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 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 quality and innovation in precision plastics manufacturing, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and career progression, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values your expertise and insights. Located in Cannock, Worcester, or Flint, you will enjoy the benefits of working in a thriving region with access to a diverse range of industries and clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager & Projects Lead
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Goodfish Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager & Projects Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Goodfish Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goodfish Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Goodfish Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Goodfish Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
