Job Title: Technical Sales Manager, National Accounts - Foodservice
Location: 405 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J5
About Us:
Welcome to Lactalis Canada! We’re proud to be Canada’s #1 branded dairy company and to be consistently recognized as one of the country’s top employers by Forbes. Our purpose is to enrich and nurture the lives of Canadians by offering the best of dairy from Canada’s favourite dairy brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia. In fact, our products can be found in over 90% of Canadian refrigerators in any given time. As part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, we remain focused on innovation and quality and are seeking like-minded individuals to join us as we continue our growth journey.
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 Technical Sales Manager, National Accounts - Foodservice plans and directs the development of all new projects and changes to current products and packaging for Operator and Distributors with Lactalis sales to help achieve business targets and growth plans. The position is responsible to lead the technical relationships with strategic Foodservice customers and partners. Scope of focus will remain national operators.
Critical Success Factors:
- Evaluate new project opportunities from the national sales team and customer base. Use market knowledge, understanding technical and operational feasibility and sales volume and profit potential to prioritize opportunities.
- Liaise with sales team members to present opportunities to senior management by developing business proposals and technical specifications for viable projects including new products, new product lines, packaging format line extensions, etc.
- Manage complex, large-scale projects from inception to completion using project management methodology to deliver projects on time and within budget. Lead all change projects including workflow product development, new products, line extensions, renovations, sourcing changes, cost-out projects, SKU rationalization, quality improvements, and coordination of other product initiatives.
- Evaluate and optimize ongoing change processes and establish best practices. Manage change for regulatory changes, sourcing changes, reformulation, renovation, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop strong relationships across cross-functional teams and global networks. Drive executional excellence by working closely on Brand Hierarchy with marketing, Sales, Industrial, R&D, Procurement, Quality, Supply Chain, and other teams, collaborating with key business stakeholders to influence continuous process improvement and implementation of best practices.
- Identify project constraints and resource requirements, anticipate and address obstacles, and escalate solutions as required. Build and manage project schedules, define critical paths, and track progress to ensure deadlines and approvals are met. Develop and execute stakeholder communications, including leading meetings, status updates, work-back schedules, risk identification, and follow-ups to ensure progress between meetings.
- Provide technical information & support to R&D to ensure that project objectives are achieved in terms of sensory, functionality, cost effectiveness, regulatory and ingredient declaration requirements.
- Schedule regular review of Bill of Materials (BOMS) and the product quality management system (PQMS) documents to ensure product integrity and specifications to customer expectations are maintained.
- Provide technical support to the national sales team for national Foodservice accounts, including on-site evaluations, reports, business reviews, long-term planning/budget analysis, and participation in meetings, trade shows, and conventions. Partner with key stakeholders at large, multi-unit operators to address technical and operational needs, strengthen relationships, and identify growth opportunities.
- Oversee and manage all customer portal databases to ensure thorough resolution of customer concerns, complaints, specification management, and effective direct communication within the designated customer management interface.
The attributes we are looking for:
· University degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or similar
· A minimum of five years dairy or food industry experience
· Experience in customer-facing roles is recommended
· Solid comprehension of food ingredients, food products and the dairy market.
· Strong technical knowledge of a large variety of dairy foods and ingredients and their applications.
· Understanding of new trends and needs of the Canadian food manufacturing and Foodservice industries.
· Proficient in working with all parts of the organization including senior management, operations, research and development, purchasing, packaging, quality assurance, sales and marketing.
· Excellent communication, information sharing, time management and interpersonal skills
· Strong leadership, project management and time management skills.
· Proficient with standard office computer technology such as Lotus Notes, Microsoft Office and the Internet, as well as working knowledge of SAP
· Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the application of artificial intelligence technologies, including understanding AI-driven analytics, automation
· Willingness and ability to travel within Canada and internationally as needed for customer head office meetings.
This job description is intended to summarize the overall level of responsibility of the job and is not an exhaustive list of all the duties performed.
What Lactalis will offer:
Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:
- A Competitive Base Salary
- A Performance-Based Bonus System
- 4 Weeks of Vacation
- Benefits starting day 1
- A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%
- Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year
- 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. We apply an equal access to employment program and invite women, aboriginal people, visible minorities, and people with disabilities to apply.
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.
Compensation:
As part of our commitment to fairness, trust, and transparency and our ambition to be an Employer of Choice, the base salary range for this position is $111 400 – $139 200+.
Please note: Along with a comprehensive Total Rewards package, your actual base salary will be fair, competitive, and be based on your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Pay: $111,400.00-$139,200.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
- VRSP
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J5
