Retail Key Account Manager - BC

The Affinity Group; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent food brokerage in Canada is seeking a Key Account Manager to manage relationships with major and minor retail accounts. The role involves strategic account management and hands-on sales execution to enhance product visibility and revenue. Candidates should have proven experience in retail food sales, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to analyze market trends. This position provides a competitive salary, performance incentives, and opportunities for career growth in a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Comprehensive group benefits

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in retail food sales, account management and field sales.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze market trends and develop growth strategies.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Understanding of retail supply chain and DSD processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Key Accounts and Minor Keys.
• Implement effective sales plans to increase market share.
• Ensure optimal shelf placement and in-store promotions.
• Work closely with Category Managers for shelf space negotiation.
• Visit retail locations regularly and assess market trends.
• Monitor competitor activity and gather customer feedback.

Skills

Retail food sales experience

Strong negotiation skills

Communication skills

Ability to analyze market trends

Self-motivated and goal-oriented

Job description

Affinity Group Canada is a well established successful and growing company that prides itself on being one of the premier food brokers in Canada. Since 1989, our success has been driven by the number of industry leading food manufacturers that we represent. We pride ourselves on having a dedicated sales team, strong customer service orientation, extensive product knowledge and a professional, challenging and rewarding work environment.

Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and results‑driven Key Account Manager to manage relationships with both major and minor key retail accounts while driving sales growth in the field. This role requires a mix of strategic account management in both the Health and Wellness and Conventional retailers with hands‑on sales execution to maximize product visibility and boost revenue. This role may also require larger banner store checks and audits within the territory.

Responsibilities

• Account Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with Key Accounts and Minor Keys, ensuring exceptional service and product availability as well as promotional activity.
• Sales Strategy: Implement effective sales plans to increase market share and drive revenue growth in assigned territories.
• Product Merchandising: Ensure optimal shelf placement, in‑store promotions, and product presentation for increased sales.
• Client Negotiation: Work closely with Category Managers and store managers to negotiate shelf space, secondary placements, promotional deals, and new product introductions.
• Field Sales Execution: Visit retail locations regularly, assess market trends, and provide insights to optimize sales strategies.
• Market Analysis: Monitor competitor activity, gather customer feedback, and suggest improvements to enhance brand performance.
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams including marketing and supply chain to ensure smooth operations. Track opportunity progress and maintain up‑to‑date notes and records of activity. Track merchandising activity with photos. Work with distributor partners to ensure products are available to customers.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience in retail food sales, account management and field sales
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to analyze market trends, sales data, GAP analysis and develop growth strategies.
• Self‑motivated, goal‑oriented, and able to work independently.
• Experience in merchandising and retail operations is a plus.
• Ability to travel within assigned territories.
• Understanding of retail supply chain and DSD processes.

Why Join Us?

We offer a competitive salary complemented by performance‑based incentive programs, comprehensive group benefits plan, and opportunities for career growth and professional development. Join a supportive, collaborative team environment with exposure to leading brands in the retail food sector.

Affinity Group is committed to providing an accessible workplace. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail]

Our hiring process may include AI screening for keywords and minimum qualifications. Our HR department reviews all results.

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.