The Strategic Accounts Manager (SAM) is entrusted with advancing the organization’s most critical client partnerships, serving as a strategic advisor, growth catalyst, and relationship architect for major national accounts in the tire and automotive sector. Reporting directly to the National Sales Director, the SAM operates at the intersection of strategy, execution, and client advisory—driving transformative growth while strengthening the company’s position as a premier partner of choice.

Through deep collaboration with client executives, field sales teams, and internal leadership, the SAM develops and executes forward-looking business strategies that not only expand revenue streams but also enhance clients’ operational excellence, profitability, and competitive advantage. This role demands a high degree of business acumen, industry expertise, and the ability to influence at the executive level while mobilizing cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional value.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Business Development

• Architect and execute account-specific growth strategies that deliver measurable revenue, margin, and market share expansion.
• Act as a trusted advisor to executive-level clients on sales, procurement, and operational strategies, positioning the company as an indispensable partner in their long-term success.
• Co-design innovative go-to-market programs tailored to the unique needs of each account, integrating data insights, emerging trends, and competitive intelligence.
• Collaborate with the National Sales Director to shape and operationalize the Regional Business Plan, ensuring alignment with national objectives and field execution excellence.

Client Partnership & Executive Engagement

• Cultivate enduring, executive-level relationships with national retailers, franchise operators, and key decision-makers, fostering collaboration that transcends transactional sales.
• Lead structured strategic business reviews with clients, leveraging data-driven insights to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and strengthen joint value creation.
• Develop and present customized proposals, business cases, and performance dashboards that address client-specific priorities and unlock new pathways for growth.
• Guide clients on best practices in inventory optimization, seasonal bookings, merchandising strategy, and demand planning to elevate their profitability and operational resilience.

Innovation, Market Intelligence & Advisory

• Provide thought leadership on industry innovations, trends, and technological advancements, translating insights into actionable strategies for clients.
• Monitor the competitive landscape and anticipate market shifts, proactively advising both internal teams and external partners on risks and opportunities.
• Shape client adoption of digital tools, advanced analytics, and performance KPIs, enabling smarter decision-making and stronger ROI.
• Design and advise on incentive structures and profitability models that align with clients’ strategic objectives.

Operational Excellence & Team Synergy

• Partner with field sales teams to ensure flawless execution of client programs, reinforcing a consistent and professional presence at every touchpoint.
• Coach and enable the sales force through continuous training, knowledge-sharing, and tool development, raising the team’s collective impact.
• Standardize and elevate management tools—including business reviews, sales presentations, and training modules—to ensure strategic consistency across regions.
• Support forecasting, demand planning, and operational processes that drive efficiency and minimize client friction.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Acumen – Ability to anticipate market dynamics, connect industry trends to client needs, and design forward-looking growth strategies.
• Executive Influence – Skilled at advising senior decision-makers, building trust, and aligning client strategies with organizational objectives.
• Analytical Rigor – Strong command of data interpretation, financial modeling, and performance measurement.
• Collaborative Leadership – Capable of mobilizing multidisciplinary teams and fostering synergy across internal and external stakeholders.
• Innovative Mindset – Comfortable with digital transformation, analytics-driven strategies, and challenging conventional approaches.
• Industry Expertise – Deep understanding of the tire and automotive distribution ecosystem, including retail and franchise models.
• Critical Thinking - Ability to deep dive the results to clearly understand and provide predictability to the organisation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or related field (MBA an asset).
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in strategic account management or business development with national accounts, preferably in the tire/automotive industry.
• Proven track record of delivering profitable growth through strategic partnerships and client advisory at the executive level.
• Bilingualism in French and English is a strong asset.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, advanced Microsoft applications, and executive presentation tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple mandates with precision, resilience, and urgency.
• Availability for frequent travel to client headquarters and field operations.