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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key accounts and drive growth in the foodservice sector.
- Company: Established international food and drink business with a strong heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Field-based role with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a leading food business and make a real impact on growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG foodservice sales and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Business
Our client is a well-established, international food and drink business with a strong heritage and a portfolio of well-recognised brands across multiple categories. Operating within the UK market as a key division of a global organisation, the business has built a strong presence across foodservice, wholesale and retail channels. With a continued focus on growth within foodservice, the business is investing in its commercial capability and looking to strengthen its team with the appointment of a Key Account Manager to support the next phase of expansion.
The Role
We are partnering with a leading food business to recruit a Key Account Manager focused on driving growth across the foodservice channel. This role will be responsible for managing and developing existing customer relationships, while also actively identifying and securing new business opportunities across restaurant groups, purchasing groups and contract caterers. You will take full ownership of your customer base, managing day-to-day relationships, delivering against sales and profit targets, and working cross-functionally to ensure strong execution across the business. Alongside account management, this role will have a strong new business focus, requiring a proactive and commercially driven individual who is confident in building pipelines and converting opportunities into long-term partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing and developing relationships across foodservice customers, including restaurant groups, purchasing groups and contract caterers
- Delivering against sales, volume and profit targets across your account base
- Identifying and securing new business opportunities to drive revenue growth
- Leading commercial negotiations to ensure profitable and sustainable agreements
- Executing promotional activity across wholesalers and cash & carry partners
- Managing forecasting and ensuring accurate pipeline visibility
- Monitoring and controlling debtor days in line with agreed terms
- Working cross-functionally with internal teams, including supply chain, customer service and product development
- Collaborating with development and purchasing teams to support product innovation and customer-led solutions
- Maintaining accurate customer records, agreements and reporting
The Person
Our client is looking for a driven and commercially minded individual with a strong track record within FMCG foodservice sales. You will be comfortable managing existing accounts while also demonstrating a proactive approach to winning new business and driving growth. You will bring:
- Proven experience within FMCG foodservice sales (food and/or drink)
- Strong track record of delivering sales and profit targets
- Experience working with foodservice customers, including restaurant groups and contract caterers
- Demonstrated ability to win and develop new business
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
- A highly organised and self-motivated approach
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
Additional Information
Field-based role with regular travel to customer sites. Occasional overnight stays for customer meetings and industry events.
Apply now or email (url removed)
The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
Key Account Manager in Reading employer: The Advocate Group
Contact Detail:
The Advocate Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the foodservice industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your experience in FMCG foodservice sales. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and built strong relationships with customers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you’re interested in, like our client, and express your enthusiasm for potential opportunities. A little initiative can go a long way in landing that Key Account Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it organised! Make sure you have a solid system for tracking your applications and follow-ups. This will help you stay on top of your job search and ensure you don’t miss any opportunities. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Key Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG foodservice sales and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and manage relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for the foodservice industry and how your skills align with our client's needs. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with restaurant groups or contract caterers.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you exceed sales targets? How did you contribute to revenue growth? Numbers speak volumes, so let us see the impact you've made in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and allows us to keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Advocate Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Key Account Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to deliver sales and profit targets. Before the interview, brush up on your past achievements and be ready to discuss specific figures that showcase your success in driving revenue growth.
✨Understand the Foodservice Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the foodservice industry. This will not only show your passion for the sector but also help you engage in meaningful conversations about how you can contribute to the company's growth.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Relationship-building is key in this role. During the interview, focus on establishing a connection with your interviewers. Use active listening and ask insightful questions to show that you're genuinely interested in their business and culture.
✨Prepare for Commercial Scenarios
Expect to discuss commercial negotiations and how you've successfully navigated them in the past. Prepare examples of how you've secured profitable agreements and managed customer relationships, as these will be crucial to your potential success in the role.