National Account Manager

Do you enjoy building strong business relationships, influencing commercial decisions, and turning data into growth opportunities? At Garant, you’ll have the opportunity to work at the heart of strategic decision-making while collaborating with some of the market’s leading retailers. You will play a direct role in the success of our brands by contributing to new product development, optimizing in-store performance, and executing high-impact commercial initiatives.

The National Account Manager is responsible for growing sales and profitability across their assigned major accounts (national retail chains). Working in close collaboration with the National Accounts Director, he/she develops and maintains solid, long-term business relationships with buyers and decision-makers, and ensures the execution of Garant's commercial strategies in store.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term strategic partnerships with buyers and decision-makers at assigned major accounts.
• Develop an annual business plan by account and produce monthly reports including sales results, profitability, market share, trends and growth opportunities.
• Negotiate annual price agreements, sales conditions and promotional programs with buyers.
• Monitor account profitability and optimize promotional investments to maximize margin.
• Analyze POS sales data and market trends to identify growth opportunities and propose tactical adjustments.
• Ensure merchandising execution at retail customers — product placement, quantity and display in store and in warehouse.
• Prepare and present new products to key buyers, highlighting competitive advantages to drive new listings and stimulate sales.
• Develop and implement innovative promotions to drive in-store sales and increase Garant product visibility.
• Manage sales forecasts by account and collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure service levels and minimize out-of-stocks.
• Track key performance indicators by account (service level, sell-through, markdown rate) and propose corrective actions as needed.
• Work closely with Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance to ensure execution of product launches and seasonal initiatives.
• Gather and analyze competitive intelligence and customer program information, and share findings with management.
• Actively participate in trade shows and customer events to represent Garant, promote products and develop business relationships.
• Produce sales reports and ensure rigorous updates of tracking tools.

Education and Experience

• University degree in business administration, marketing or a related field.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in key account management in the national mass-market retail sector.
• Proven experience in commercial negotiation and account profitability management.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Knowledge of supplier portals (EDI, retailer buying portals), an asset.
• Bilingualism French/English, an asset.

Skills

• Strong results orientation and well-developed business acumen.
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to manage commercial relationships.
• Ability to analyze POS sales data and formulate clear recommendations.
• Autonomy, rigour and organizational skills in managing multiple accounts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Customer-focused approach with a long-term partnership mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift rapidly.
• Strong merchandising and go-to-market skills.