Vice President, Retention & Client Growth (70309772)

At Sodexo, we believe strong client partnerships are the foundation of long-term success. As the Vice President, Client Growth, you will lead the strategy and execution of client relationship management across Sodexo Canada's most important client portfolio, ensuring our clients continuously realize value from their partnership with Sodexo while driving long-term growth and loyalty.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Canadian Leadership Team, you will be responsible for strengthening strategic client partnerships through executive engagement, business reviews, innovation, and the expansion of services. Working closely with Operations, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Segment leadership, you will drive sustainable organic growth by identifying opportunities to increase share of wallet, strengthen client satisfaction, support successful contract renewals and competitive rebids, and foster a disciplined, proactive approach to account management.

This is a highly strategic leadership role focused on elevating Sodexo Canada's client partnership approach - transforming account management from a retention-focused function into a driver of client success, profitable growth, and lasting partnerships that embody our Client for Life philosophy.

How You'll Make an Impact:

Client Retention & Renewal Strategy

• Develop and lead Sodexo Canada's national client retention strategy to protect and grow existing business.
• Develop and oversee the governance framework for Sodexo Canada's Clients for Life program, establishing clear processes, accountability, and tools to drive consistent client engagement and successful execution across the business.
• Oversee renewal planning, contract retention efforts, competitive rebids, and risk mitigation strategies across key accounts.
• Provide executive leadership and direct support for strategic, high-risk, or high-value client relationships and retention opportunities.
• Partner with the CEO to determine strategic account assignments and retention priorities.

Strategic Account Management

• Establish and lead a disciplined account management framework for priority clients across Canada.
• Strengthen executive-level relationships and expand Sodexo's network of influence within client organizations.
• Drive strategic client engagement, business reviews, account planning, and value-creation discussions.
• Lead account segmentation and prioritization efforts to focus resources on the highest-value, highest-risk, and highest-growth opportunities.
• Ensure strong governance and consistent follow-up on client needs, satisfaction, and business objectives.

Organic Growth & Cross-Selling

• Identify opportunities to expand Sodexo's services within existing client accounts.
• Partner with Operations, Marketing, Sales, and Segment leaders to develop and execute growth strategies aligned with client needs.
• Support the development of cross-selling initiatives and value-added solutions that increase revenue and strengthen client relationships.
• Drive sustainable organic growth across Sodexo Canada's client portfolio.

Client Experience & Performance

• Analyze client feedback, satisfaction metrics, contract performance, profitability indicators, and market intelligence to identify risks and opportunities.
• Champion initiatives that enhance the client experience and strengthen Sodexo's value proposition.
• Monitor client health and engagement trends to support long-term partnership success.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with the CEO and Canadian Leadership Team as a trusted advisor on client retention and growth strategies.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team focused on account management, client retention, and growth.
• Foster collaboration across Operations, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and Segment leadership teams to achieve client and business objectives.

Qualifications

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Hospitality Management, or a related field; MBA considered an asset.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in business development, consultative sales, account management, client retention, or commercial leadership.
• Proven success managing complex B2B relationships and large national or multi-site client portfolios.
• 10+ years of leadership experience, including influencing senior stakeholders and working with C-suite executives.
• Strong commercial acumen with expertise in client relationship management, strategic account planning, retention, negotiation, and organic growth strategies.
• Advanced financial literacy and ability to leverage data, analytics, and insights to drive business decisions.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, Microsoft 365, account planning tools, and performance reporting.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity, collaborate across functions, and drive results in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Experience in food services, facilities management, or a related service industry is an asset.
• English required; bilingualism in English and French is strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel across Canada up to 30–50% of the time.

Additional Information

What Makes Sodexo Different:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong  in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Flexible work environment  
• Competitive compensation & great employee benefits 
• Training and development programs  
• Countless opportunities for growth  
• Corporate responsibility & sustainability  
• An award-winning employer for Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, Corporate Social Responsibility, and much more. View Sodexo’s latest awards here
• And so much more!     

Sodexo is committed to Employment Equity and Diversity. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of national origin, race, religion, ethnic group, age, disability, gender, sexual preference, sexual or gender identity, status as a veteran or any other federal, provincial or local protected class.  

We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available on request from candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  

Sodexo is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, clients, contractors, business partners, guests, and members of the public with whom we regularly interact. We require that all new hires in hospitals, long term care facilities, and senior homes to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and may require any other new hires to be fully vaccinated based on the location and scope of their employment.

Thank you for your interest in Sodexo.

Please note that only those candidates under consideration will be contacted. 

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