Operations Advisor, Independent Business

Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) is hiring an Operations Advisor on a permanent full-time basis at our TGP Office in Edmonton, AB.

Who we are:

As a co-operative, we do business differently. We believe in working together to serve Western Canadians, delivering profits back to our communities and investing in sustainable growth. Our work is guided by our values of integrity, excellence and responsibility and driven by our vision of building sustainable communities together. To learn more about who we are, visit www.fcl.crs.

What you’ll do:

You will provide recommendations to Independent and Corporate Grocers respective to operations (sales and profitability, products, merchandising, spending, and customer service) with the goal of helping the Grocers achieve its territory budget and business plan objectives. Please note that extensive travel is required (50% or more).

• You will drive the growth and sustainability of independent retail accounts. This will include:
  • Directly engaging in communications with existing clients to provide information on TGP programs and services and retail best practices, discuss business opportunities, challenges, client goals and expectation
  • Establishing targets and call plans for all existing accounts to grow independent retail business and improve performance. Evaluate and prioritize opportunities, including in-person and remote support
  • Preparing and providing clients with analysis, evaluation, and financial projections to guide recommendations relating to the development and investment in their business
  • Gathering, tracking, and capturing client interactions, store details and operational specifics
  • Gathering, recording, and capturing information and intel on local and regional market conditions and how they may interact with clients’ business
• You will identify key growth opportunities within existing business and the marketplace. This will include:
  • Directly engaging in communications with prospective clients, establishing a prospecting plan, using marketing materials and in-person presentations
  • Developing an onboarding plan, complete with timelines and expectations for internal stakeholders and external clients
  • Ensure complete retail understanding and execution in the development of new or modified tools, programs, services, and promotions (B2B and B2C).
• You will cultivate data insights and identify organizational opportunities. This will include:
  • Gathering and assessing data from retail clients, market and personal observations to identify opportunities, challenges, and best practices in independent retail operations, the market, and across the competitive landscape (wholesale and retail).
  • Analyzing internal sales data, drawing insightful conclusions on clients’ purchasing patterns and opportunities within the market
  • Effectively communicating anecdotal and data-driven insight to internal stakeholders on market conditions and client needs

Why it matters:

We help local Co-ops grow and thrive by offering a range of professional services, including marketing, market research, information technology, human resources, accounting, risk management and business development.

Who you are:

You are looking for a career in Sales & Marketing and:

• You have a bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, or Marketing.
• You have a minimum of 6-9 years of relevant progressively responsible experience in food management (a combination of relevant education and experience may be considered)
• You are located in Edmonton or Saskatoon is an asset.
• You have experience in meat cutting and department management is an asset.
• You’re honest and trustworthy, are results oriented and strive to be the best in what you do.
• You believe in collaboration, building relationships and value the perspectives of others.

Our Team Members receive competitive salaries, short-term incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and an employer-contributed pension plan. We encourage our Team Members to take advantage of learning opportunities, to grow and develop, and to foster a culture of teamwork and innovation.

FCL embraces diversity and inclusion. We’re working to create a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve and an environment where every team member brings their whole self to work. We believe all candidates should feel at home with us and be given the opportunity to fully participate during the recruitment process.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process to ensure an enjoyable candidate experience for all to allow you to be at your best. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, we invite you to submit your accommodation requests to us via [email protected] and we will work through your request with you. All information received will be kept confidential.

If this opportunity speaks to you, we invite you to apply by January 30, 2023.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted.

Please note you may be required to undergo a background check and substance test in accordance with FCL policies. FCLLP

Interested in this role, but don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At FCL we are committed to creating a workforce that is as diverse as our communities, so if this sounds like something you would be interested in, we encourage you to apply!