Account Manager - Branded Promotional Merchandise Sales Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

About the role

The ideal candidate will be within a commutable distance of Waterloo, Ontario, with the ability to work an onsite schedule of 4 days per week, with 1 day remote. Candidates in the Metro Toronto area will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain an actionable strategic account plan using the OST model (Objective, Strategy, Tactics) for all assigned accounts focused on quarterly budget attainment (profit and margin results).
• Own and exceed sales and margin goals across assigned accounts.
• Identify new opportunities within existing accounts to drive incremental revenue through strategic prospecting and relationship building.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, aligning merchandise strategies with their broader marketing and brand objectives.
• Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and Account Business Reviews (ABRs), delivering insights, performance metrics, and strategic roadmaps.
• Forecast revenue and contribute to long-term strategic planning for key accounts.
• Manage all opportunities, tasks, and key performance indicators to prescribed guidelines through insights from Salesforce CRM, promo and program performance analysis, and proactive recommendations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with client stakeholders, serving as the primary point of contact.
• Ensure full compliance with brand guidelines, contracts, and program standards.
• Deliver proactive, solutions-oriented support to meet evolving client needs, acting as both consultant and problem-solver.
• Work closely with Creative, Merchandising, Programs, Sales Ops, Supplier Relations, and other internal teams to deliver a best-in-class client experience.
• Develop merchandise strategies that reflect market trends and elevate the client’s brand.
• Carefully coordinate and manage multiple complex projects with varying scopes, timelines, and logistical considerations.
• Ensure client pre-sale, order and approval processes, supplier compliance standards and production timeline expectations are met.
• Accurately log and manage account activity in Salesforce to ensure full pipeline visibility and performance tracking.
• Successfully onboard new enterprise clients, ensuring a smooth and strategic launch.
• Coordinate and attend client events as needed, ensuring high satisfaction and brand alignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in the branded merchandise/promotional products industry preferred.
• Proven track record of sales success and strategic account growth.
• Exceptional communication skills — written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Highly detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and ability to navigate sensitive client interactions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Salesforce experience strongly preferred.
• High level of curiosity, accountability, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
• Willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time.