At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key accounts and lead projects in precision plastics manufacturing.
- Company: Join Goodfish Group, a growing UK precision plastics manufacturer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and direct access to leadership.
- Other info: Opportunities for long-term progression as the company expands.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with ambitious growth plans.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in account management within manufacturing; strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Cannock (Staffordshire), Worcester, or Flint (North Wales) — travel to Group sites and customer locations required
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 per annum + car allowance
Contract: Permanent, full-time
About Goodfish Group
Goodfish Group is a UK precision plastics manufacturing group operating across four specialist sites in the Midlands and North Wales. We produce injection moulded and extruded polymer components for customers across medical, industrial, automotive, and infrastructure sectors. Annual Group revenue exceeds £27m and we are growing. We are privately owned, commercially direct, and run by people who take quality seriously.
This is not a process-following, inbox-managing account management role. We want someone who owns their accounts completely commercially, technically, and relationally and who brings the project management rigour to ensure that what we promise, we deliver.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Key Account Manager to take ownership of a portfolio of strategic accounts across the Group. Your accounts will span multiple sectors and sites; some are long-established relationships, some are newer and still developing. Your job is to protect them, deepen them, and ensure we never lose a customer through inattention or poor execution.
The Projects Lead element of the role reflects the nature of precision plastics manufacturing: our customers run programmes, not just purchase orders. New tool launches, design changes, material transitions, annual price negotiations, these require disciplined project management as much as commercial skill. You will be expected to lead that process end to end, working across our operations, technical, and quality teams to keep programmes on track and customers informed.
Automotive experience is advantageous — the project management cadence, APQP discipline, and tier structure of that sector maps well onto how we work. But we are equally open to candidates from adjacent manufacturing sectors who bring the same rigour.
- Own and manage a defined portfolio of key accounts across GFG’s four operating sites
- Act as the primary commercial and programme contact for your accounts — understanding their businesses, their supply chains, and their forward programmes
- Lead the internal project management of new programme launches, engineering changes, and re-sourcing activity from tooling sign-off through to series production
- Manage annual price reviews, commercial negotiations, and contract renewals with support from the Chief Executive where required
- Maintain accurate forecasting, account plans, and programme trackers; report regularly to the Commercial Manager and Chief Executive
- Work closely with site operations, quality, and technical teams to ensure customer commitments are met and issues are resolved before they escalate
- Identify and act on opportunities to grow revenue within existing accounts — additional programmes, materials, or services
- Manage customer scorecards, KPIs, and any formal performance review processes (e.g. QBRs, supplier audits)
- Represent GFG professionally at customer sites; travel will be a regular feature of the role
What We Are Looking For
Essential
- 5–8 years’ experience in an account management or customer-facing commercial role within a manufacturing environment
- Demonstrable experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder customer relationships in a B2B setting
- Proven ability to manage programme or project activity — new launches, engineering changes, or similar — from initiation through to delivery
- Strong commercial literacy: able to read a margin, understand a cost structure, and negotiate with confidence
- Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to senior customer contacts
- Organised and methodical under pressure — this role carries real accountability for customer retention
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Experience in the automotive supply chain — OEM or Tier 1/Tier 2 level — and familiarity with APQP, PPAP, or similar programme management frameworks
- Knowledge of injection moulding, extrusion, or polymer materials
- Experience working within an IATF 16949 or TS 16949 quality environment
- Exposure to ERP or MRP systems in a manufacturing context
What We Offer
- £45,000–£50,000 salary
- Car allowance for customer and inter-site travel
- Access to Group pool vehicles where required
- Direct access to the Chief Executive and genuine influence over how accounts and programmes are managed
- A business of real scale and ambition, four sites, £27m revenue, targeting £50m by 2030 — where the work you do is visible and consequential
- Long-term progression for the right person as the Group grows
How to Apply
Apply with a CV and a covering note of no more than one page. Tell us which accounts or programmes you are most proud of having managed, and why. Applications without a covering note will not be considered.
Key Account Manager & Projects Lead in Cannock employer: Goodfish Group
Goodfish Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact our growth and success. With a focus on employee development and a culture that values quality and innovation, you will have the opportunity to lead key accounts and projects across multiple sectors while enjoying competitive benefits such as a car allowance and direct access to senior leadership. Join us in Cannock, Worcester, or Flint, and be part of a privately owned company that prioritises meaningful work and long-term career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager & Projects Lead in Cannock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Key Account Manager gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Goodfish Group inside out. Know their projects, values, and what makes them tick. This will help you show how you can contribute to their growth and success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience managing complex accounts and projects. Highlight your commercial skills and how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Goodfish Group team.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager & Projects Lead in Cannock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Covering Note:Your covering note is your chance to shine! Keep it concise, no more than one page, and make sure to highlight the accounts or programmes you’re most proud of managing. We want to see your passion and what makes you stand out!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Key Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex customer relationships and any project management successes. We love seeing how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Commercial Savvy:Since this role requires strong commercial literacy, don’t shy away from discussing your negotiation skills and understanding of cost structures. We want to know how you’ve successfully navigated these aspects in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Goodfish Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goodfish Group
✨Know Your Accounts Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the accounts you’ll be managing. Understand their business models, supply chains, and any recent news or changes. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just interested in the role but are genuinely invested in their clients.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects from start to finish. Highlight your experience with new launches or engineering changes, and be ready to explain your approach to keeping everything on track and ensuring customer satisfaction.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Brush up on your understanding of margin reading and cost structures. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve negotiated contracts or price reviews in the past. This will help illustrate your strong commercial literacy, which is crucial for this role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be presenting to senior contacts, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor to refine your verbal communication and ensure you can convey your ideas effectively under pressure.