At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage national accounts, build relationships, and support business growth in the foodservice sector.
- Company: The Bread Factory, UK's leading artisan bakery with a focus on quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy fresh bread daily, generous discounts, 25 days holiday, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and a love for high-quality bakery products.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make an impact in the thriving food industry.
- Qualifications: Ambitious, customer-focused, with experience in sales support or customer service.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About us
The Bread Factory is the UK's leading artisan bakery.
Founded by Gail Meija in 1993, The Bread Factory, originally known as Gail Force, began by supplying some of London's most prestigious restaurants, including many with Michelin stars.
More than three decades later, we continue to work closely with the best chefs, alongside grocers, foodservice partners and our own neighbourhood bakery, GAIL's.
The Bread Factory is synonymous with quality.
We have been awarded more than 100 Great Taste Awards and have held a Royal Warrant since 2016, when it was first granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In 2024, the warrant was renewed by His Majesty The King.
We source our ingredients thoughtfully, partnering with farmers and millers who align with our values.
The result: delicious, carefully made baked goods that support a more sustainable and nutritious food system; bringing great bread to more tables every day.
The Junior National Account Manager will provide day to day commercial and administrative support to the National Account Controller, while managing a portfolio of national accounts.
Every day is different at The Bread Factory, but here are some of the things you will be doing:
- Account Management & Customer Growth
- Manage a portfolio of foodservice customer accounts with the support of the National Account Controller, acting as the primary commercial contact and building strong, professional relationships.
- Identify opportunities to increase distribution, introduce new products and expand The Bread Factory’s presence with existing customers.
- Support the National Account Controller on day-to-day management of National Accounts.
- Build positive working relationships with customers through regular communication and excellent customer service.
- Assist with account plans that grow sales, improve profitability and strengthen customer retention.
- Coordinate customer requests and ensure actions are followed through internally.
- Maintain regular customer contact through meetings, site visits, range reviews, bakery visits and performance updates.
- New Business Development
- Support the identification of new business opportunities across the foodservice sector
- Assist in preparing samples, quotations, presentations and customer proposals.
- Maintain accurate pipeline information.
- Attend customer meetings and trade events, representing The Bread Factory confidently in the market, communicating our craft, quality, service capability and product range.
- Learn the customer onboarding process and support successful implementation of new business wins.
- Commercial Delivery
- Deliver agreed sales, margin, volume and customer performance targets.
- Prepare forecasts, monitor account performance and provide accurate updates on risks, opportunities and trading trends.
- Support pricing, tenders, promotions and proposals with clear commercial thinking and attention to detail.
- Coordinate completion of new line forms, customer documents and commercial administration.
- Customer Service & Cross-Functional Working
- Work closely with customer service, planning, operations, logistics, technical and finance teams to ensure customers receive a high-quality, reliable service.
- Support the resolution of customer queries quickly by coordinating with internal departments and escalating where appropriate.
- Coordinate product samples, launches, seasonal activity and customer communications.
- Gather customer feedback and share insights with the NPD and Bakery teams to support new product development.
Our team tells us you will be a great addition if you have
- You’re an ambitious and commercially minded professional looking to build your career in foodservice account management.
- Previous experience in a sales support, customer service or commercial support role is desirable.
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Confident communicating with customers and colleagues in a professional manner.
- Customer-focused with a proactive approach to solving problems.
- A genuine passion for food, hospitality and high-quality bakery products.
- Self-motivated and organised, with the discipline to manage customer accounts, pipeline, customer meetings and internal follow-up.
- Comfortable balancing existing account development with new business generation.
- Good analytical skills and confidence using Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint.
- Customer-first mindset with high standards of service, responsiveness and professionalism.
- A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel is essential.
What’s in it for you
- Fresh bread daily to take home to enjoy with family and friends.
- 50% discount at GAIL’s and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Discounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants
- 24-hour GP service
- Cycle to work scheme
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Junior National Account Manager NEW Milton Keynes Competitive employer: The Bread Factory
The Bread Factory is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration among its team members. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development in the dynamic field of artisan baking, all while being located in the heart of the UK’s culinary scene. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to crafting innovative food products that delight our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior National Account Manager NEW Milton Keynes Competitive
✨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 Junior National Account Manager NEW Milton Keynes Competitive at The Bread Factory, 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 The Bread Factory. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Junior National Account Manager NEW Milton Keynes Competitive. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior National Account Manager NEW Milton Keynes Competitive
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 The Bread Factory:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for The Bread Factory. 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 The Bread Factory
✨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 The Bread Factory 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 The Bread Factory 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 The Bread Factory’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.
