Key Account Manager

MacDonald Search Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Key Account Manager to lead relationships with top Tier 1 strategic customers. In this role, you will develop and execute strategic plans, manage forecasting and budgets, and build collaborative partnerships. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of sales experience and strong negotiation skills. This position offers a supportive team culture and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Comprehensive benefits

Retirement matching

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive sales experience at a senior level.
• Direct experience calling on Loblaws, Wal-Mart or Costco.
• Immersive trade-lead sales experience.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with Tier 1 strategic accounts.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans.
• Manage forecasting, budgets, and reporting accurately.

Skills

Relationship-building

Negotiation skills

Effective presentation

Problem-solving

Organization

Time management

Analytical thinking

Adaptability

Education

Post-secondary education in Business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Sales software and AI tools

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Key Account Manager to lead relationships with a select group of Tier 1 strategic customers. In this role, you will serve as the primary point of contact, building strong partnerships and driving growth through joint business planning, strategic execution, and flawless delivery of innovation launches. You'll balance big-picture customer strategy with the operational discipline needed to deliver results, while influencing cross-functional teams to align behind customer priorities.

Responsibilities

• Build, grow, and maintain collaborative partnerships with Tier 1 strategic accounts.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve revenue and distribution goals.
• Lead customer presentations and develop tailored programs in merchandising, pricing, shelving, and promotional activations.
• Manage forecasting, budgets, trade compliance, and reporting with accuracy and accountability.
• Monitor industry trends and competitive activity to identify opportunities and adjust strategies.
• Provide regular business updates and conduct account reviews.
• Represent the business at industry trade shows and customer events.
• Contribute to a high-performing and supportive team culture.
• Travel up to 25%.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills with a customer-first mindset.
• Effective presentation, influence, and communication abilities.
• Creative problem-solver who thrives in collaboration.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; comfort with sales software and AI tools (ChatGPT, Microsoft Co-pilot).
• Analytical thinker with solid business and financial acumen.
• Resilient, adaptable, and eager to learn and grow.

Sales Competencies

• Strategic account management
• Customer-specific solution development
• Business analytics and financial decision-making
• Negotiation and partnership development
• Trade marketing and commercial execution

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Business or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive sales experience, with direct experience calling on Loblaws, Wal-Mart or Costco at a senior level
• Immersive trade-lead sales experience
• Category or Marketing experience an asset
• French language skills (intermediate or fluent) are an asset.

What You Can Expect

• A values-driven team environment built on respect, collaboration, and resourcefulness.
• Opportunities to shape the future of a fast-growing business by building and improving processes as we go.
• Access to a flat, open culture where every voice is heard, from leadership to front-line teams.
• Strong support for professional development, including training, mentorship, and tuition reimbursement.
• Comprehensive benefits, retirement matching, and employee-led resource groups that support well-being, sustainability, and inclusivity.

This is a rare opportunity to partner with top customers, take ownership of major accounts, and play a key role in driving growth for a dynamic and expanding business.