Contract Chain Account Manager

Russell Hendrix Foodservice Equipment is seeking a Contract Chain Account Manager to join our team in Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto. In this pivotal role, you'll be responsible for developing, strengthening, and managing strategic relationships with chain restaurant partners across Canada. You'll identify, pursue and secure new chain opportunities, while owning the long-term success, growth, and overall experience the chain accounts you manage.

This position requires strong business development instincts, a proactive and driven approach to achieving goals, and the ability to collaborate seamlessly with both internal teams and external stakeholders. It's an ideal opportunity for a motivated professional who excels at building long-term partnerships, navigating complex projects, and delivering value in project-based sales.

What We Do:  

At Russell Hendrix Foodservice Equipment, we empower customers to succeed by providing high-quality foodservice solutions across Canada. For over 80 years, we've been trusted partner to restaurants, hotels, and institutions across Canada. We serve our clients with industry-leading design, product solutions, distribution, and execution.  

Working For Us:  

We're a team of dedicated professionals who take pride in our work and value respect, integrity, and accountability. Our culture is one of customer focus, where we win as one team, invest in success, and care. We're committed to providing our employees with the support and resources they need to reach their full potential.  

As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest people in the industry, and to make a real impact on the success of our customers. We offer competitive compensation packages, comprehensive benefits, ongoing training and development opportunities, as well as opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.    

What's In It for You:

• Flexible Health & Dental Benefits - Choose from a tiered benefits package that lets you select the level of coverage that best suits you and your family's needs.
• Life Insurance - Peace of mind with coverage.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) - 24/7 access to short-term counselling, as well as life, health, and career coaching, plus financial and legal consultations.
• $400 Annual Wellness Benefit - Invest in your well-being with support for fitness, mental health, and personal development.
• Paid Volunteer Day - Give back to your community with one paid day off each year to volunteer.
• Excellent Employee Discount - Enjoy great savings on our products.
• Dynamic & Inclusive Work Environment - Be part of a team that values respect, integrity, and accountability.
• Opportunities for Growth - We support your professional development and career advancement through training, mentorship, and internal mobility.

What You'll Do: 

Business Development & New Chain Acquisition

• Identify and pursue new chain restaurant opportunities across Canada.
• Build relationships with key industry contacts and decision-makers to secure new programs.
• Prepare and deliver pitches, proposals, and capability presentations to prospective clients.
• Transition newly secured chains into active accounts under the manager's ongoing oversight.

Account Development & Growth (Assigned Chains)

• Manage and grow assigned chain accounts with a focus on revenue, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
• Drive expansion through new builds, remodels, refresh programs, and capital rollouts.
• Develop annual account growth plans for each chain.
• Lead regular account reviews and pipeline discussions with client stakeholders.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all assigned and newly acquired chains.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with head office personnel, franchise groups, operations leaders, and purchasing teams.
• Maintain a high level of responsiveness and proactive communication.
• Address concerns quickly and manage internal escalations when required.

Internal Coordination & Deliverable Ownership
(Supported by Design, Estimating, Project Management, Purchasing & Logistics)

• Coordinate internal teams to prepare drawings, pricing, budgets, proposals, and other deliverables.
• Present design packages, costing, and program documentation to clients.
• Ensure all deliverables align with brand standards, timelines, and operational requirements.
• Maintain full accountability for client satisfaction while internal teams execute their portions of the work.

Program & Standards Management

• Develop a thorough understanding of each chain's standards, equipment lists, and operational requirements.
• Work with Design and Estimating to keep program standards and documentation current.
• Ensure consistency and accuracy across all deliverables supporting the chain.

Sales Forecasting & Reporting

• Maintain accurate forecasting of pipeline, active projects, and upcoming opportunities.
• Track revenue, selling margin (SM%), total SM$, and win rates across assigned accounts.
• Provide regular performance updates to the Contracts Sales Manager.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Project Management to support scheduling, site coordination, and successful project execution.
• Work with Purchasing and Operations to manage equipment lead times, logistics planning, and issue resolution.
• Support Finance with deposit structures, billing timelines, and payment follow-up.

Market & Industry Awareness

• Stay informed on chain expansion plans, industry trends, equipment innovations, and competitive activity.
• Identify emerging opportunities where Russell Hendrix can add value to clients.

Your Education and Professional Experience:

• You have 3+ years of experience in account management, business development, or restaurant/hospitality operations, with a strong understanding of client needs and service excellence.
• You bring experience in commercial kitchen equipment or project‑based sales (an asset), and you're comfortable navigating complex, multi‑stage projects.

Your Skills and Abilities:

• You have strong presentation, communication, and relationship‑building skills, and you're confident representing solutions to both internal and external stakeholders.
• You excel at generating new business while proactively managing active accounts, ensuring both growth and long‑term client satisfaction.
• You are highly organized, detail‑oriented, and dependable, with strong follow‑through on commitments.
• You are proficient with CRM platforms and Microsoft Office, using technology to stay on top of projects, timelines, and client needs.
• You have a business development mindset, constantly looking for new opportunities and anticipating customer needs.
• You excel at building strong relationships and collaborating effectively across cross‑functional teams such as Design, Estimating, Purchasing, and Project Management.
• You demonstrate strategic and commercial thinking, aligning client goals with organizational capabilities.
• You are adaptable, resourceful, and solutions‑focused, taking ownership and accountability for outcomes.
• You bring strong problem‑solving abilities, using sound judgment and clear communication to move projects forward.
• You have a reliable vehicle and can travel as required.

Russell Hendrix is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: Russell Hendrix is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.