Area Manager of Operations

The Retail Operations Manager is responsible for driving in-store execution excellence and delivering retail KPIs within an assigned territory. This role leads the development and implementation of territory-level strategies that support sell-in and merchandising objectives across key retail channels. The incumbent will operate one or more of the existing sales channels (Food, Drug and Mass Channels) by offering the available portfolio of products in order to achieve the defined financial targets for the respective territory, as specified on the business plan. Manage a sales team composed of Retail Operations Managers, and Merchandisers in order to create and develop key customers and / or partners (distributors, brokers, etc.) Acting as a critical link between head office and the field, this role ensures effective communication, optimizes market coverage, and upholds brand standards, while supporting broader commercial goals through hands-on leadership, budget ownership, and data-driven decision making. Certain roles may include account responsibility for smaller accounts.

BUDGET MANAGEMENT

• Ensure effective budget management aligned with regional business and retail execution objectives.
• Develop and oversee field overhead and trade investment budgets to support store-level strategies and customer priorities.

Support the achievement of retail sales and merchandising objectives for assigned customers and accounts.

• Execute commercial and trade marketing priorities in-store, including pricing, promotions, product placement, and seasonal campaigns.

Develop and execute territory strategies aligned with regional retail and commercial goals.

• Contribute to annual and seasonal planning by providing store-level insights and execution recommendations.
• Align field plans with sales targets and merchandising goals, ensuring coverage and visibility are maximized.

Manage retail pricing and promotional execution in-store, ensuring alignment with customer agreements and trade plans.

• Support the sales forecasting process with accurate field insights on stock levels, execution issues, and freshness risks.
• Collaborate with Finance to ensure proper credit management and issue resolution as needed.
• Monitor in-store compliance with freshness and quality standards, escalating concerns proactively.

Support store-level negotiations and execution alignment with key retail accounts and store personnel.

• Participate in conflict resolution or special initiatives as needed to ensure strong in-store presence.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with commercial policies and retail agreements.

Own and manage assigned territory, ensuring optimal retail coverage and consistent execution across all store types and portfolio types (everyday and seasonal)

• In conjunction with Director of Retail Operations, lead strategic PS3 region plan development, outlining vision, strategies and key initiatives to maximize return on Coverage in one’s region, delivering against organization’s KPIs and connected with commercial PS3 plan
• Apply SAP C4C deep analytics using regional dimensions
• Lead a team of 10–15 third-party merchandisers, providing daily direction, performance coaching, and KPI tracking.

• COMMUNICATION FLOW MANAGEMENT

• Serve as the primary liaison between Commercial office and the field, ensuring effective communication of programs, priorities, and execution timelines.
• Consolidate and report on field performance data, highlighting wins, gaps, and improvement opportunities.

HUMAN RESOURCES / TEAM MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

• Is accountable for managing 10–12 third-party merchandisers each
• Recruits, manages, motivates, and supervise own team

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.

• 4–7 years of experience in retail sales, account management, or field execution.
• Proven experience managing third-party retail execution teams (broker/DRT).
• Strong account management and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of Canadian retail landscape, wholesale channels, and distribution networks.
• Strong planning, organizational, and financial acumen.
• Bilingual in French and English (required).
• Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at .

DE&I at Ferrero:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.

Ferrero Canada will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process.