At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key accounts and drive growth in the automotive car care sector.
- Company: Leading European chemical manufacturer with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, company car, and pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping category strategy and launching new products.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management within automotive or FMCG sectors.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
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
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.
We are actively interviewing, so early applications are encouraged. To apply or have an initial confidential conversation, contact our exclusive recruitment partner: Glen Shepherd 07977 266309. Please send your CV and a brief overview of how your experience aligns with this role.
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 are here to support you.
UK Key Account Manager in Guildford employer: Glen Callum Associates ltd
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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its products, especially in the automotive sector. Show them you know your stuff and are genuinely interested in their brand.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. It shows you're keen and professional, which is always a plus.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. Plus, it makes tracking your application easier for everyone!
We think you need these skills to ace UK Key Account Manager in Guildford
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 Retail, 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 the job description. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role.
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
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-savvy. 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 drive growth in previous 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 how you would approach category strategy and what opportunities you see for growth in the UK and Ireland. This shows you're not just a candidate, but a potential game-changer.
✨Be Ready to Influence
This role requires you to influence pricing, range, and promotions. Think about how you've done this in the past and be ready to share your strategies. Discuss how you can leverage your commercial acumen to make impactful decisions that align with the company's goals.