Key Account Manager
About Hardy Sales
Hardy Sales is a third-generation, family-owned food distribution company that has been serving Western Canada since 1982. We distribute meat, deli, seafood, and bakery products to major grocery chains and independent retailers across British Columbia, Alberta, and the Prairies, supported by sourcing partnerships around the world.
We're looking for a Key Account Manager to take ownership of an established portfolio of strategic retail grocery accounts and help grow it. This role combines relationship management, business development, and market execution, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing, entrepreneurial organization.
What You'll Do
- Build and maintain strong relationships with head office and banner-level contacts across your accounts
- Drive new listings, distribution gains, and incremental growth opportunities within existing accounts and with new customers
- Conduct regular store checks and market visits to validate execution, identify gaps, and uncover opportunities
- Manage account administration, including feature notifications, ad planning, forecasting, and follow-up activities
- Act as the primary escalation point for account issues, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication
- Coordinate with operations, finance, and internal teams to ensure accounts are serviced accurately and on time
- Monitor rebates, accruals, chargebacks, and fines, partnering with finance to resolve discrepancies
- Represent Hardy Sales at customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events
What We're Looking For
You take ownership of your accounts and aren't satisfied simply maintaining the status quo. You're organized, accountable, and proactive, with the ability to balance relationship management and new business development. Experience in food, protein, seafood, or perishable goods distribution is a strong asset.
- Strong understanding of pricing, rebates, and promotional programs
- Ability to build lasting customer relationships and manage complex accounts
- Comfortable collaborating across departments to achieve results
- Confident analyzing sales data and using insights to drive decisions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a growing territory, build long-term customer relationships, and contribute to a family-owned company that values initiative, accountability, and teamwork.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in key account management, sales, or business development, preferably in food, grocery, or perishable goods
- Proven success managing and growing strategic retail grocery or foodservice accounts
- Experience negotiating contracts, pricing, and promotional programs
- Valid driver's licence and reliable vehicle; regular customer travel is part of the role
The Role in Practice
This is a full-time, in-office position based in Calgary, Alberta, working Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
The role balances time in the office managing accounts and collaborating with internal teams, with regular time in the market through store visits, customer meetings, and occasional trade shows and industry events.
Compensation
$70,000 - $85,000 per year, plus profit-sharing tied to budget results.
Benefits
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Staff discounts
- Company events
Work Location: In person
Pay: $70,000.00-$85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Experience:
- Key account management: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
