At a Glance
- Tasks: Build strong client relationships and lead the tender process for exciting food projects.
- Company: Join Aspens Services, a leading contract caterer transforming school food experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, car allowance, enhanced parental leave, and your birthday off!
- Other info: Be part of a fast-growing company that values your development and offers limitless career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector while growing your career with us.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales or account management and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Home-based covering the North Region.
Aspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don't just serve meals—we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen. Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.
The Role: As a Client Relationship Manager, you will take full ownership of an annual retention target within your region. You will be the bridge between our clients and operational teams, ensuring we not only keep our valued partners happy but also expand our footprint through compelling, high-quality tender responses.
Monday - Friday 37.5 hours per week 52 weeks per year.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Client Retention & Growth: Own the annual retention target for your area. Build deep, long-lasting relationships with clients, understand their strategic objectives, and identify organic growth opportunities.
- Tender & Bid Management: Lead the tender process from initial planning to contract award. Collaborate with consultants, operations, and internal departments to craft winning, highly professional proposals.
- Tender Compliance & Quality Control: Ensure all bids are completed to the specifications required, maintaining the highest standards of documentation, accuracy, and brand alignment.
- Strategic Account Planning: Develop and maintain comprehensive Strategic Account Plans. Stay ahead of market trends and category-specific landscapes that could impact contract retention.
- Value Communication: Confidently articulate and position the benefits of our offerings against competitors through high-impact presentations and proposals to stakeholders at all levels.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and grow strong relationships across client stakeholders to understand their core strategies, build trust, and shape tailored development plans.
- Commercial Governance: Ensure all bids and proposals fall strictly within company guidelines, managing the formal sign-off process for any exceptions.
About you: To thrive in this role, you will bring a blend of commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and exceptional relationship-building skills. Specifically, we are looking for:
- Proven operational experience is essential; a background in sales or account management is highly desirable.
- A track record of successfully navigating the tender process from inception to contract award.
- Exceptional listening, negotiation, verbal, and written communication skills.
- You must be comfortable influencing and presenting to board-level executives.
- Ability to analyse market trends, position offers against competitors, and formulate proactive account strategies.
- Ability to efficiently update, maintain, and navigate company CRM and Business Management Systems.
Why Join the Aspens Family? As one of the UK's fastest-growing independent businesses, we place our people at the core of our success, offering limitless career progression.
Career Investment: We provide comprehensive learning and development programmes, offering the opportunity to gain professional qualifications with dedicated support.
Total Rewards Package: Alongside a competitive salary and a car allowance, our comprehensive benefits programme includes enhanced parental leave and your birthday as an additional day of paid leave.
Please note: We expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people, so an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.
Client Relationship Manager employer: Miquill
Aspens Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity thrives. As a Client Relationship Manager, you will benefit from comprehensive learning and development programmes, a competitive salary, and unique perks such as enhanced parental leave and an extra day off for your birthday. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the education sector while enjoying limitless career progression in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Relationship Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Miquill. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Miquill
Don't be shy about reaching out to Miquill directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Client Relationship Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Miquill and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Miquill
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
