Key Account Sales Assistant

Role Overview: Hybrid, Oakville, Full-Time, Salary $70-$80 plus benefits. 

Must have experience gained from the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry in Sales Administration and or Key Account Management/ Junior National Accounts

We are seeking a passionate, motivated and detail-oriented Key Account Sales Assistant for a North American sales team. This role is essential in supporting and developing customer relationships with key retailers such as Canadian Tire, Walmart, The Home Depot, Sams Club, Lowes, Ross Stores & US Dollar channels. The ideal candidate will be well organized, possess strong analytical skills, exhibit an enthusiastic mindset, and reveal a proactive approach in a dynamic B2B environment. The position will report to the Vice President Global Sales.  

Key Responsibilities

Customer Management: 

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with retailers in both Canada and US, ensuring exceptional service and client satisfaction.
• Manage daily communication with customers, addressing inquiries promptly and effectively.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions and sales activities.

Sales Support, Administrative & Development: 

• Act as daily right-hand liaison to Vice President of Sales. Prepare sales reports and analyze performance metrics of various retailer software and implement follow-up actions as needed.
• Respond to customer requests including, but not limited to PO tracking, weekly forecasting, inventory control, fill rates, vendor contract maintenance, production planning, new item set up, margin analysis, P&L set up, and consistent budget tracking.
• Manage and proactively communicate important deadlines and/or key dates as it relates to Line Reviews, RFQ’s or ongoing customer requests. Organize in conjunction with VP Sales, preparation of sales presentations, promotional calendars, internal sales meetings
• Attend customer meetings, and capture minutes with key learnings and necessary follow-ups.  

Project Management: 

• Organize and coordinate product launch meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and necessary follow-up tasks.
• Working with the PDM and operations team to monitor project progress, ensure timely completion and effective team collaboration, and proactively communicate any possible issues or delays to ensure successful outcomes.

Market Research: 

• Research market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to support sales strategies. This will include periodic retailer visits with the VP of Sales.
• Identify insights, and growth opportunities, and provide actionable recommendations in efforts of business development.

Qualifications: 

• 3-5 years of previous CPG retail experience (channels: Mass, CTC, DIY) is required.
• Previous experience in Housewares, Storage and Organization an asset; open to Grocery, Hardware, US Retail experience would be ideal. 
• Demonstrates an infectious positive attitude. Proactive and eager approach to learning, growth, and achieving sales targets in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience using (diverse) retail software platforms and assets. Examples include Vendor Gateway, Retail Link, Syndigo, Supplier Hub, AIM, Data Vault, Bamboo Rose & GS1.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Presentation skills both written and verbal, and negotiation skills are an asset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Demonstrates ability to identify and act on opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains.
• Hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of 3 days in the office. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Potential Career Path  

• Key Account Sales Manager
• Interview process will include in-person meetings, employment references, we look forward to hearing from you!