Program Manager, Winks

JOIN OUR TEAM!

At Couche-Tard/Circle K, our mission is simple: to make our customer’s lives a little easier everyday. You may have already stopped for coffee, refueling your car, or eating something on the go. Then, you know what Couche-Tard/Circle K is. We have grown into a successful global company with over 16,000 stores in 29 countries, serving almost 9 million customers every day. In total, more than 150,000 people work in our stores and offices. We make journeys easier by offering fast and friendly service. We care about our people and our communities, and we look for ways to uplift people first. Wherever your journey’s going, we can help you get there. Are you ready to grow your career? Let's grow together!

Department: Winks

Location: On-site, Calgary, AB (Travel required throughout Western Canada Region)

Type of employment: Permanent, Full Time (40 hours)

THE ROLE

We are hiring for a Program Manager, Winks. Reporting to the Director of Facilities & Construction, Program Manager, Winks will be responsible for the overall success, growth, and sustainability of the Winks affiliate banner program across Western Canada.

Winks is an affiliate banner program developed by Mac’s Convenience Stores (now part of Circle K / Alimentation Couche-Tard) designed to support independent convenience store operators in growing their businesses while maintaining operational independence. The program provides members with preferred pricing and rebates through key distribution partners, access to industry-leading food and coffee programs, and operational and merchandising support—all without requiring franchise conversion.

The Program Manager serves as the primary relationship owner for a network of independent retailers and plays a critical role in expanding program membership. Acting as a trusted advisor, this role ensures members maximize the value of the Winks platform while driving strategic growth, strengthening supplier partnerships, and enhancing the overall program value proposition.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Program Management & Member Retention

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all Winks members within Western Canada.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with store owners and operators through regular communication and field visits.
• Conduct business reviews with members to identify opportunities to improve sales, profitability, and program engagement.
• Ensure members fully utilize available supplier rebates, promotional programs, equipment offerings, and support services.
• Address member concerns, resolve issues, and coordinate support across internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor member participation and engagement metrics, implementing retention strategies where required.
• Maintain accurate member records, agreements, and program documentation.

Business Development & Membership Growth

• Develop and execute annual growth strategies to increase membership across Western Canada.
• Identify and prospect independent convenience store operators who meet program criteria.
• Conduct sales presentations and program demonstrations for prospective members.
• Build a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities and manage prospects through the recruitment process.
• Negotiate membership agreements and facilitate successful onboarding of new members.
• Represent Winks at industry events, trade shows, supplier meetings, and networking functions.
• Monitor market activity, competitor programs, and emerging trends to identify growth opportunities.

Supplier & Partner Relationship Management

• Foster strong relationships with distributor partners and key supplier organizations.
• Collaborate with suppliers to maximize member participation in rebate and promotional programs.
• Identify opportunities for new supplier partnerships that create value for members.
• Coordinate supplier communications, member education, and program launches.
• Support the implementation of marketing and merchandising initiatives.

Strategic Program Leadership

• Develop annual business plans, growth targets, and member engagement strategies.
• Analyze membership trends, retention rates, rebate performance, and program effectiveness.
• Prepare regular performance reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the value proposition and competitive positioning of the Winks program.
• Lead special projects related to program growth, member services, and operational excellence.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

We want you to join our team! Here's what we're looking for:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, Marketing, or related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience will be considered

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in business development, account management, franchise operations, retail operations, or channel management.
• Experience in convenience retail, foodservice, CPG, wholesale distribution, or franchising is a strong asset
• Proven success growing customer portfolios and building strategic relationships
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders and influencing without direct authority

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong consultative selling and relationship management skills
• Demonstrated business development and prospecting capability
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and communication skills
• Strong financial acumen and ability to interpret business performance metrics
• Ability to work independently across a large geographic territory
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and reporting tools
• Knowledge of convenience retail operations and supplier/distributor ecosystems preferred
• A current valid driver’s license with a clean abstract is required to operate company vehicle
• Willingness to Travel (up to 50%)

Why Join Winks Program?

• Be part of a well-established program backed by Circle K / Alimentation Couche‑Tard
• Support independent entrepreneurs while helping them stay competitive
• Drive tangible impact on small business growth across Western Canada
• Collaborate with leading suppliers and industry partners
• Balance relationship management, strategy, and business development in a high-impact role

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK HERE:

At Couche-Tard/Circle K, we believe that our team members are the heart and soul of our business. When you join us, you're not just getting a job – you're becoming part of a vibrant community where your talents are valued, your growth is nurtured, and your contributions make a real difference. Here's why you'll love working with us:

Benefits package:

• Group Insurance Program: Stay healthy and happy! Our plan provides you with the flexibility to choose coverage that best meets your needs and add optional insurance (health and dental care, long-term disability, life insurance, health spending account)
• Pension Plan: Plan for your future and retire with peace of mind with our pension plan, helping you build a secure financial future.
• Share Purchase Plan: Invest in your future and share in our success with our employee stock purchase plan, allowing you to become a shareholder of Couche-Tard/Circle K.
• Paid Time Off: Recharge and rejuvenate with paid time off, including vacation days, sick days, and personal days to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Additional Perks:

• Employee Discounts: Enjoy exclusive discounts on our products and services, making it even easier to fuel up and stock up on your favorite goodies.
• Training and Development: Grow your skills and advance your career with access to ongoing training and development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and online courses.
• Recognition and Rewards: We celebrate our team's achievements and milestones with a range of recognition programs, rewards, and incentives to show our appreciation for your hard work and dedication.
• Mentorship Program: Take your career to new heights with our mentorship program, where seasoned professionals provide guidance, support, and valuable insights to help you reach your full potential.
• Scholarship Program: Invest in your education and future success with our scholarship program, available not only to our employees but also to their children. We're committed to supporting your lifelong learning journey and empowering you to achieve your academic and career goals.

INTERESTED? You are only a few clicks away from joining an exceptional company! Visit our careers page at https://workwithus.circlek.com/ca/en to submit your application. We can't wait to hear from you!

At Couche-Tard/Circle K, we're committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life to join our team and contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

We thank all candidates for their interest in this position. Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted for further steps in the hiring process.

Couche-Tard/Circle K values diversity and inclusion and aims to create a safe, accessible and rewarding workplace that showcases the unique contribution of our employees to the success of our business. As an employer, we are committed to employment equity, we encourage a wide variety of applications to ensure that we have a diverse workforce that is representative of the customers and the communities we serve. Accommodations are available upon request for applicants who participate in all aspects of the selection process.