Account Manager – 12 month contract

Job Title: Account Manager – 12 month contract

Location: Montreal, QC

About Us:

Welcome to Lactalis Canada – where we take pride in being recognized as one of 2025 GTA’s Top Employers! As well as Forbes Canada, Top Canadian Employers for 2025! Our journey revolves around enhancing the lives of Canadians through a rich variety of dairy delights, including some of Canadian’s favourite dairy brands such as like Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogurt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings. In fact, we’re proud to say our products grace the shelves of an incredible 94% of Canadian households!

With a 140-year legacy driven by innovation and unwavering quality, we’re seeking like-minded individuals to join us in shaping our next chapter. Our flexible hybrid work model accommodates 40% remote work, adapting to the evolving needs of our workforce. Step into a collaborative hub with our revamped office, and enjoy free parking, endless coffee, delicious Lactalis snacks, an on-site gym, and more!

About the opportunity:

The Account Manager, Retail Field Sales, oversees a portfolio of emerging accounts that have been identified for strategic growth. In addition, the Account Manager is accountable for generating business for Lactalis Canada through the development and management of both new & existing accounts/distributors.

The attributes we are looking for:

• Develop and execute annual business and trade spend plans for assigned accounts in order to achieve Lactalis Canada’s annual sales volume, net sales, and profitability objectives.
• Manage business relationships between the accounts and Lactalis Canada by conducting regular meetings with the retailers, following-up on agreed strategic plans, and providing category information resulting in win-win situations.
• Prospect new business development by sourcing & negotiating new customer contracts and managing existing contract renewals. Outline terms and conditions such as pricing, volume, length, and exclusivity arrangements, and coordinate with senior management and Legal to ensure alignment and implementation.
• Reconcile monthly trade spending for each category in relation to trade programs and agreed trade spending with the account, by using SAP trade rebate accounts.
• Direct all customer communication related to functional issues (distribution, customer service, field sales and accounting) by collaborating with cross functional team members as necessary to provide the best service and net sales.
• Forecast weekly sales volume for Lactalis Canada’s products to ensure adherence to annual plan and optimal product distribution.
• Manage clearance of product in jeopardy for short code products in all retail categories of independent business.
• Manage inventory forecasting and SKU mix for from Distribution Centers for Individual Accounts
• Communicate all new product innovations and price increases to assigned accounts as necessary.
• Prepare and present regular category and business reviews and leverage insights to identify sales opportunities and improve Lactalis’s category position.

What you will bring:

• University degree or college diploma
• Minimum three (3) years retail sales experience (preferably in consumer-packaged goods)
• Strong organizational, planning, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective presentation and negotiation skills
• Learn or be proficient with standard office computer technology such as Lotus Notes, Outlook and Microsoft Office products (i.e.Excel and Powerpoint) as well as BW/SAP, Trade Promotion Management (TPM), and Customer Business Plan (CBP) Planning.
• Innovative / creative merchandising skills
• Time management skills
• Ability to work in multi-functional environment
• Occasional overnight travel is required
• Bilingual French is an asset

What Lactalis will offer:

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:

• Company Vehicle or Car Allowance
• A Competitive Base Salary
• 4 Weeks of Vacation
• Benefits starting day 1
• A Volunteer Day to give back to your community
• Learning and Development opportunities
• A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility

Our ESG commitment:

Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.

At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.

Our commitment to DEI:

Fuel our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We’re dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone’s true selves. We’re committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities.

Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.

Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we’ll contact you after signing a Job Offer.