At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key trade accounts and drive revenue growth through strong partnerships.
- Company: Dynamic company in the homeware and lifestyle sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, car allowance, staff discounts, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact in the trade channel.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in Key Account Management, preferably with John Lewis or Next.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: UK (Hybrid – minimum of 1 day in Swindon office per week)
Department: Trade Sales
Reports to: Head of Trade
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role
We are seeking a commercially driven Key Account Manager to lead and grow our trade channel, focusing on managing and developing relationships with around 25-30 of our highest growth, key trade partners. You will be responsible for driving revenue growth across a diverse group of retailers trading across different trading models, increasing brand presence, and delivering exceptional customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Account Management & Growth
- Manage a portfolio of key trade accounts, ensuring strong, long-term partnerships
- Identify and secure new business opportunities within the trade channel
- Deliver against sales targets, revenue growth, and margin objectives
- Build tailored account plans for each
- Proactively target and convert new, key customers
- Commercial Planning
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with trade customers
- Analyse sales performance, forecasting, and pipeline opportunities
- Work closely with merchandising and supply chain teams to ensure product availability
- Provide customer insights to inform product development and range planning
- Customer Service
- Act as the main point of contact for trade customers, delivering a premium, consultative service
- Resolve issues efficiently and professionally
- Manage overdue balances, working closely with customers to resolve issues and secure timely payment
- Complete product information files in a timely manner, ensuring launch of new collections are on time
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in Key Account Management (preferably within homeware, interiors, or lifestyle brands) with a minimum of 2 years’ experience managing John Lewis or Next
- Strong Excel skills, with ability to fill in PIFs quickly and efficiently
- Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills
- Commercially astute with strong analytical capability
- Self-motivated, target-driven, and results-oriented
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Full UK driving licence required
What We Offer
- Competitive salary + company performance-related bonus
- Car allowance
- Staff discount
- Pension scheme
Key Account Manager in Swindon employer: Garden Trading
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Key Account Manager, where you will thrive in a supportive hybrid work environment based in Swindon. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and growth, offering competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and opportunities for professional development. With a focus on building strong relationships with key trade partners, you will play a vital role in driving our success while enjoying the benefits of a generous staff discount and pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is gold when it comes to landing that Key Account Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its key trade partners. Understand their products and market position. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in driving revenue growth for them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since you'll be negotiating pricing and contracts, being able to demonstrate your approach to negotiations during the interview can set you apart. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s make things happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Key Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing key accounts, especially with brands like John Lewis or Next. We want to see how you've driven revenue growth and built strong partnerships!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the trade channel and how you can deliver exceptional customer experiences. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your skills.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, don’t forget to include examples of how you've used data to inform decisions or improve sales performance. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with numbers!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Garden Trading
✨Know Your Accounts
Before the interview, research the key trade partners you'll be managing. Understand their business models, recent news, and how they align with the company's goals. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Be ready to discuss how you approached pricing, terms, and contracts. Highlighting your ability to secure beneficial deals will demonstrate your commercial acumen and suitability for the position.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Brush up on your Excel skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive sales performance in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've analysed sales forecasts or pipeline opportunities to make informed decisions. This will showcase your analytical capability.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Be ready to talk about how you've delivered exceptional customer service in the past. Share specific instances where you resolved issues efficiently or improved customer relationships. This will highlight your consultative approach and commitment to providing a premium service.
