UK Key Account Manager in Guildford, Surrey

UK Key Account Manager in Guildford, Surrey

Guildford +1 Full-Time 43000 - 67000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Own key accounts and drive growth in the automotive car care category.
  • Company: Leading European manufacturer with a strong reputation in car care products.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, pension, and opportunities for career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping category strategy and launching new products.
  • Qualifications: Experience in key account management within automotive or FMCG sectors.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team and enjoy a supportive, inclusive work environment.

The predicted salary is between 43000 - 67000 £ per year.

Location & Package: Ideal location: Surrey / Hampshire / Berkshire (or commutable) Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 (negotiable) Bonus OTE Company Car Pension Strong support from a European manufacturing and technical base.

We are strengthening our UK commercial team and are looking for a high-calibre Key Account Manager / Business Development Manager with proven experience in Automotive Car Care, Motor Oils & Lubricants, or FMCG Retail National Accounts. As a major European chemical manufacturer, we develop and supply high-performance Car Care products and maintenance fluids to leading Automotive Retailers, Forecourt Groups, Supermarkets, DIY and Distribution partners across EMEA. This is a pivotal UK role with genuine scope to shape category strategy, grow national account sales alongside launching new products to market.

The Opportunity: You will take ownership of key UK & Ireland accounts, targeting growth across:

  • Automotive Retail chains
  • Petrol Forecourt groups
  • Supermarkets & DIY chains
  • National Distributors & Regional Distributors
  • High-volume retail platforms

This is a commercially focused, customer-facing role where your ability to balance volume, margin, range, and customer strategy will be critical.

Who This Role Is Perfect For: You will thrive in this role if you are:

  • A Key Account Manager within Automotive Car Care, Lubricants, or FMCG National Accounts
  • Experienced in National Account or Top-Tier Regional / Key Account management
  • Commercially sharp, data-led, and confident facing senior retail buyers
  • Comfortable owning a category and influencing range, pricing, promotions, and space

This role would also suit a commercially driven Category Manager or Product Manager ready to step into a more sales-facing national accounts role.

What You Will Bring: Essential strengths include:

  • Proven success managing and growing National Retail or Large Distributor accounts
  • Strong commercial acumen: pricing, margin, volume, and promotional planning
  • Confidence using sales data to identify gaps and unlock opportunity
  • Ability to build long-term, trusted customer relationships
  • Experience launching new products and winning range acceptance

Highly desirable (but not essential):

  • Knowledge of Car Care, Motor Oils, Automotive Lubricants, or Maintenance Fluids
  • Experience linking the motorist, retailer, and category strategy

Why Join? High-impact role with real ownership and visibility. Established products with strong technically manufactured credibility. Backed by a leading European manufacturer. Opportunity to shape and grow a car care category in the UK.

Apply Now - Interviews Ongoing: We are actively interviewing, so early applications are encouraged. To apply or have an initial confidential conversation, contact our exclusive recruitment partner: Glen Shepherd. Please send your CV and a brief overview of how your experience aligns with this role. We are hiring now - don’t miss the opportunity.

Glen Callum Associates is committed to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or background. We believe that a variety of perspectives makes a team stronger and a workplace better. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know - we’re here to support you.

Locations

Guildford Surrey

UK Key Account Manager in Guildford, Surrey employer: Glen Callum Associates ltd

Join a leading European chemical manufacturer that offers a dynamic work environment in the heart of the UK, specifically in Surrey, Hampshire, or Berkshire. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide competitive salaries, bonuses, and a company car, alongside a supportive culture that encourages innovation and ownership in your role. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the automotive car care category while being part of a diverse and inclusive team.
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Contact Detail:

Glen Callum Associates ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land UK Key Account Manager in Guildford, Surrey

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨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 national accounts and launching new products. Show them you mean business!

✨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 chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that Key Account Manager role!

We think you need these skills to ace UK Key Account Manager in Guildford, Surrey

Key Account Management
Business Development
Commercial Acumen
Data Analysis
Customer Relationship Management
Product Launch Experience
Pricing Strategy
Promotional Planning
Automotive Industry Knowledge
FMCG Retail Experience
Negotiation Skills
Sales Strategy
Market Analysis
Category Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Key Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in Automotive Car Care or FMCG National Accounts, and don’t forget to showcase your commercial acumen and success in managing national accounts.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background aligns with our needs. Be specific about your achievements and how you can contribute to shaping the car care category in the UK.

Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role requires a data-led approach, make sure to mention any experience you have with sales data analysis. Talk about how you've used data to identify opportunities and drive growth in previous roles.

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 get you into the interview process quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Glen Callum Associates ltd

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Key Account Manager, you'll need to be data-driven. Brush up on your sales figures, margins, and promotional strategies related to automotive car care and FMCG retail. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to identify opportunities in past roles.

✨Showcase Your Relationships

Building long-term relationships is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed national accounts and developed trust with senior retail buyers. Highlight specific instances where your relationship-building skills led to increased sales or successful product launches.

✨Understand the Market

Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the automotive car care and lubricants market. Be prepared to discuss competitors, market gaps, and how you can leverage your knowledge to shape category strategy. This shows you're not just a candidate, but a potential game-changer.

✨Be Ready to Innovate

This role involves launching new products, so think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table. Prepare to discuss any previous experiences where you've successfully introduced new products and how you gained range acceptance from retailers.

UK Key Account Manager in Guildford, Surrey
Glen Callum Associates ltd
Location: Guildford

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