Business Manager – Loblaw (Canada)

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.