At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key OEM customer relationships and ensure smooth operations from product launch to ongoing support.
- Company: Fast-growing UK manufacturer of innovative hot water solutions with a commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, comprehensive training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a senior role with support from experienced teams in a thriving business.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a crucial role in major new product programmes.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in key account management within manufacturing or engineering sectors.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About Us
We are a fast-growing UK manufacturer of stainless-steel hot water cylinders and engineered hot water storage solutions.
We design and manufacture unvented hot water cylinders, calorifiers, buffer vessels, volumisers, thermal stores, and high-volume pre-plumbed assemblies for leading heat pump manufacturers and heating-sector customers.
As an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer, we are committed to delivering consistent quality, reliable supply, technical excellence, and outstanding customer support.
The Role
Due to continued growth and significant new OEM programmes, we are seeking an experienced Key Account Manager to manage a portfolio of our most strategic OEM customer relationships.
This is not a traditional business development role.
The focus is on the commercial and operational management of major accounts, supporting customers from product development and launch through to ongoing production, growth, and supply.
You will act as the primary link between customers and our teams across Engineering, Production, Purchasing, Quality, Logistics, Aftersales, and Commercial functions.
Success in this role requires the ability to build strong senior-level relationships while managing the detail behind forecasts, product changes, production planning, delivery performance, contracts, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Account & Relationship Management
Act as the primary commercial and operational contact for key OEM customers.
Build and maintain strong relationships across purchasing, engineering, quality, supply chain, product, sales, and senior management teams
Develop account plans covering current business, future opportunities, risks, and growth initiatives.
Lead customer review meetings, factory visits, business reviews, and commercial discussions.
Ensure customers receive accurate, timely, and consistent communication.
- Forecasting, Planning & Supply Management
- Manage short, medium, and long-term customer forecasts.
Work closely with Production, Purchasing, and Planning teams to align customer demand with manufacturing capacity.
Identify and elevate risks relating to capacity, materials, labour, logistics, and delivery performance.
Support production ramp-ups, volume increases, and new programme launches.
- New Product Introduction & Change Management
- Coordinate customer-facing aspects of new product introductions and production launches.
- Work with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Purchasing teams through development, testing, approval, and launch phases.
- Work with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Purchasing teams through development, testing, approval, and launch phases.
- Manage customer specifications, drawings, product variants, packaging requirements, and technical documentation.
- Ensure all product, component, and specification changes follow formal review and approval processes.
- Coordinate prototype approvals, sample submissions, and launch activities
- Commercial Management
- Prepare quotations, proposals, pricing reviews, and account development plans.
- Monitor account revenue, margins, forecasts, and overall commercial performance.
- Support contract negotiations covering pricing, lead times, service levels, payment terms, and supply agreements.
- Ensure product and customer changes are commercially reviewed before implementation.
- Identify opportunities for additional products, programmes, and long-term growth.
- Operational Performance
- Work with internal teams to ensure orders are delivered in full and on time.
- Monitor delivery, quality, forecast accuracy, complaints, warranty trends, and customer performance measures.
- Coordinate corrective actions and customer communications when service levels are impacted.
- Support resolution of quality, supply, and commercial issues while maintaining strong customer relationships.
- Internal Collaboration & Reporting
- Lead internal account review meetings and ensure actions are completed on time.
- Provide visibility of future customer demand to Production and Purchasing teams.
- Maintain accurate records within CRM and ERP systems.
- Produce regular reports covering forecasts, sales performance, product launches, risks, and opportunities.
- Keep senior management informed of significant commercial, operational, and customer-related risks.
- Proven Key Account Management experience within manufacturing, engineering, HVAC, building services, automotive, industrial products, or a similar OEM environment.
- Experience managing strategically important, high-value customer accounts.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, including Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Production, Quality, Logistics, and Aftersales.
- Experience managing forecasts, production demand, delivery schedules, and volume fluctuations.
- Knowledge of new product introductions, production launches, and customer projects.
- Ability to understand technical products, specifications, engineering drawings, and change processes.
- Strong commercial awareness, including pricing, quotations, margin management, and contract discussions.
- Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.
- Strong organisational and project management abilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Experience using CRM, ERP, and manufacturing planning systems.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Power Point.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to customer sites.
- Experience managing accounts for manufacturers supplying major OEM customers.
- Knowledge of heat pumps, hot water cylinders, HVAC, plumbing products, or building services.
- Experience with technically configured products incorporating mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic components.
- Experience managing high-volume supply agreements and production ramp-ups.
- Understanding of production planning, manufacturing capacity, supply chain management, and material lead times.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems and change-control processes.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Company car.
- Comprehensive product and industry training.
- Opportunity to manage some of our most important OEM customer relationships.
- Involvement in major new product programmes and business growth initiatives.
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
- Support from experienced Engineering, Production, Quality, Commercial, and Senior Leadership teams.
- A senior and influential role within a growing UK manufacturing business.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Account Manager in Dukinfield employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
Allscreens Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive. With access to state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for career progression, our Automotive Glazing Technicians in Birmingham can expect not only competitive bonuses but also the chance to work with the latest technology in the industry. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager in Dukinfield
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We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager in Dukinfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Allscreens Nationwide Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.