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, company bonus, pension scheme, 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, especially premium grocery.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Summary
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
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Hours of Work
Full-time
Company
Sofina Foods
Country Code
GB
Account Director in Leeds employer: Sofina Foods Europe
Sofina Foods Europe is an exceptional employer located in Haverhill, Suffolk, offering a dynamic work environment where employees are valued and supported. With a strong focus on safety, hygiene, and quality, the company provides extensive training and growth opportunities for its team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Joining Sofina means being part of a dedicated team that prioritises both personal development and the highest standards in food manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director in Leeds
✨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 Account Director at Sofina Foods Europe, 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 Sofina Foods Europe. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Account Director. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director in Leeds
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 Sofina Foods Europe:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Sofina Foods Europe. 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 Sofina Foods Europe
✨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 Sofina Foods Europe 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 Sofina Foods Europe 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 Sofina Foods Europe’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.
