Account Manager - Market Development; Tobacco Category Program

Account Manager – Market Development (Tobacco Category Program)

Location:

Toronto (Downtown), ON.

Employment type:

Full‑time, contract‑based for 4‑6 months with strong likelihood of extension.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and results‑driven Account Manager – Market Development to lead a strategic program in the smoke‑free tobacco category. This role combines client service excellence, sales leadership, and team development to ensure program success. We are looking for a natural leader who values authenticity and collaboration, capable of mentoring a field team, and driving advocacy and adoption through insight‑led strategies.

The Account Manager acts as a key partner to the client and retail stakeholders, driving territory‑specific strategies that align with shared objectives. The successful candidate will manage and mentor a team of Territory Sales Representatives responsible for driving adoption of smoke‑free alternatives amongst legal‑age smokers and nicotine users. As a field‑based leadership role, it requires flexibility beyond a traditional 9‑5 schedule.

Candidates should be comfortable with variable hours, travel within their territory, and hands‑on engagement with their direct reports and retail partners.

Responsibilities

Field Team Leadership & Coaching (50%)

• Partner closely with our internal recruitment team in interviewing and hiring candidates who meet the required skills and competencies.
• Conduct regular in‑field visits and work‑withs to observe performance, provide one‑on‑one coaching, and deliver timely feedback.
• Motivate and inspire the team to achieve and exceed targets, fostering resilience and confidence in handling objections and rejections.
• Build a collaborative, high‑performance team culture built on transparency, accountability, and shared success.
• Educate and guide the team on evolving consumer behaviors and category insights to optimize execution.
• Promote the exchange of insights and best practices across the team to drive continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate authentic leadership by listening actively, addressing challenges with compassion, and creating an environment where people can perform at their best.

Strategic Partnership & Territory Development (30%)

• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with retail stakeholders.
• Recognize opportunities to accelerate adoption and co‑create solutions with retail stakeholders to maximize program outcomes.
• Design and execute territory‑specific strategies that strengthen retailer engagement.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to drive success and achieve or exceed performance targets.

Administration & Reporting (20%)

• Lead team communications, ensure reporting accuracy, and oversee KPI tracking.
• Manage expenses, ensure training completion and compliance, and prepare performance summaries with actionable insights.
• Provide leadership and the client team with actionable market insights, performance optimizations, and best practices to bolster program success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in account management, sales leadership, and team coaching with proven results achieving KPIs.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead and manage a dispersed field team, ensuring accountability, regulatory compliance, and performance excellence.
• Proven ability to establish strategic partnerships through consultative engagement.
• Professional experience in retail partner management/retailer network development will be viewed as a strong asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a magnetic, approachable presence that inspires trust and engagement.
• Skilled in objection handling and guiding others to overcome challenges.
• Understanding of key trends with legal age smokers and nicotine users.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail for managing schedules, reporting, and compliance.
• Comfortable working in‑field and stepping into sales roles when needed.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle required.