Business Manager – Loblaw (Canada)

Job summary

The Business Manager is responsible for the strategic management and growth of assigned principals' business with primary accountability for Loblaw. This role involves developing customer-specific business plans, negotiating pricing and promotions, and building strong partnerships with category teams.

Job details

The Business Manager is responsible for the strategic management and growth of assigned principals’ business within a defined marketing area, with primary accountability for Loblaw. This role focuses on driving profitable sales growth, increasing market share, and strengthening customer partnerships while delivering value for our manufacturers and Acosta. RESPONSIBILITIES * Serve as the primary business owner for assigned principals calling on Loblaw across Canadian banners within a defined marketing area. * Develop and execute customer-specific business plans to drive sales growth, distribution, and market share across Loblaw banners (including Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Independent). * Build and maintain strong working relationships with Loblaw buyers, category teams, and internal cross-functional partners. * Lead customer presentations, line reviews, innovation sell-ins, and promotional discussions using fact-based insights. * Analyze sales performance, pricing, promotional activity, and category data to identify growth opportunities and risks. * Negotiate pricing, promotions, merchandising, and program execution in alignment with customer objectives while ensuring profitability for manufacturers and Acosta. * Partner cross-functionally to support forecasting, execution, and ongoing customer initiatives. * Ensure alignment with principal strategies, customer requirements, and Acosta financial objectives. QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. * Proven track record of sales success; experience with a food broker, CPG manufacturer, or national Canadian retailer preferred. * Experience calling on Loblaw Companies Limited or similar large Canadian grocery customers is strongly preferred. * Strong interpersonal, organizational, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills. * Demonstrated ability to analyze sales, promotional, and syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana) to develop effective sales presentations. * Proficiency in software and tools that support the sales function, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, CRM systems, and customer portals. * Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset. * Must be legally authorized to work in Canada. Physical Requirements * Sit for extended periods (typically 6+ hours per day). * Use a computer, including keyboard and mouse, for prolonged periods. * Lift and carry light items (e.g., files, office supplies, laptops, typically 20+ pounds). * Reach, bend, or stoop occasionally to access files or office materials. * Maintain focus and attention for long periods of desk-based work. * Follow clear directions. * Perform repetitive motions (e.g., typing, clicking) consistently throughout the day. This position is hybrid. The associate is expected to work from a home office while also traveling to customer locations and/or Acosta offices as business needs require. Travel within Canada is required based on customer and business demands.

What you’ll do

The Business Manager is responsible for the strategic management and growth of assigned principals' business with primary accountability for Loblaw. This role involves developing customer-specific business plans, negotiating pricing and promotions, and building strong partnerships with category teams.

Requirements

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and a proven track record of sales success, preferably with a food broker or CPG manufacturer. Strong analytical, presentation, and negotiation skills are required, along with proficiency in sales tools and data analysis software.

Listed skills

• Account Management · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• Microsoft Excel · Preferred
• Negotiation · Preferred
• CRM Systems · Preferred
• Sales Growth · Preferred
• Relationship Building · Preferred
• Forecasting · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Strategic management
• Sales growth
• Account management
• Business planning
• Relationship building
• Negotiation
• Data analysis
• Presentation skills
• Forecasting
• Category management
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• CRM systems
• Syndicated data analysis
• Influencing skills
• Organizational skills
• Office Supply Management
• Sales Analysis
• Influencing Skills
• Accountability
• Microsoft Access
• Customer Relationship Management
• Strategic Management
• English Language
• Sales
• French Language
• Marketing
• Innovation
• Market Share
• Merchandising
• Presentations
• Sales Presentations
• Typing
• Price Negotiation

Job areas

• Sales
• Management & Leadership
• Retail
• Food & Beverage
• Consulting
• Business Manager
• Demand Planning Manager
• Supply, Distribution and Related Managers
• Supply Chain Managers
• Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers