Client Services Director in Reading

Client Services Director in Reading

Reading Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead client relationships and drive business growth through strategic planning and team empowerment.
  • Company: Join a leading international sensory and consumer research company with a dynamic, multicultural environment.
  • Benefits: Supportive career development, diverse team, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of sensory research while working with creative and competent professionals.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in market/sensory research, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
  • Other info: Be part of a fast-growing global leader in testing services with excellent career opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

Location: Reading | Crawley | Nottingham

Are you passionate about driving business growth, a strategic leader who thrives on shaping long‑term vision and operational excellence, and excited to empower your team to be the best they can be within a dynamic, multicultural environment? If so, we have exactly the right opportunity for you!

Who We Are

We are the leading international sensory and consumer research company specializing in food, beverages, cosmetics, personal care, and other consumer products. We have 19 proprietary state‑of‑the‑art facilities across France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, United Kingdom, Morocco, China and the USA, and cover more than 65 countries through our network of approved partners. SAM provides tailor‑made solutions, delivering actionable guidelines to make our clients’ brands and products memorable. SAM is a great place to work. Join SAM to work with the most competent, creative, and fun team in the industry and let your work, opinions and ideas contribute to the future of sensory and consumer research. Become your most extraordinary self with support and development throughout your career.

Best in class

Join our very diverse team of sensory scientists, food technologists, statisticians, psychologists, sociologists, strategic thinkers, marketeers, field managers, technicians and other sensory and research experienced colleagues. We're proud to be part of the Eurofins Group, a world‑leader in Testing for Life. With about 61,000 employees, Eurofins is a global leader in testing services and over the last 20 years has been one of the fastest growing companies in the world, thanks to its innovation in technology and service.

Job Summary

  • Reporting to the Managing Director, the Client Services Director is responsible and accountable for all the accounts in the cluster, as well as responsible for the strategic and financial planning for the business.
  • Serve as the primary contact for all accounts within the cluster.
  • Lead client relationships and ensure consistent communication across project lifecycles.
  • Drive business development and identify growth opportunities.
  • Develop and implement long‑term strategic plans aligned with company objectives.
  • Collaborate across departments and clusters to enhance internal synergy and client value.
  • Ensure accounts meet revenue targets and maintain profitability.
  • Support pricing strategies and contract negotiations.
  • Supervise research teams to ensure timely, high‑quality project delivery.
  • Provide guidance on complex proposals, tenders, and client presentations.
  • Ensure alignment of project execution with strategic goals.
  • Manage team resources and budgets effectively.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years of higher education with knowledge in market research and/or sensory research.
  • Knowledge of food and/or cosmetic products, quantitative consumer research methodologies, sensory methodologies and statistics.
  • Significant experience in a Research manager role at SAM or in other companies.
  • Experience in leading and mentoring research teams.
  • Skills in managing budgets.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Proficiency in MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Strong leadership abilities to manage teams and oversee large‑scale research initiatives.
  • Excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills.
  • Rigorous, responsive and proactive.

Interested to learn more or apply?

Client Services Director in Reading employer: SAM Sensory and Consumer Research

At SAM, we pride ourselves on being a leading international sensory and consumer research company that fosters a dynamic and multicultural work environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development opportunities and a collaborative culture where your ideas truly matter. Join us in Reading, Crawley, or Nottingham, and be part of a passionate team dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in the industry.
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Contact Detail:

SAM Sensory and Consumer Research Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Client Services Director in Reading

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show how your values align with theirs. Practice common interview questions and think about how your experience fits the Client Services Director role. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for their team.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our dynamic, multicultural environment.

We think you need these skills to ace Client Services Director in Reading

Strategic Leadership
Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Financial Planning
Project Management
Team Management
Budget Management
Market Research Knowledge
Sensory Research Methodologies
Quantitative Research Methodologies
Excellent Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Mentoring and Coaching

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your passion for driving business growth in your application. We want to see how excited you are about empowering teams and shaping long-term visions, so let that enthusiasm shine through!

Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your experience in market research and leadership. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've led teams and driven results, so make those stand out.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Client Services Director role. Use it to connect your skills and experiences directly to what we’re looking for in the job description.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at SAM Sensory and Consumer Research

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of market research and sensory methodologies. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food and cosmetic products, as well as the specific services offered by the company. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the industry.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Client Services Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you empowered your team and drove business growth, as this aligns perfectly with what they're looking for.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage budgets, negotiate contracts, or handle complex proposals. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.

✨Engage with Their Vision

Research the company's long-term vision and operational excellence goals. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. This shows that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.

Client Services Director in Reading
SAM Sensory and Consumer Research
Location: Reading

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