Client Manager - Foodservice GTA

The Affinity Group; Richmond Hill; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Affinity Group Canada is seeking a Client Manager, Foodservice to act as the primary liaison between assigned manufacturer clients, distributor partners, and sales teams. This role translates client objectives into marketplace execution and manages relationships across the network.

The successful candidate will drive pricing programs, product launches, and sales initiatives while monitoring marketplace execution and mitigating risks. Travel within the assigned territory is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in foodservice, food manufacturing, food brokerage, distribution, sales, account management, or client services.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CRM systems.
• Valid driver’s licence and ability to travel throughout the assigned territory.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned manufacturer clients.
• Build trusted partnerships through proactive communication and responsiveness.
• Lead day-to-day client interactions while ensuring timely follow-through on commitments.
• Represent client interests within Affinity Group and across external stakeholders.
• Participate in business reviews, planning meetings, and strategic discussions.
• Translate client objectives, priorities, and strategies into actionable plans for sales and internal teams.
• Drive successful execution of pricing programs, promotional activities, product launches, and sales initiatives.
• Monitor marketplace execution and proactively identify opportunities or risks.
• Coordinate resolution of execution issues to protect client relationships and business outcomes.
• Ensure alignment between client expectations and field execution.
• Partner closely with distributor sales teams and key contacts.
• Support distributor-driven initiatives and customer opportunities.
• Facilitate product knowledge sessions and training programs.
• Participate in distributor meetings, foodshows, customer events, and industry functions.
• Develop strong relationships throughout the foodservice distribution network.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of assigned product portfolios, programs, and category strategies.
• Communicate product positioning, applications, and key selling points effectively.
• Support new product introductions and marketplace opportunities.
• Collaborate with sales teams to identify growth opportunities and address market challenges.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to client programs, pricing, rebates, and approvals.
• Prepare and coordinate client reporting and business updates.
• Ensure timely communication between clients, sales teams, and internal departments.
• Support internal planning, forecasting, and project coordination activities.

Job description

Affinity Group Canada is a leading foodservice brokerage representing premier food manufacturers across the country. Locally owned and operated, we are known for our strong relationships, category expertise, and outstanding execution. Our success is driven by our people and our commitment to delivering value to our clients, customers, and partners.

About the Role

We are seeking a Client Manager, Foodservice to act as the primary liaison between assigned manufacturer clients, distributor partners, and sales teams. This role is responsible for translating client objectives into successful marketplace execution. The successful candidate will manage client relationships, support strategic initiatives, coordinate programs and pricing activities, oversee execution, and ensure alignment between client expectations and field activity. This position is ideal for an individual with experience in foodservice, food manufacturing, brokerage, distribution, or account management who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, and driving results in a fast-paced environment.

Key Expectations of the Role

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned manufacturer clients
• Build trusted partnerships through proactive communication and responsiveness
• Lead day-to-day client interactions while ensuring timely follow-through on commitments
• Represent client interests within Affinity Group and across external stakeholders
• Participate in business reviews, planning meetings, and strategic discussions

Program Execution & Marketplace Leadership

• Translate client objectives, priorities, and strategies into actionable plans for sales and internal teams
• Drive successful execution of pricing programs, promotional activities, product launches, and sales initiatives
• Monitor marketplace execution and proactively identify opportunities or risks
• Coordinate resolution of execution issues to protect client relationships and business outcomes
• Ensure alignment between client expectations and field execution

Distributor & Industry Engagement

• Partner closely with distributor sales teams and key contacts
• Support distributor-driven initiatives and customer opportunities
• Facilitate product knowledge sessions and training programs
• Participate in distributor meetings, foodshows, customer events, and industry functions
• Develop strong relationships throughout the foodservice distribution network

Product & Portfolio Management

• Maintain detailed knowledge of assigned product portfolios, programs, and category strategies
• Communicate product positioning, applications, and key selling points effectively
• Support new product introductions and marketplace opportunities
• Collaborate with sales teams to identify growth opportunities and address market challenges

Reporting & Internal Coordination

• Maintain accurate documentation related to client programs, pricing, rebates, and approvals
• Prepare and coordinate client reporting and business updates
• Ensure timely communication between clients, sales teams, and internal departments
• Support internal planning, forecasting, and project coordination activities

Qualifications & ExperienceRequired

• Experience in foodservice, food manufacturing, food brokerage, distribution, sales, account management, or client services
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CRM systems
• Valid driver's licence and ability to travel throughout the assigned territory

Preferred

• Experience working with food manufacturers, distributors, or multi-unit operators
• Understanding of Canadian foodservice distribution channels
• Experience supporting customer programs, pricing, rebates, or promotional initiatives
• Protein category experience or product knowledge
• Post-secondary education in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Foodservice Management, or a related discipline

AI Disclosure

Affinity Group Canada discloses that AI enabled tools may be used to support certain stages of recruitment (e.g., screening applications based on job related criteria), with human review and oversight.

Accessibility & Accommodation (AODA)

Affinity Group Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.