At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead account growth with major UK retailers and develop joint business plans.
- Company: Join Sofina Foods, a leader in quality meats and seafood products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a car allowance, bonus scheme, pension, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression in a diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Shape growth strategies and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial leadership within UK retail.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Lead and drive account growth with major UK retailers.
Additional Benefits: Car Allowance, Company Bonus Scheme, Company Pension Scheme, Enhanced Sick Pay, Private Medical Insurance.
The Role: Our new Account Director will lead a team across strategic premium UK retail accounts, with responsibility for pork across both own label and branded ranges. This is a high-impact role focused on building joint business plans, accelerating volume growth, and delivering strong, sustainable margins. Working closely with Category, Supply Chain and Finance, you’ll shape long‑term category strategies, unlock new opportunities across both retailers, and ensure best‑in‑class commercial execution. This role suits an experienced commercial leader (e.g. SNAM, Account Lead or similar) ready to take ownership of key accounts. Please note this role will be site based in Yorkshire, with regular travel to other sites and customer bases.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Lead relationships with two major premium retailers, owning pork across own label and branded portfolios.
- Develop and deliver joint business plans to drive volume growth and profitability.
- Identify and unlock opportunities across categories, formats and channels.
- Build and execute long‑term sales and category strategies in partnership with Category Management.
- Negotiate effectively to deliver strong commercial outcomes across both accounts.
- Analyse the retail and supplier landscape to identify risks and growth opportunities.
- Partner cross‑functionally to align plans and drive execution across the business.
- Oversee forecasting, pricing and commercial governance with accuracy and discipline.
The Ideal Candidate:
- You will be an experienced commercial leader with a strong track record in UK retail (ideally premium grocery).
- Proven experience in a similar senior commercial or account leadership role.
- Strong commercial management experience across major UK grocery retailers.
- Experience in chilled or frozen categories preferred.
- Experience managing both own label and branded product portfolios.
- Skilled negotiator with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Effective communicator with credibility and impact internally and externally.
- Strategic thinker able to build and deliver long‑term growth plans.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities.
- Resilient and proactive, with a strong focus on delivering results.
Why Sofina Foods? This is a pivotal role within a high‑performing commercial team, leading accounts on our premium retail customers and the opportunity to shape growth across both own label and branded pork categories. You’ll work cross‑functionally with experienced teams, influence strategic direction, and play a central role in delivering ambitious growth plans, with clear scope to progress as the business continues to expand.
Company Information: Sofina Foods isn't just a food company – It’s a place to build your future. With a team of over 13,000 people across 40 sites in Canada and Europe, we’re passionate about delivering quality meats and seafood products to consumers around the world. Join a company where innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction drive everything we do. At Sofina, you’ll grow your skills, make a real impact, and work with responsibly sourced products from more than 50 protein sources across five continents. Our vision is bold: to be the most successful food company in the world. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in the food industry, there’s a place for you at Sofina Foods.
Equal Opportunities: Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Location: North Yorkshire
Hours of Work: Full‑time
Company: Sofina Foods
Country Code: GB
Account Director employer: Sofina Foods Europe
Sofina Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in North Yorkshire where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. As an Account Director, you will have the opportunity to lead high-impact initiatives with major UK retailers, supported by a comprehensive benefits package including a car allowance, company bonus scheme, and private medical insurance. With a strong focus on employee growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Sofina Foods provides a platform for you to develop your skills and make a meaningful impact in the food industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with major UK retailers. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products, especially in the pork category, and think about how you can contribute to their growth strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you’ve successfully influenced outcomes, especially in commercial settings with retailers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Account Director role. Highlight your experience with UK retailers and any relevant achievements in account management. We want to see how you can drive growth and profitability!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts and built strong relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Share examples of how you've developed long-term growth plans or executed successful joint business strategies. We love seeing candidates who can think ahead!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Sofina Foods!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofina Foods Europe
✨Know Your Retail Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the UK retail market, especially focusing on premium grocery. Understand the key players, trends, and challenges in the industry. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead major accounts.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Think of specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully driven account growth or negotiated effectively. Be ready to share these stories during the interview, highlighting your strategic thinking and results-driven approach. This will showcase your experience and fit for the role.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with Sofina Foods' mission and values. Knowing their commitment to innovation and sustainability will allow you to align your answers with their goals. Show them how your vision for account management can contribute to their ambitious growth plans.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future growth opportunities within the company. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. It’s a two-way street, after all!
