At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with key accounts, ensuring exceptional customer service and support.
- Company: Join Recycling Lives Services, a certified B Corp making a real social impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, healthcare support, and a modern office environment.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven company focused on social and environmental excellence.
- Why this job: Grow your career in a supportive team while making a difference.
- Qualifications: 2 years in customer service or sales, strong IT skills, and great communication.
The predicted salary is between 28009 - 28009 £ per year.
Location: Preston PR1
Hours: Mon – Fri 8am to 5 pm, 1 hour lunch
Salary: £28,009.80 per annum
The role: Due to internal promotions within our Service team, we're looking for a Key Account Executive to join us and continue delivering an exceptional service to our customers. Are you a confident and organised individual with a passion for delivering outstanding customer service and building strong, lasting relationships? This could be the opportunity for you.
As a Key Account Executive, you'll play an important role in supporting and developing some of our key customer accounts, acting as a first point of contact and ensuring they receive a consistently high level of service and support. You'll also work closely with colleagues across the business and our nationwide supply chain, coordinating activity to ensure we deliver seamless, responsive and effective solutions for our customers. This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful team, take ownership of key customer relationships and develop your career within a growing business where internal progression is actively encouraged.
The business: Recycling Lives Services is not a typical recycling company. Since 2008, the business has been structurally built around social value, employing people from disadvantaged backgrounds, partnering with the justice system to reduce reoffending, and delivering environmental excellence at scale. The social mission is not a layer added on top of commercial activity. It is the reason the business operates in the way it does.
As a certified B Corp (scoring 103.5 against a business median of 50.9), Recycling Lives Services generated £42.9m in social value in 2024, achieved a 61% reduction in CO2 emissions, and diverted 97% of waste from landfill. 15% of our team have been welcomed through our rehabilitation programmes, and only 6% of people we support reoffend — compared to a national average of over 25%. We operate UK-wide across construction, manufacturing, retail, utilities and public sector markets, offering total waste management, WEEE recycling, and specialist hazardous waste services.
Our PACE values underpin how we work and the culture we are building across the business: Passion – we care about what we do; Accountability – we take responsibility; Collaboration – we work together respectfully; and Excellence – we aim high. We look for people who share these values and want to make a positive contribution to our business, our customers and the communities we support.
Key responsibilities:
- Customer Engagement: Act as the first point of contact for our key accounts, providing accurate information and ensuring a positive experience.
- Supply Chain Coordination: Liaise directly with our nationwide supply chain to ensure services are delivered efficiently and meet customer expectations.
- Order Processing: Assist our customers with placing orders and ensure smooth service delivery through effective coordination.
- Complaint Resolution: Handle and resolve customer complaints promptly and professionally, addressing service issues in a timely manner.
- Sales Support: Identify opportunities to meet customer needs by promoting additional services and solutions across our key accounts.
- Administrative Support: Maintain up-to-date records in the CRM system and provide administrative support across the team and wider business.
- Customer Service Excellence: Deliver professional communication via phone and email to exceed customer expectations.
- Account Management: Support customer retention efforts and contribute to the growth of existing accounts by promoting the full range of services we offer.
Why join us? This role offers exciting opportunities for professional growth, with potential career paths in sales, account management, and procurement, tailored to your interests and goals. If you’re ready to make an impact and grow with us, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to join a forward-thinking team where your contributions will be valued and your career aspirations supported.
Who you are:
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a customer service or sales role
- Strong IT skills and proficiency with CRM systems.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
- A team player who thrives on individual initiative.
- Professional experience communicating with customers via phone and email.
- Excellent attention to detail and a systematic approach to work.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a B2B environment.
- Experience or knowledge of the waste management industry is a plus.
The benefits:
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- The opportunity to work for a certified B Corp making a genuine social and environmental impact.
- Company pension (5% employee / 3% employer).
- Employee Assistance Programme including free financial wellbeing support
- Healthcare Cash Plan.*
- Cycle to Work Scheme.*
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.*
- Modern office facilities
- Free fruit boxes
- Free onsite parking
*Employees become eligible after 12 months service. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Key Account Executive in Preston employer: Recycling Lives Services
Recycling Lives Services is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a socially responsible mission while working in a dynamic and supportive environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous leave policy and access to counselling support, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Located in Preston, our hybrid working policy allows for flexibility, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Executive in Preston
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Recycling Lives Services. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Recycling Lives Services before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Executive in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Recycling Lives Services:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Recycling Lives Services specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Recycling Lives Services!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recycling Lives Services
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
