At a Glance
- Tasks: Grow revenue and build strong relationships with SME clients while managing key accounts.
- Company: Join Panda, a leading resource recovery business focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in waste management while developing your skills in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management or B2B sales with strong communication and negotiation skills.
We are looking for an experienced SME Account Manager to grow revenue, develop new business opportunities and build strong, long-term relationships with SME clients. The SME Account Manager will manage key accounts from initial opportunity through to implementation and ongoing service delivery. Working closely with Operations, Marketing, Logistics and Customer Service, you will ensure we deliver commercially sustainable solutions and an excellent experience for our customers. This is a commercially focused role for someone who can combine strategic account management with proactive business development.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Develop and deliver strategic sales plans to achieve revenue and growth targets
- Build and maintain strong relationships with SME clients
- Act as the main point of contact for key accounts, responding effectively to their needs
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities through research, networking and proactive outreach
- Analyse market trends, customer requirements and competitor activity
- Prepare and present compelling proposals that demonstrate the value of Panda’s waste management solutions
- Negotiate commercial terms and agreements that support profitable, sustainable partnerships
- Work with Marketing to generate leads and align sales activity with campaigns
- Collaborate with Operations, Logistics and Customer Service to ensure contracts are implemented successfully
- Monitor account performance, customer satisfaction and service delivery
- Produce regular reports covering revenue, sales performance, market share and development opportunities
- Manage sales activity within agreed budgets and report performance against targets
- Identify and manage commercial or operational risks associated with customer accounts
- Ensure all sales activity complies with relevant legislation and industry standards
- Identify opportunities to improve sales processes, customer service and commercial performance
- Represent Panda positively at meetings, networking events and customer engagements
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in account management, business development or B2B sales
- A proven ability to grow revenue and develop long-term customer relationships
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
- Confidence preparing and delivering proposals to senior decision-makers
- The ability to analyse market information and identify viable opportunities
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder-management skills
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across different departments
- Strong organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities
- Experience within waste management, environmental services, logistics or a related sector would be advantageous
About The Company
We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.
At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward. We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing. Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey.
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
SME Account Manager employer: Panda
At Panda, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values safety, quality, and personal growth. As a Fabricator-Welder in Barkston, you'll enjoy a stable, hands-on role with opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to meaningful waste management solutions that positively impact our communities. Join us and be part of a passionate team dedicated to innovation and excellence in everything we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SME Account Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like SME Account Manager at Panda, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Panda. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a SME Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace SME Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Panda:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Panda. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panda
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Panda that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Panda that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Panda’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
