Director of Sales & Broker Relations
*** This role will be based in Ontario Canada ***
At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s® . Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.
We’re seeking a strategic, data-driven Director of Sales & Broker Relations to drive growth and expand our presence across key Canadian channels. In partnership with our broker, you will co-manage GDM, Value, and select Independent accounts, grow portfolio and NPD distribution, and execute sales strategies through Joint Business Plans (JBPs) to strengthen category positioning. You’ll build and maintain long-term relationships with buyers and stakeholders, lead through influence, and collaborate cross-functionally to maximize results—driving proposals into action and fueling the Canadian team’s performance and growth.
What You Will Do:
•Develop strategies and ensure un-compromised implementation/execution of the annual business plans by achieving the budgeted sales volumes, distribution and profit margin
•Develop and maintain a solid working relationship with our broker, and lead the Schwan’s agenda to achieve the planned KPIs – volume, net sales/margin and strategic NPD projects
•Every month conduct effective Monthly Business Reviews with the broker teams for each of the key accounts within the portfolio addressing all KRA’s of the business
•Along with the broker team, negotiate the annual customer-specific business plans with the key accounts team and implement the activities in line with the Schwan’s strategy (listings, planograms, display, promo activities – planning, execution & post promotional analysis)
•Define and activate for the key accounts within the portfolio, the volume and margin growth levers by business segment with a razor focus on trade spend management
•Analyze all promotional activities and measure the financial results, and course correction as warranted
•Work closely with internal teams such as category management, Marketing, Revenue Management, Customer Service, Demand Planning, Finance and Procurement
•Weekly store visits to validate business compliance and monitor/report of competitor activities & competitive pricing & new products in the marketplace
•Provide weekly and monthly sales reports
What We Look For:
•Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent years of experience) and 9+ years of progressive CPG key account management experience
•Proven success managing brokers/distributors through situational leadership and delivering sales and profitability targets
•Working knowledge of the Canadian CPG market and go-to-market channels
•Highly analytical and data-driven, with hands-on experience leveraging syndicated data sources such as NIO, Retail Link, LDIA, Sobeys Collaborative Gateway, and Dunnhumby to drive business decisions.
