National Sales Manager - Pet Food (CPG)

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada | 3. Sales Leadership | Full-time | Partially remote

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As National Sales Manager, you will lead a team of 9 to 10 outside sales representatives across Ontario and Atlantic Canada, with a primary focus on Ontario. You will be responsible for driving sales growth, improving processes, and building strong relationships with independent retailers, franchise owners, and vendor partners. Your role will involve hands-on sales leadership—mentoring, training, and supporting your team in the field. This position reports directly to the Sales Director.

 You will primarily be selling pet food, treats, and accessories within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. The position reports directly to the President. The base salary for this role is $120,000 – $135,000 plus quarterly bonuses and performance incentives.

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

  • $120,000 to $135,000 base salary, plus bonuses
  • First-year OTE: $140,000 – $155,000
  • Company-paid health benefits and health allowance
  • RSP matching program
  • Laptop, cell phone, and expense account
  • Monthly vehicle allowance

 

THE COMPANY & CULTURE:

Our client is the largest pet food and accessories distributor in Eastern Canada, serving over 800 independent pet food stores throughout Ontario and the Maritimes. Founded over 30 years ago, the company has grown steadily through two recent mergers and continues to expand, with warehouses in Wellesley, Ontario, and Moncton, New Brunswick.

The company culture is family-oriented, collaborative, and pet-friendly, with many employees passionate about the industry. Leaders are approachable and supportive, fostering open communication and teamwork. While systems and processes are evolving, the company values a customer-first mindset and has a strong reputation for high-quality service and innovative products.

 

OFFICE LOCATION & SALES TERRITORY:

  • Head office located in Wellesley, Ontario (near Kitchener-Waterloo)
  • Hybrid work arrangement with 1–2 days in the office per week
  • Territory includes all of Ontario and Atlantic Canada (minimal travel required to Atlantic region, approximately two to three visits per year)
  • Full-time, Monday to Friday, with some weekends required for trade shows and special events

 

EXPERIENCE, BACKGROUND & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • 5–20 years of total sales experience, with at least 5 years in a sales management role
  • Experience in CPG, with pet food or pet industry background preferred but not required
  • Proven success leading and coaching a sales team
  • Experience selling to independent retailers, franchise owners, and small chains
  • Strong ability to manage diverse personalities and foster team growth
  • Post-secondary education or equivalent professional experience
  • Valid driver’s license required

 

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

  • Intermediate proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Google Drive/Docs\
  • Familiarity with CRM systems and online ordering platforms

THE PRODUCT / SERVICE / SOLUTION

  • Distribution of pet food, treats, and accessories
  • Over 500 core SKUs, representing primarily Canadian brands known for quality and innovation

 

PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMERS / INDUSTRY FOCUS / DECISION MAKER(S):

  • Independent pet store owners and franchise operators
  • Small chains across Ontario and the Maritimes
  • Primary decision-makers include store owners, executives, and mid-level managers

 

SALES CYCLE / ORDER VALUE / ACCOUNT SIZE

  • Typical order size: $3,000+
  • Average annual account revenue: $10,000+
  • Sales cycle averages 1–3 months from initial interest to first order

 

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES:

  • Largest pet food distributor in Eastern Canada
  • High level of customer service and industry expertise
  • 80% of represented brands are Canadian
  • Intuitive technology and advanced ordering systems
  • Trusted delivery drivers with strong customer relationships

 

TYPICAL DAY & DUTIES:

  • Drive the overall sales growth
  • Establish quarterly sales targets for the Sales team. Review on a quarterly and annual basis
  • Hiring, coaching, and bringing new tools to the Sales team.
  • Ride-Alongs with Sales team to visit Specialty Pet Food Retailers
  • Track sales activities for the sales team including call reports, sales numbers and approving expense reports
  • Work closely with Sales Representatives from manufacturer partners to develop strategic plans and review sales on a quarterly basis
  • Meet quarterly with key accounts and chains to assist them with growth of the brand, setting strategic direction, forecasts, promotions, etc.
  • Facilitate bi-weekly Sales team meeting
  • Attend annual industry tradeshows
  • Establish a professional relationship with retail locations and their staff
  • Coordinate training with Sales team and manufacturer partners to introduce new products and specials
  • Listen to and address any concerns of customers that have been escalated, following up on any concerns or opportunities
  • Conduct probationary and annual performance reviews for Sales team
  • Update Management on trends in the industry
  • Overnight stays as required

 

LEADS:

  • Leads are primarily generated by the sales representatives through their territory coverage
  • Manager will support reps with strategy and help improve lead conversion rates

OVERNIGHT TRAVEL:

  • Approximately 5–10% overnight travel, equating to 1–2 nights per month, primarily for visits to Atlantic Canada or key events

 

SUPPORT & TRAINING:

  • Comprehensive onboarding includes job shadowing, mentoring, and off-site training such as supplier tours
  • Sales training: 2–3 months
  • Technical/product training: 6–9 months

 

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY:

  • Opportunity to join a growing, family-oriented company in a fun and passionate industry
  • Work with a collaborative team that values employee engagement and professional development
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package
  • Pet-friendly workplace with a supportive leadership team

 

OTHER SALES JOBS

If this job is not ideal for you, please upload your resume for future considerations at https://justsalesjobs.recruiterbox.com/jobs/61ab37640cd048c4b78dc09bcbf58e04

 Or visit our website to view other available sales jobs at https://justsalesjobs.ca/jobs/

  

ABOUT JUST SALES JOBS

Just Sales Jobs sources and places Top Sales Talent from Toronto to Kitchener/Waterloo and Cities in between. We use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies along with a proven hiring methodology to identify Top Sales Talent.

Just Sales Jobs has earned a reputation as the best recruitment agency in Ontario. We source and place for Sales Positions between Toronto and Kitchener/Waterloo, and cities in between. Sales positions we hire for include, Vice President of Sales, National Sales Director, Sales Director, Director of Sales, Regional Sales Manager, Territory Sales Manager, Sales Manager, Vice President Business Development, Business Development, Business Development Director, Business Development Representative, Business Development Manager, Business Development Officer, Sales Representative, Senior Sales Representative, Sales Development Representative, Account Manager, Account Executive, Senior Account Manager, Telemarketer, Inside Sales, Outside Sales, Door to Door Sales.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive, barrier-free workplace. They strive to provide a safe, healthy and respectful workplace where individuals are valued for their contributions. Our client encourages applications from women, aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, and persons with disabilities.Our client is committed to providing an accessible and supportive recruitment experience for persons with disabilities. If you require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us in advance at toptalent@justsalesjobs.caWe thank all applicants in advance for their interest however, only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

 

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