Sales Strategy & Planning Manager

The Opportunity:

The Sales Strategy & Planning Manager will be responsible for ensuring the successful execution of category plans across our customer base, champion customer needs during the development of these plans, and support Customer Business Teams (CBTs) in effectively selling-in category plans. The Sales Strategy Manager will ensure that in-market conditions such as price, product, place, and promotion are optimized for success while contributing in delivering the annual budget volume and profit targets for the Category Platform. They will have an in-depth understanding of recent performance drivers, forecasted performance, and the risks and opportunities to exceed the year's targets. Additionally, the Sales Strategy Manager will balance demand and supply within the 30- day horizon with a focus on maximizing profit. As a key connector between Sales and Marketing, this role is essential to our integrated team approach.

Reason for vacancy: Existing Headcount
Compensation: $94, - $, CAD base pay annually plus annual short-term incentive

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Advocate and act as a strong advocate for customers’ perspectives in decision-making processes within the category
• Influence factors like pricing, display, assortment, and innovation
• Support Category teams to develop a future year marketing plan aligned with customer needs and executable
• Lead the sell-in of category marketing plans by clearly communicating category plans to Sales in written and verbal forms
• Translate category marketing plans into customer-specific plans
• Support CBTs in building sell stories and join them in front of the customer to sell-in major initiatives
• Maximize in-year performance while balancing demand & supply by challenging and supporting CBT teams to improve performance and execute plans to meet or exceed budget
• Anchor in data and insights
• Create category stories to support the execution of the 4P trade strategy across regions and channels
• Own category R&O and support development of the IBP demand signal (90+ days)
• Maintain a strong command of recent performance drivers and forecasted performance
• Lead Seasonal and Festive post games
• Provide and execute proactive recommendations to address and resolve potential issues

What You’ll Bring:

• Post-secondary degree required
• Previous Category Development, Marketing and/or Sales experience required
• 4-6 years of value add analytical experience
• Must strongly demonstrate our Maple Leaf Leadership values
• Demonstrated personal leadership skills and project management skills
• A natural curiosity with demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Solid strategic thinker with good understanding of the Canadian retail landscape
• Excellent presentation skills with above average influencing and negotiating skills
• Superior Category Management Skills with demonstrated past success
• Must have excellent knowledge of Nielsen and Cross Outlet Facts
• Strong analytical skills and be a detail-oriented person with a propensity to learn new systems.
• Computer literacy mandatory in Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Must be able to create and deliver outstanding category stories
• Must be driven to win in a team environment
• Excellent planning and organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to create best in class category trade strategies and to synthesize a variety of data sources (consumer, shopper, loyalty) into presentations that are easily understood.
• Must be able to provide strong, executable category recommendations that reflect the retailer and category strategy.
• Strong project and time management skills are required.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to build relationships.
• Must be proactive and performance driven, have a bias for action and be able to work under pressure in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent English written and oral communication skills.

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, ‘speaker series’ events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.