National Account Manager - Ingredients

Job Title:

National Account Manager – Ingredients

Location:

Etobicoke, ON

The National Account Manager manages all aspects of the business relationship with an existing portfolio of large, highly complex, global customers to drive sales and new business for the Ingredients and Export department in accordance with the business plan. The position is accountable for establishing Lactalis Canada Inc. as the preferred supplier of dairy ingredients.

• Manage all aspects of the sale of dairy ingredients to an existing portfolio of customers, including distributors, to deliver volume growth and profit objectives. This includes determining customer product needs, obtaining product approval, negotiating pricing, developing contracts, obtaining and communicating forecasted volume requirements, and conducting business reviews, while optimizing Lactalis manufacturing and supply position.
• Develop new business for Lactalis by executing and expanding the Ingredient & Export division’s sales and business development strategy with current and new customers at both the purchasing and R&D levels, proposing solutions from the product portfolio and liaising with technical teams on product development, technical documentation, packaging, and quality requirements.
• Ensure domestic customer day‑to‑day needs are met by collaborating closely with I&E and cross‑functional teams (Customer Service, Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain Credit, Logistics, etc.) and resolving non‑routine service issues such as quality and delivery to maintain ease of doing business with Lactalis.
• Manage the implementation of customer projects such as development of new ingredients or packaging, coordinating communication between internal and customer departments (R&D, Global Sourcing, Supply Chain, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate Quality and Operations).
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of dairy markets, pricing trends, and the competitive environment to act as a market information resource, identify opportunities to maximize returns on Lactalis dairy ingredients.
• Ensure Lactalis’ position as the national leader in dairy ingredients by promoting the product line at trade events and presenting technical product information directly to domestic customers and global supply‑chain affiliates.
• Guide and mentor Account Managers as the business grows and ensure communication and alignment with other sales team members and distributors.

• University degree or College diploma, preferably in Food Science or Business or related fields, or relevant experience.
• Five to ten years’ experience in account management with a minimum of three years managing mid‑size and full‑size ingredient or food service accounts, preferably in the Canadian dairy environment.
• Strong multi‑level relationship building talent for growing partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in negotiation and problem solving.
• Robust situational awareness and perception of markets and customer needs, coupled with solid business acumen and resourcefulness to develop original, entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Strategic thinking with depth of comprehension.
• Strong analytical, planning, presentation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to balance customer needs with Lactalis’ business focus.
• Excellent people skills to manage direct reports and work effectively within a small team environment requiring open sharing of information.
• Professional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard office technology such as Microsoft Office and the Internet, and a working knowledge of SAP and BW.
• Operational knowledge of the Canadian milk system, global dairy markets, and understanding of food composition, nutrition, and manufacturing.
• Bilingualism is required.

• A Competitive Base Salary.
• Company Vehicle or Car Allowance.
• 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…