivery for specific foodservice brands managed vs. budgeted levels.
- Accountable for overall volume and net sales dollar delivery for specific foodservice brands managed vs. budgeted levels.
- Expense budget control and status reporting, including issuing manufacturer chargebacks and collecting them in a timely manner.
- Ensure SKU productivity for items managed are optimized and meets overall company objectives, measured monthly.
- Accountable for working with sales to ensure pricing integrity is met. When price increases are needed, all supporting documentation is prepared with the proper level of detail and lead time required.
- Accountable for preparing and reviewing a minimum of quarterly profitability reviews for all brands managed.
- Meeting long-term growth goals of core brands.
- Marketing plan development and execution of all elements of the mix, which includes overall strategy, positioning, target market, advertising, consumer promotion, trade promotion, channel/account-specific programs, distribution, sales force incentives, merchandising, pricing, packaging, line extensions, research, sales aids, spending and business building.
- Work hand in hand with the sales department to prepare annual business plans by brand, by account.
- Accountable in preparing and presenting regular business reviews for specific vendors.
- Accountable for regular competitive reviews for specific categories managed, including review of flyer activities and pricing analysis.
- Customer accountability through the sales department for product issues within area of responsibility. Liaise with sales management to ensure fulfillment of TOL, principal, and customer objectives.
- Development, control, and vendor approval (as required) of annual fiscal product budgets.
- Explanation of brand performance variances to targets as required by vendors and internal reporting.
- Ensuring that all brand-related administrative functions such as bill backs are processed in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
- Assist with organizing and attending certain trade shows and Tree of Life Sales meetings. Some travel may be required.
- Must meet deadlines as requested by internal and external customers.
- Assist with foodservice brand broker sample requests.
- Assist with new foodservice brand/item setup to ensure all mandatory information required is obtained.
- Must maintain good attendance and safe work practices.
- Maintain safeguards of confidential company information.
- Other duties and special projects as requested.

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude:

- Two (2) years of progressive consumer packaged goods marketing experience with a proven track record of accomplishments and results.
- A bachelor’s degree or diploma in business, Sales, or Marketing is highly preferred.
- Sales or marketing experience in the food industry is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of the Canadian grocery industry players in both retail and foodservice is an asset.
- Proficiency in MS Office is required, as well as solid presentation skills, including PowerPoint.
- Experience with SAP S4HANA,and Power BI preferred.
- Strong communication skills (oral and written) and fluent in English with above-average presentation skills with the ability to speak effectively before groups of employees, management, and vendors.
- Demonstrated analytical skills, superior organizational and multi-tasking skills, strong negotiation skills, and working knowledge of category management and analysis of marketing research data.
- Excellent interpersonal abilities: ability to get along with diverse personalities and develop strong business relationships; tactful, mature, and flexible. Must have good reasoning abilities and sound judgment.
- High energy level, comfortable performing multifaceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities.
- Ability to establish credibility and be decisive but be able to recognize and support the