Account Manager - Private Label, Industrial Bulk and Food Service

Job DescriptionJob Summary:We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Account Manager to join their team, reporting directly to the Director of Sales. The primary focus of this role is to manage and grow their private label partnerships and industrial bulk business, catering to manufacturing companies in nutritional bar, baking, and pet food categories. Additionally, the candidate will help drive business development within the Canadian Foodservice Sector. The ideal candidate will possess a strong sales and food background, with the ability to address technical questions, build relationships, and drive new business opportunities.Responsibilities:Private Label:Manage existing private label partnerships, including contract negotiations.Review category assortment regularly to ensure the right mix of products aligns with market trends and customer preferences, optimizing sales and profitability for both parties.Proactively seek out and develop new private label partnerships.Industrial Bulk Business:Manage and grow the industrial bulk business, serving manufacturing clients in nutritional bar, baking, and pet food industries.Conduct market research to identify potential customers and industry trends.Collaborate with the production team to ensure efficient order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.Food Service Channel:Develop and execute strategies to establish the client in the Food Service Channel.Identify key accounts, negotiate contracts, and manage relationships with distributors and food service operators.Sales and Relationship Building:Actively seek and pursue new business opportunities within the assigned channels.Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients.Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing and operations, to achieve sales objectives.Provide product knowledge and technical support to address customer inquiries.Attend networking events, meetings, trade shows and broker ride-alongsOther duties as assigned.QualificationsProven experience in industrial ingredient sales, particularly within the food manufacturing sector. Understanding of the Food Service Channel, with a focus on developing relationships with distributors and operators.Must have solid background in the Canadian consumer-packaged goods industry.Must possess a “hunter” mentality.Strong technical knowledge of food products, able to address customer inquiries effectively.Food Science background preferred but not required.Excellent negotiation and communication skills.Superior written and verbal communication skills.Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets.Experience in private label management (asset).Minimum 5 years of experience in a related position.Self-motivated, proactive, and results oriented.Must be able to travel to the US with a valid passport.Travel makes up approximately 25% of this position. This person in this role must be able to travel nationally with some travel to the US. The successful candidate in this role will also need to be located in easy commutable distance from Brantford for training and in-person meetings, otherwise the role will be a hybrid role.