Sales Support

My client is a Global Manufacturer looking to recruit a Sales Support Executive, who has experience of FMCG (or related industries) and is ideally a graduate in a business related area To support UK Business Managers in the management and development of NPI sales, for a designated portfolio of customer accounts. SCOPE OF JOB ROLE Primarily focused on the UK market, but with the scope to extend to International markets where appropriate. KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB ROLE Responsible for managing the NPD process Originate a critical path for each project Draw up and maintain a project management schedule for each customer project Attend weekly cross-functional meetings to provide regular updates and highlight potential issues. Liaise with the relevant business functions to ensure trials are carried out correctly. Liaise with customer contacts to ensure project progression Raise relevant internal documentation, ensuring their timely completion and sign-off Communicate with the customer, their agents, artwork houses and other parties to meet all the requirements for the completion of artwork Co-ordinate and manage the artwork process, communicating with the customer, their agents, artwork houses and other parties to meet all the requirements for the completion of artwork. Supply relevant documentation to the customer as required Represent the company at artwork meetings and passes on press Attend first production runs and prepare customer samples Management of designated customer accounts Relationship management NPD & range management Customer negotiations Forecasting Internal and external communication Attend project meetings with customer where required Organise samples Manage the administration for opening new customer accounts Organise the administration for managing and maintaining the customer price file Provide customer contact at times of Business Manager unavailability e.g. travelling, meetings, holiday etc Support the BM with general customer administration Coordinate customer raw material requirements and customer promotions with Supply-chain Manage customer contact for ad hoc information requirements and routine messages SKILLS AND ABILITY (WAY IN WHICH KNOWLEDGE IS USED) General: A good understanding of customer and internal business processes Numerate and able to understand product costings Working knowledge of the manufacturing process Strong appreciation of the NPD process Communication: Strong communication skills both verbal and written Ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical personnel Responsibility: Able to lead projects ensuring that they are delivered on time and in full Able to persuade and influence individuals inside and outside the organisation A confident decision maker, who is also cognisant of the boundaries of their decision making authority Shows initiative when dealing with issues Problem solving Able to quickly identify the root-cause to problems Able to identify options for solving problems, quickly and confidently advocating the optimal route forward Will readily use the knowledge of the immediate team and other peers and colleagues within the organisation to identify the best solutions to issues Health and Safety Ensure compliance with Health & Safety rules and procedures. Organisational ability & GMP Project management skills Ability to prioritise a wide ranging and rapidly changing workl MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Commercial experience within FMCG or related industries Ideally, a graduate in business related area Experience of working in an international business environment would be an advantage DESIRED BEHAVIOURS (E.G. Actions, deeds, activities, manners & conduct) Self motivated Flexible/adaptable Enthusiastic Sets and works to high standards Team player Courteous Positive attitude Active and action orientated Honesty and integrity Confidential