ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
Wakefield Canada Inc., is a privately owned Canadian company that markets, distributes and manufactures category leading products for the automotive, commercial heavy-duty and industrial markets including Castrol, the #1 brand of passenger car motor oil in Canada, and the “Super Clean” cleaner-degreaser brand.

In 2020, Wakefield will celebrate its 15th anniversary as the exclusive Canadian marketer of Castrol lubricants. With coast-to-coast distribution and warehousing, and a large dedicated sales force, Wakefield provides exceptional service and innovative solutions to more than 5,000 customers in all segments, including retailers, warehouse distributors, automotive and heavy duty jobbers, franchised and independent installers, quick lubes, fleet companies, new car dealers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).

Wakefield Canada Inc. is recognized as a Platinum Member with the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. This accomplishment puts Wakefield amongst the best-in-class of Canadian owned and managed companies, demonstrating clear strategy and vision, capability, and commitment to talent.

JOB SUMMARY:
Working closely with the National Account Managers, customers and cross-functional business partners, the National Account Analyst plays a key role in ensuring that Castrol brand product assortment performance is optimized. The National Account Analyst analyzes and manages the lifecycle of products within Lubricant and Cleaner/Degreaser categories through acquiring and analyzing Wakefield performance data and market trends to make recommendations and enhancements to existing and new processes, including forecasting, planning, replenishment and expense management. Additionally, the National Account Analyst will cultivate and build relationships with customers through key cross-functional projects and daily administrative tasks to maintain and grow Wakefield’s preferred vendor status with each customer.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Create and implement product assortments based on category management strategies to ensure product availability.
• Plan and coordinate new product launch plans to ensure targeted dates are met and ensure product and display requirements are provided.
• Perform analysis based on defined lifecycle management processes and formulate recommendations, gain approval for recommendations, and implement with cross-functional teams to manage the flow of inventory.
• Drive ongoing assortment planning and lifecycle management process improvements from both a tactical and a strategic perspective.
• Forecast any future needs for promotions or sales and develop and recommend exit strategies for surplus and obsolete products.
• Coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that assortment recommendations are understood and effectively executed.
• Support ongoing data management exercises, including line review analysis and/or vendor changeover.
• Become the resident expert on the retailer’s replenishment systems and how they interact with internal systems to better service the client.
• Interact and collaborate with team members from Customer Care or Supply Chain departments on any issues that may affect future order flow.
• Work closely with the National Account Manager and provide ongoing support to them as required.
• Assume project coordination role in cross-functional projects with customers.
• Special projects and participation as required.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Self-starter that works independently, takes responsibility, “owns the job,” and demonstrates integrity in all aspects of the work.
• Detail and action oriented.
• Proven ability to react to unusual or time sensitive request in a professional manner to maintain customer satisfaction.
• Excellent focus and concentration to offset frequently changing priorities.
• Approaches opportunities with a strategic perspective, takes systematic viewpoint, and delivers permanent fix rather than a solving each issue individually.
• Honed prioritizing skills to allow optimal performance for multiple demands in a changing environment.
• Pro-active in anticipating problems and recommending appropriate course of action.
• Able to identify, analyze, react, and plan for change.
• Strong decision making, negotiating, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to learn procedures quickly and maintain them with a high degree of efficiency.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a cooperative attitude, and the ability to hold matters in confidence.
• Superior communication skills with the ability to clearly connect with all levels of employees.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• College or university degree in Business Administration or related field would be an asset.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with retailer and national account systems (Retail Link, Vendor Gateway, Infoshare, CRX).
• Must possess strong PC skills and strong Microsoft Suite (including Dynamics AX) and advanced Excel
• Logistics or manufacturing experience, including knowledge of supply chain processes would be an asset.
• Proven understanding of forecasting systems and processes.