Job Description

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Director of Poultry Commercial Analytics, the Sales Planning & Execution Manager (Poultry) will be responsible for ensuring the successful execution of category plans across our customer base, champion customer needs during the development of these plans, and support Customer Business Teams (CBTs) in effectively selling-in category plans. The Sales Planning & Execution Manager will ensure that in-market conditions such as price, product, place, and promotion are optimized for success while contributing in delivering the annual budget volume and profit targets for the Commercial Poultry team. They will have an in-depth understanding of recent performance drivers, forecasts, raw material availability & capacity outlook, and manage current risks and opportunities to exceed the year's budget targets. Additionally, the Sales Planning & Execution Manager will balance demand and supply within the 30-180 day horizon with a focus on maximizing profit for the ONE Poultry P&L. As a key connector between Sales and Marketing, this role is essential to our integrated team approach.
 

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by June 18. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Act as a strong advocate for customers' perspectives in decision-making processes within the Poultry category
• Influence factors like pricing, display, assortment, and innovation
• Support Poultry (Fresh & Further Processed) Category teams to develop future year marketing plans aligned with customer needs
• Lead the sell-in of category marketing plans by clearly communicating category plans to Sales in written and verbal forms
• Translate category marketing plans into customer-specific plans
• Anchor in data and insights, as well as raw material & capacity outlook, to maximize the profit of our Poultry volume
• Create category stories to support the execution of the 4P trade strategy across regions and channels
• Own category R&O, supporting CBTs to improve performance and execute plans to meet or exceed in-year targets
• Maintain a strong command of recent performance drivers and forecasted performance
• Lead Category Collaboration meetings and develop Seasonal and Festive post games as necessary
• Joining CBTs on key sales calls to represent MLF as Category Captain on Poultry
• Provide and execute proactive recommendations to address and resolve potential issues
• Engage CBTs on potential Poultry category issues (i.e. AI supply challenges) to ensure effective customer communication and prioritization decisions are made

What You'll Bring:

• Post-secondary degree required
• Previous Category Development, Marketing and/or Sales experience required
• Previous experience in Poultry is an asset
• Must strongly demonstrate our Maple Leaf Leadership values
• Demonstrated personal leadership skills and project management skills
• A natural curiosity with demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Solid strategic thinker with good understanding of the Canadian retail landscape
• Excellent presentation skills with above average influencing and negotiating skills
• Superior Category Management Skills with demonstrated past success
• Must have excellent knowledge of Nielsen and Cross Outlet Facts
• Strong analytical skills and be a detail-oriented person with a propensity to learn new systems.
• Computer literacy mandatory in Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Must be able to create and deliver outstanding category stories
• Must be driven to win in a team environment
• Excellent planning and organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to create best in class category trade strategies and to synthesize a variety of data sources (consumer, shopper, loyalty) into presentations that are easily understood.
• Must be able to provide strong, executable category recommendations that reflect the retailer and category strategy.
• Strong project and time management skills are required.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to build relationships.
• Must be proactive and performance driven, have a bias for action and be able to work under pressure in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent English written and oral communication skills.

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• A hybrid work model that embraces remote work for eligible roles, helping team members achieve work-life balance—combining the best of both spending time working remotely, benefitting from focus time, and purposeful collaboration in the office setting. 
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, 'speaker series' events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.