Protein Specialist - ON at Affinity Group – Richmond Hill, Ontario

Affinity Group Canada is a leading foodservice brokerage representing premier food manufacturers across the country. Locally owned and operated, we are known for our strong relationships, category expertise, and outstanding execution. Our success is driven by our people and our commitment to delivering value to our clients, customers, and partners.

SCOPE OF THE POSITION
The Protein Specialist is responsible for supporting client protein portfolios through category expertise, execution support, and cross functional collaboration. The role ensures accurate execution of protein programs across distributor and operator channels while supporting client objectives and resolving execution issues.

Key Expectations of the Role
Client Support & Category Expertise
• Serve as the primary protein category resource for clients and internal teams
• Provide product expertise, menu guidance, and application support
• Respond to inquiries related to specifications, sourcing, availability, substitutions, and usage
• Support onboarding and rollout of new protein items and programs
Execution & Market Support
• Ensure consistent execution of protein programs at distributor and operator levels
• Conduct operator visits, product cuttings, demonstrations, and training sessions
• Identify execution gaps and collaborate with Sales and Client Services leadership to resolve issues
• Support resolution of product issues, complaints, and service challenges
Distributor & Operator Engagement
• Support distributor partners with client driven protein initiatives
• Participate in distributor sales meetings, foodshows, and client facing events
• Assist with training distributor sales teams on protein products and applications

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
• Post secondary education preferred, ideally in food, hospitality, culinary, business, or a related field
• Experience in foodservice, brokerage, distribution, manufacturing, or client facing support roles
• Working knowledge of protein categories, including specifications, formats, applications, and menu usage
• Ability to support market execution through operator visits, product cuttings, demonstrations, and training
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical product information into practical, operator friendly guidance
• Highly organized with strong follow through and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative, service oriented mindset with a high standard of professionalism
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; CRM experience an asset
• Valid driver’s licence and ability to travel regionally

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Hybrid role combining office based work, field activity, and customer interaction. Regular engagement with internal teams, distributor partners, and operators. Flexibility required to support meetings, foodshows, and business priorities. Professionalism and strong client representation are essential.

AI DISCLOSURE
Affinity Group Canada discloses that AI enabled tools may be used to support certain stages of recruitment (e.g., screening applications based on job related criteria), with human review and oversight.
ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATION (AODA)
Affinity Group Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.