Account Manager

For more than 30 years, Fresh Start Foods has proudly delivered a full range of fresh produce solutions to customers across Canada. As a valued member of the Gordon Food Service (GFS) family of companies, we are honored to be recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers in 2026.

We are currently seeking a Full-Time Account Manager to join our team based out of our Richmond, BC location. The Account Manager plays a key role in supporting customer retention, business growth, and outside sales development. This role is responsible for proactive customer communication, account management, prospect search, pipeline updates, and supporting outside sales representatives with qualified opportunities. This is not an order-taking position. The goal is to become a consultant to customers by understanding their operation, identifying opportunities, and helping protect and grow their business.

Position: Full Time, Permanent

Compensation: Depending on experience, $45,000-$55,000 per year. Plus commission structure.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Customer Retention & Account Support

• Maintain regular communication with assigned accounts
• Support customers with order entry, product recommendations, bookings sheet promotion, market updates, service recovery, late route communication, etc.
• Monitor customer ordering trends and identify sales declines
• Work closely with outside sales representatives to support account growth
• Become a secondary point of contact for customers
• Communication to upsell, promote bookings, promote using pictures by social platforms and market information

Business Development Support for Outside Rep

• Research potential prospects before contact: website review, menu analysis, social media review, seasonal opportunities, current market alignment
• Make outbound cold calls to warm up opportunities
• Set meetings and create qualified leads for outside sales representatives
• Maintain and update the sales pipeline system
• Focus on building opportunities, not just forwarding names

Daily / Weekly Expectations:

Monday

• Review and promote bookings sheets
• Prepare customer pricing updates
• Pipeline review and planning

Tuesday – Friday

• Minimum 15 outbound calls daily
• Customer follow-up calls
• Prospecting and lead development
• Support outside sales with: samples, product photos, follow-ups, order support
• Update pipeline and account activity

Internal Collaboration:

• The Account Manager works closely with: Purchasing, Transportation, Processing, Quality Assurance, Customer Service, and the Outside Sales Team.
• The role requires fast communication and teamwork to provide quick and accurate solutions for customers.

Training & Development:

New team members will complete a structured onboarding program including:

• Order entry training on “Canopy”
• Customer service support shadowing
• Velocity and sales reporting
• Sales process training
• Operations and transportation overview
• QA and processing department training
• Ride-along with delivery drivers
• Market and pricing education

Success in This Role Looks Like:

• Strong customer relationships
• Organized pipeline management
• Consistent communication
• Proactive problem solving
• Growth in sales and margin
• High-quality customer service
• Turning cold opportunities into long-term partnerships

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Previous sales experience is a strong asset.
• Food service/industry knowledge is strong asset.
• A valid driver’s license, vehicle and ability to travel as required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word).
• Must have good written, verbal, organizational, and communication skills and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure, challenging environment
• Must be a strategic thinker in order to build relationships, network, and link resources to plan and execute business practices and achieve business goals.

Fresh Start Foods offers a range of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits (including vision, prescription drugs, disability, and extended health coverage)
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Matching Program
• Annual Profit Sharing Bonus
• Weekly paychecks
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Company-sponsored events (Family Picnic, Staff Celebration, BBQs)
• Training opportunities
• Annual Safety Boot Allowance Program 
• Full-time hours
• A team-oriented work environment