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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business growth and execute strategies in a dynamic, international environment.
- Company: Join Lee Kum Kee, a leading Asian sauce brand loved worldwide for its authentic flavours.
- Benefits: Enjoy structured training, mentorship, and international exposure with potential for leadership roles.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant culture that values innovation and personal growth in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates or those with under 2 years of experience in relevant fields are encouraged to apply.
- Other info: Passion for food and cooking is a must; occasional travel may be required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
About LEE KUM KEE
Lee Kum Kee is one of the largest Asian sauce brands, and the inventor of the famous Oyster Sauce. The brand features authentic Chinese and Asian-inspired sauces and is loved by Michelin chefs and families around the world. Lee Kum Kee Europe’s vision is to bring the most original Asian flavours to Europe households, and to provide a quality choice for adventurous cooks in the West.
Position Summary
As part of the Lee Kum Kee Global Talent Program, the Business Development Graduate Trainee 2025 will be developed into a future leader through an intensive, structured 18-month journey. Based in London and reporting to the Business Development Manager, the trainee will have opportunities for on-the-job training, cross-functional exposure, project leadership, and mentorship. The trainee will support business and distribution growth, assist in the creation and execution of commercial strategies, work side-by-side with distributors, and support the delivery of designated P&L targets across various channels. This role suits individuals who are proactive, entrepreneurial, fast learners, and passionate about growing in a multi-faceted international business environment. We are looking for those who demonstrate the potential and aspiration to grow into future leadership roles within Lee Kum Kee.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the execution of business development plans across key European markets to drive growth in mainstream channels.
- Work closely with distributors to support business planning, implement strategic initiatives, and coordinate successful new product launches.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and delivery of business objectives.
- Take ownership of assigned projects and deliver against defined business goals and timelines.
- Conduct market and sales performance analysis to identify opportunities, challenges, and generate actionable insights for business planning.
- Participate in key customer and distributor meetings, supporting the Business Development Managers in driving customer engagement and execution.
- Monitor category trends, competitive activity, and channel developments to support strategy refinement and market responsiveness.
What You’ll Gain
- Structured rotation and training plan, with exposure to sales, marketing, and operations.
- Hands-on experience managing distributor relationships and working on live commercial projects.
- Direct mentorship from experienced leaders.
- International exposure through collaboration with global teams.
- A pathway to future leadership opportunities within the business.
Requirements and Skills
- Education: Fresh graduate (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) or with less than 2 years of work experience, preferably in Business, Management, Marketing, Communications, or related fields.
- Competencies: Highly proactive, curious, and self-motivated individual who takes ownership of learning and driving results. Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills. Agile and resilient in a fast-paced, multi-cultural business environment. Analytical and creative thinker with a problem-solving mindset.
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in both spoken and written English. Knowledge of a European language is advantageous.
- Other: Passionate about food and cooking culture. Willing to travel occasionally for business needs.
Career Progression
At Lee Kum Kee, career progression is a key focus of the Graduate Trainee Programme. Trainees who demonstrate strong potential, learning agility, and leadership capabilities will have clear opportunities to grow and develop into future leaders, contributing meaningfully to the company's long-term success.
Business Development Trainee employer: Lee Kum Kee Europe
Contact Detail:
Lee Kum Kee Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lee Kum Kee's product range and their unique selling points. Understanding the brand's heritage and its position in the market will help you engage more effectively during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food and beverage industry, especially those who have experience with Asian cuisine or sauces. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market trends in the food industry, particularly in Europe. Being able to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the market will demonstrate your analytical skills and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your problem-solving abilities through real-life examples. Think of situations where you've taken initiative or led a project, as these experiences align well with the proactive nature they seek in candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the Business Development Trainee role. Emphasise any projects or coursework related to business development, marketing, or management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and cooking culture, as well as your motivation to join Lee Kum Kee. Mention specific aspects of the company and role that excite you, and how you can contribute to their vision.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these in past experiences, whether in academic projects or internships.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lee Kum Kee Europe
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Since Lee Kum Kee is all about authentic Asian flavours, make sure to express your enthusiasm for food and cooking culture during the interview. Share any personal experiences or favourite dishes that relate to their products.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
The role requires a proactive mindset, so come prepared with examples of how you've taken initiative in past projects or experiences. Highlight situations where you identified opportunities and acted on them.
✨Prepare for Market Analysis Questions
Expect questions related to market trends and sales performance. Brush up on current trends in the food industry, especially in European markets, and be ready to discuss how you would approach market analysis.
✨Emphasise Interpersonal Skills
As you'll be working closely with distributors and cross-functional teams, showcase your strong communication and interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve common goals.
