Key Account Manager - Foodservice
Key Account Manager - Foodservice

Key Account Manager - Foodservice

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
FMCG Selection

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage and grow key accounts in the foodservice sector across the South of England.
  • Company: Join one of the UK's fastest-growing frozen food businesses with a strong industry reputation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Field-based role with a mix of customer visits and remote work.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting team driving sales and innovation in the food industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in field sales or account management within food or drink sectors.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

This range is provided by FMCG Selection. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from FMCG Selection

A well-established and highly respected distributor of premium food ingredients, this business partners with an extensive portfolio of prestigious brands. Supplying specialist products to foodservice wholesalers, distributors and artisan producers, they are recognised for their commitment to quality, service and long-term partnerships.

From humble beginnings supplying sugar and confectionery to small businesses, the company has grown over nearly 25 years into one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of premium ingredients. Today, their broad range includes bakery, culinary and ice cream ingredients, flavourings, purées, inclusions and decorations – all sourced from carefully selected, best-in-class suppliers.

With a strong reputation for reliability, service and product expertise, the business has become a trusted partner to chefs, manufacturers and specialist producers across the UK. Their continued growth is fuelled by a commitment to quality, innovation and close collaboration with their customers. As they expand their presence and capabilities, they are now seeking a Business Development Manager to help drive further growth across South East England.

The Role

Following significant and sustained growth, this is an exciting opportunity for a commercially savvy, food-passionate Key Account Manager to help accelerate regional sales and deepen customer partnerships across the South East.

Reporting to the Sales Controller, you will manage a portfolio of valued customers while demonstrating a flair for new business development. Key customer channels include foodservice wholesalers, distributors, and specialist end users such as Cakers, Chocolatiers and Gelato manufacturers.

You will balance strategic account development with proactive prospecting, ensuring the business remains the partner of choice for customers seeking premium, innovative ingredients and outstanding service.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop robust and creative initiatives that build on existing customer relationships while driving sales, profit and volume growth
  • Proactively target and acquire new customers across South East England, establishing long-term business partnerships
  • Identify and introduce new product opportunities, working collaboratively with internal teams to bring ideas to market
  • Monitor competitor activity, market trends and customer insights to maintain a compelling and differentiated proposition
  • Embrace change with a positive, solutions-focused mindset, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the sales strategy

Candidate Requirements

  • Currently working in a Business Development or Account Management role within food or ingredients
  • Experience managing a range of foodservice customers, including wholesalers and end users
  • Strong commercial acumen with a strategic and methodical approach
  • A genuine passion for food – ideally with experience as a chef or within premium food ingredients
  • A self-starter who thrives in a privately owned, growing business and enjoys autonomy
  • Happy to spend significant time on the road visiting customers across the region
  • Based within South East England
  • Company bonus
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • 25 days & bank holidays
  • Life insurance and healthcare
  • Home-based contract

Contact

If you have the experience outlined above and are excited by the opportunity to shape growth for a premium ingredients business, please apply below or contact Aidan at FMCG Selection on 01943 667280 or via aidan@fmcgselection.co.uk.

Please note all applications will be forwarded to FMCG Selection.

Seniority level

  • Associate

Employment type

  • Full-time

Job function

  • Sales and Business Development

Industries

  • Food and Beverage Manufacturing
  • Food and Beverage Services
  • Wholesale

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Key Account Manager - Foodservice employer: FMCG Selection

Join one of the UK’s fastest-growing frozen food businesses, where you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have ample opportunities for growth while working with leading foodservice wholesalers across the South of England. Enjoy the flexibility of a field-based role, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively, all while contributing to a company renowned for its high-quality products and ambitious growth plans.
FMCG Selection

Contact Detail:

FMCG Selection Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager - Foodservice

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the foodservice industry. Attend trade shows, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that Key Account Manager role!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its products thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing relationships with wholesalers and end users. Show them you’re the perfect fit for driving sales and building long-term partnerships.

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the best candidate for the job.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your job search. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that Key Account Manager position!

We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager - Foodservice

Account Management
Negotiation Skills
Sales Target Achievement
Customer Relationship Management
Business Development
Field Sales Experience
Knowledge of Foodservice Industry
Understanding of Wholesale Channels
Commercial Acumen
New Business Identification
Ambition and Drive
Communication Skills
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Key Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in foodservice and account management, and don’t forget to mention any big-name clients you've worked with!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for the food industry and how your skills align with the company's goals. Keep it engaging and personal.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven sales or built strong relationships in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at FMCG Selection

✨Know Your Customers

Before the interview, research the key customers you'll be working with, like JJ Foodservice and Bidfood. Understand their business models and how your potential employer's products fit into their offerings. This will show your interviewer that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Sales Skills

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts or driven sales in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact and capabilities.

✨Understand the Market Trends

Familiarise yourself with current trends in the foodservice industry, especially around frozen and chilled foods. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will demonstrate your industry knowledge and your ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the company's growth plans or how they measure success in the Key Account Manager role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Key Account Manager - Foodservice
FMCG Selection

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