Manager, Trade Relations & Strategic Partnerships

Job Summary

Responsible for leading the execution, optimization, and performance management of Apotex’s Canadian Trade Relationships portfolio and strategic partnership initiatives.

Serves as the primary operational lead supporting key wholesalers, distributors, self-distributing customers, and designated strategic partners.

Works in close partnerships with the Director, Trade Relations & Strategic Partnerships to translate commercial strategy into actionable business plans, drive cross-functional execution, monitor partner performance, and identify opportunities to improve customer experience, distribution effectiveness, and business performance.

Acts as a subject matter expert for trade relations, channel management, and partnership operations, providing data-driven insights and recommendations that support commercial decision-making and achievement of organizational objectives. Leads the coordination of internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient product flow, strong partner engagement, effective issue resolution, and alignment with corporate goals.

Supports the growth and development of strategic commercial partnerships, including Animal Health, Consumer Products, and emerging business channels, while contributing to the achievement of net sales, service-level,  and operational performance objectives across those respective Sales Offices.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of trade and distribution initiatives aligned with the Canadian commercial strategy.


• Manage commercial and operational relationships with assigned wholesalers, distributors, self-distributing customers, and strategic partners.


• Monitor partner performance against established service, distribution, sales, inventory, and operational metrics.


• Lead issue identification, escalation, and resolution activities to support business continuity and customer satisfaction.


• Develop and maintain partner performance scorecards, action plans, and business review materials.


• Coordinate and facilitate regular business reviews with distribution and strategic partners.


• Support implementation and administration of commercial agreements and contractual commitments.


• Lead day-to-day management and execution of strategic partnership initiatives across designated business segments.


• Identify opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and improve overall partner performance.


• Support evaluation and onboarding of new commercial partnership opportunities.


• Develop business cases, financial analyses, and recommendations to support partnership growth and investment decisions.


• Analyze sales, market, inventory, distribution, service-level, and profitability data to identify risks, trends, and growth opportunities.


• Develop actionable recommendations that support achievement of commercial objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, dashboards, and reporting as required.


• Partner cross-functionally with Commercial Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Distribution, Finance, Customer Operations, Regulatory Affairs, and Business Development.


• Monitor market trends, customer dynamics, channel developments, and competitive activity to identify emerging opportunities and risks.


• Support assessment of evolving distribution models, customer requirements, and channel strategies.


• Demonstrate organizational values: Integrity, Courage, Teamwork, Innovation.


• Ensure personal adherence with all compliance programs including the Global Business Ethics and Compliance Program, Global Quality policies and procedures, Safety and Environment policies, and HR policies.


• Report any notified suspected Adverse Drug Reactions to Global Pharmacovigilance in accordance with Corporate SOPs.


• Support Generic Committee Leadership Meeting preparation and other initiatives.


• All other relevant duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Education
  
  
  
  • University degree in Business or Science or equivalent business experience, MBA
  
  
  
  

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  
  
  
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  
  
  • Effective communication and stakeholder management
  
  
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities
  
  
  • Commercial acumen and attention to detail
  
  
  • Collaborative mindset and influencing skills
  
  
  • Negotiation and relationship management skills
    
    
  
  
  
  


• Experience
  
  
  
  • 5–7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, distribution, commercial operations, strategic partnerships, trade relations, or related industries.
  
  
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex customer, wholesaler, distributor, or strategic partner relationships.
  
  
  • Experience leading cross-functional business initiatives and influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.
  
  
  • Experience developing business cases, performance analyses, and commercial recommendations.
  
  
  • Pharmaceutical industry experience is strongly preferred.