The Role
Manages relationships with food manufacturer clients, distributor partners, and sales teams. Translates client objectives into pricing, promotional, product launch, and sales programs; monitors marketplace execution; resolves issues; supports distributor engagement, product training, reporting, forecasting, and portfolio growth. Requires strong communication, organization, CRM and Microsoft Office proficiency, a valid driver’s licence, and travel throughout the assigned territory.
Summary Generated by Built In
Affinity Group Canada is a leading foodservice brokerage representing premier food manufacturers across the country. Locally owned and operated, we are known for our strong relationships, category expertise, and outstanding execution. Our success is driven by our people and our commitment to delivering value to our clients, customers, and partners.
About the Role
We are seeking a Client Manager, Foodservice to act as the primary liaison between assigned manufacturer clients, distributor partners, and sales teams.
This role is responsible for translating client objectives into successful marketplace execution. The successful candidate will manage client relationships, support strategic initiatives, coordinate programs and pricing activities, oversee execution, and ensure alignment between client expectations and field activity.
This position is ideal for an individual with experience in foodservice, food manufacturing, brokerage, distribution, or account management who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, and driving results in a fast-paced environment.
Key Expectations of the Role
Client Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned manufacturer clients
• Build trusted partnerships through proactive communication and responsiveness
• Lead day-to-day client interactions while ensuring timely follow-through on commitments
• Represent client interests within Affinity Group and across external stakeholders
• Participate in business reviews, planning meetings, and strategic discussions
Program Execution & Marketplace Leadership
• Translate client objectives, priorities, and strategies into actionable plans for sales and internal teams
• Drive successful execution of pricing programs, promotional activities, product launches, and sales initiatives
• Monitor marketplace execution and proactively identify opportunities or risks
• Coordinate resolution of execution issues to protect client relationships and business outcomes
• Ensure alignment between client expectations and field execution
Distributor & Industry Engagement
• Partner closely with distributor sales teams and key contacts
• Support distributor-driven initiatives and customer opportunities
• Facilitate product knowledge sessions and training programs
• Participate in distributor meetings, foodshows, customer events, and industry functions
• Develop strong relationships throughout the foodservice distribution network
Product & Portfolio Management
• Maintain detailed knowledge of assigned product portfolios, programs, and category strategies
• Communicate product positioning, applications, and key selling points effectively
• Support new product introductions and marketplace opportunities
• Collaborate with sales teams to identify growth opportunities and address market challenges
Reporting & Internal Coordination
• Maintain accurate documentation related to client programs, pricing, rebates, and approvals
• Prepare and coordinate client reporting and business updates
• Ensure timely communication between clients, sales teams, and internal departments
• Support internal planning, forecasting, and project coordination activities
Qualifications & Experience Required
• Experience in foodservice, food manufacturing, food brokerage, distribution, sales, account management, or client services
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CRM systems
• Valid driver's licence and ability to travel throughout the assigned territory
Preferred
• Experience working with food manufacturers, distributors, or multi-unit operators
• Understanding of Canadian foodservice distribution channels
• Experience supporting customer programs, pricing, rebates, or promotional initiatives
• Protein category experience or product knowledge
• Post-secondary education in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Foodservice Management, or a related discipline
AI DISCLOSURE
Affinity Group Canada discloses that AI enabled tools may be used to support certain stages of recruitment (e.g., screening applications based on job related criteria), with human review and oversight.
ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATION (AODA)
Affinity Group Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.
About the Role
We are seeking a Client Manager, Foodservice to act as the primary liaison between assigned manufacturer clients, distributor partners, and sales teams.
This role is responsible for translating client objectives into successful marketplace execution. The successful candidate will manage client relationships, support strategic initiatives, coordinate programs and pricing activities, oversee execution, and ensure alignment between client expectations and field activity.
This position is ideal for an individual with experience in foodservice, food manufacturing, brokerage, distribution, or account management who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, and driving results in a fast-paced environment.
Key Expectations of the Role
Client Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned manufacturer clients
• Build trusted partnerships through proactive communication and responsiveness
• Lead day-to-day client interactions while ensuring timely follow-through on commitments
• Represent client interests within Affinity Group and across external stakeholders
• Participate in business reviews, planning meetings, and strategic discussions
Program Execution & Marketplace Leadership
• Translate client objectives, priorities, and strategies into actionable plans for sales and internal teams
• Drive successful execution of pricing programs, promotional activities, product launches, and sales initiatives
• Monitor marketplace execution and proactively identify opportunities or risks
• Coordinate resolution of execution issues to protect client relationships and business outcomes
• Ensure alignment between client expectations and field execution
Distributor & Industry Engagement
• Partner closely with distributor sales teams and key contacts
• Support distributor-driven initiatives and customer opportunities
• Facilitate product knowledge sessions and training programs
• Participate in distributor meetings, foodshows, customer events, and industry functions
• Develop strong relationships throughout the foodservice distribution network
Product & Portfolio Management
• Maintain detailed knowledge of assigned product portfolios, programs, and category strategies
• Communicate product positioning, applications, and key selling points effectively
• Support new product introductions and marketplace opportunities
• Collaborate with sales teams to identify growth opportunities and address market challenges
Reporting & Internal Coordination
• Maintain accurate documentation related to client programs, pricing, rebates, and approvals
• Prepare and coordinate client reporting and business updates
• Ensure timely communication between clients, sales teams, and internal departments
• Support internal planning, forecasting, and project coordination activities
Qualifications & Experience Required
• Experience in foodservice, food manufacturing, food brokerage, distribution, sales, account management, or client services
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CRM systems
• Valid driver's licence and ability to travel throughout the assigned territory
Preferred
• Experience working with food manufacturers, distributors, or multi-unit operators
• Understanding of Canadian foodservice distribution channels
• Experience supporting customer programs, pricing, rebates, or promotional initiatives
• Protein category experience or product knowledge
• Post-secondary education in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Foodservice Management, or a related discipline
AI DISCLOSURE
Affinity Group Canada discloses that AI enabled tools may be used to support certain stages of recruitment (e.g., screening applications based on job related criteria), with human review and oversight.
ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATION (AODA)
Affinity Group Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.
Skills Required
- Experience in foodservice, food manufacturing, food brokerage, distribution, sales, account management, or client services
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills
- Excellent organizational and project management abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CRM systems
- Valid driver's licence
- Ability to travel throughout the assigned territory
- Experience working with food manufacturers, distributors, or multi-unit operators
- Understanding of Canadian foodservice distribution channels
- Experience supporting customer programs, pricing, rebates, or promotional initiatives
- Protein category experience or product knowledge
- Post-secondary education in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Foodservice Management, or a related discipline
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The Company
What We Do
From culinary support, to store-level merchandising, to sales planning and strategy, Affinity Group's experienced retail and foodservice teams can help you build Your Bridge to Success. Learn how our talented team of sales pros can help your brand today! Operating in a collaborative environment, the Affinity Group shares our strengths, expertise, and resources to benefit our clients, customers, and our organization. We are focused on the foodservice and retail fresh food channels, helping our customers and clients succeed with highly engaged leaders and tenured top sales and culinary talent in North America.
