Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key accounts and develop new business opportunities in the coffee industry.
- Company: Cafédirect prioritises fair trade and sustainability, supporting coffee farmers directly.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company car, generous leave, health care, and unlimited coffee!
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real impact in the coffee world.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in sales or account management required.
- Other info: Work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Drinking coffee today shouldn’t stop us drinking coffee tomorrow. But it will – unless we change the way coffee is bought and sold. Because if farmers can’t make a living growing coffee, they’ll stop. And right now 80% of them aren’t. So we put our growers first – buying from them directly, paying them fairly, and investing in training and support. We make sure our products and processes respect the earth and the people making a living off it. We’re open and specific about our approach, so other coffee companies can follow our lead. And we make sure our coffee tastes as decent as it acts, so you’ve got good reason to pick our pack off the shelf – turning an everyday ritual into a gamechanger.
We are currently looking for an Area Sales Manager to join the Cafédirect team covering the South of England. The primary role of the Area Sales Manager will be to support the National Account Managers to secure new out-of-home business via route to market wholesale customers and direct contract catering customers. You will also be tasked with successfully managing a selection of your own Regional Independents and Key Accounts. You will also support the wider sales team in executing the Cafédirect commercial plan.
Working Hours and Benefits
- 8:30 – 4:30 – (Mon – Fri)
- Company Car
- Generous annual leave per year + statutory bank holidays
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Barista and Equipment Training
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Vitality Health Care
- Group Life Assurance
- Death In Service Benefit
- As much coffee as you can drink!
Key Responsibilities
- Customer Management
- Build strong relationships with key wholesalers, multi-site regional accounts and Southern Independent accounts
- Focus on existing business development opportunities to drive incremental sales
- Develop new initiatives in existing accounts, to generate additional sales revenue
- Manage any admin related to regional customers on territory
- Work with supply chain to ensure we maximise product availability
- Financial Management
- Analysis, reporting and presentation of customer performance
- Ensure effective use of commercial investment across a defined territory
- Invoice management
- Accurate forecasting
- Timely and successful delivery of products
- Clear progress communication to internal and external stakeholders
- New Business Development & Execution
- Create maximum brand impact of Cafédirect’s commercial plan
- Drive further coffee & equipment opportunities
- Grow and develop existing customers, together with generating new business, using a pipeline for reporting and a well organised journey plan
- To develop extensive knowledge of competitors and their activities in territory
- Planning
- Complete comprehensive Account Plans for all key customers
- Forecast and track key account metrics
Behaviours / Skills
- Responsible, reliable and trustworthy reflecting a strong personal commitment to our customers and brand.
- Dynamic, highly motivated and pro-active individual with a passion for coffee.
- Strong capability in Excel & PowerPoint and the ability to learn how to use and manipulate IT systems is essential.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate, present and influence credibly and effectively at all levels of the organization.
- Experience in delivering client-focused solutions based on customer needs.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time while paying strict attention to detail.
- Excellent listening, negotiation and presentation skills.
Area Sales Manager employer: Heybridge Associates
Contact Detail:
Heybridge Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Sales Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the coffee industry and Cafédirect's unique approach to sourcing. Understanding their commitment to fair trade and sustainability will help you align your values with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the coffee and food service sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with professionals who can provide insights or even referrals for the Area Sales Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've used in previous sales roles to develop new business and manage key accounts. Be ready to share examples of how you've driven sales growth and built strong customer relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your Excel and PowerPoint skills, as these are essential for the role. Consider creating a mock presentation that showcases your understanding of the market and how you would approach managing key accounts for Cafédirect.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Sales Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sales, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Emphasise any previous roles where you've built strong customer relationships or managed key accounts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for coffee and how it aligns with the company's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully driven sales or developed new business opportunities in past roles.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your skills in Excel and PowerPoint, as well as your ability to analyse data and present findings. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to achieve sales targets or improve customer relationships.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with Cafédirect's values and approach to sourcing coffee. Mention in your application how you resonate with their commitment to fair trade and sustainability, and how you can contribute to their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heybridge Associates
✨Know Your Coffee
Familiarise yourself with the coffee industry, especially the ethical sourcing practices that Cafédirect champions. Be prepared to discuss how these practices impact sales and customer relationships.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships with key accounts in previous roles. Highlight your ability to connect with wholesalers and independent retailers.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis and reporting. Bring examples of how you've used Excel or other tools to track performance metrics and make informed decisions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing multiple projects or negotiating with clients. Prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and commercial acumen.
