District Manager

District Manager

Lead a dedicated merchandising team supporting a global beverage brand. If you're passionate about coaching talent, driving accountability, and delivering results in the field, we'd love to hear from you. We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven District Manager to lead and develop a dedicated team of Merchandisers in Eastern Ontario, supporting a large multi-national beverage client. This leadership role is responsible for building a high-performing team, driving execution excellence, developing talent, and ensuring accountability to client and business objectives. The District Manager serves as the key link between internal and external parties, such as the field team, client service manager, and client partners. Success in this role requires a strong passion for people leadership, coaching, talent development, operational excellence, and relationship management. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can translate data into action plans, and consistently delivers results through others. This position is home-office based and requires extensive travel throughout the assigned territory (50–75%) for field coaching, retailer visits, team meetings, and regular interaction with client and Acosta leadership teams. Some overnight travel will be required.

Responsibilities

Leadership & People Development

• Recruit, onboard, develop, and retain a high-performing team of Merchandisers.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, continuous learning, and execution excellence.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback through regular field visits, one-on-one interactions, and team meetings.
• Identify development opportunities and create action plans to support individual and team growth.
• Recognize and celebrate team achievements while addressing performance gaps in a timely and constructive manner.

Performance Management & Accountability

• Establish clear performance expectations and hold team members accountable to client objectives, program KPIs, and company standards.
• Monitor district performance and use reporting, analytics, and field insights to identify trends and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure all merchandising activities, reporting requirements, and execution standards are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Manage district expenses responsibly while maintaining compliance with company policies and procedures.

Client & Business Partnership

• Build strong working relationships with client District Managers, retail partners, and Acosta leadership teams.
• Serve as a trusted business partner by providing field insights, execution updates, competitive intelligence, and recommendations to improve program performance.
• Participate in client meetings and field visits to demonstrate program results and identify opportunities for growth.
• Collaborate closely with Client Service Manager and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of strategies, priorities, and execution plans.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure consistent execution of merchandising standards across all assigned retail channels, including Grocery, Mass, Big Box, and Convenience.
• Proactively identify risks, challenges, and opportunities within the district and communicate solution-oriented recommendations.
• Maintain strong retailer relationships through professional communication and partnership.

Qualifications

Experience

• 3–5+ years of management/leadership experience in retail, merchandising, sales, field marketing.
• Experience leading and developing remote or field-based teams.
• Previous experience supporting Grocery, Mass, Big Box, or Convenience retail channels is strongly preferred.
• Experience working directly with clients and presenting business results is considered an asset.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills with a passion for people development.
• Demonstrated success managing performance through accountability, metrics, and goal setting.
• Ability to influence others and drive results in a collaborative environment.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data to drive decision-making.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong time management and prioritization capabilities.
• Ability to build relationships quickly with team members, clients, retailer partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and reporting platforms.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Dedicated home office with reliable high-speed internet access.
• Willingness to travel 50–75% within the assigned territory and occasionally outside the district for meetings, training and client engagements.
• Flexibility for occasional overnight travel.

A successful District Manager is an inspirational leader who develops people, drives accountability, builds strong client partnerships, and consistently delivers execution excellence through their team. They create an environment where employees can grow and are supported, clients' needs are met, and business objectives are achieved. We're excited to fill this role now! Applications are reviewed as they come in—don't wait, apply today and join our team.

Acosta Group is a collective uniting the most trusted retail, marketing, and foodservice agencies—Acosta, ActionLink, CORE Foodservice, CROSSMARK, Mosaic, Premium Retail Services, and Product Connections. Together, we connect consumers with the brands they love through omnichannel selling, merchandising, brand advocacy, and integrated marketing. We recognize our associates are the foundation of our success. That's why we prioritize your growth, development, and well-being to help you reach your full potential. With programs designed to support a fulfilling work-life balance, we offer opportunities that fit your lifestyle and ambitions—whether you're looking for part-time flexibility or full-time career advancement. Ready for a career path that's as unique as you? Discover your path at Acosta Group! Acosta Group is an equal opportunity employer and will ensure that applicants with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Be sure to include "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject of your email to expedite the request. Acosta Group believes in good faith that the minimum and maximum annual salary or hourly compensation range for this opportunity is accurate and reasonable at the time of posting. We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help screen and/or assess applications for this role. These tools analyze information you provide (for example, your résumé or answers to application questions) to support our hiring team's review. All hiring decisions include human judgment. If you have questions about our use of AI in recruitment or require an accommodation, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io or by calling us at View phone number on click.appcast.io. For more information about how we handle your information you can consult our privacy notice here: By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use.