At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key accounts in grocery and retail, driving growth and profitability.
- Company: Dynamic sales team with a supportive and ambitious culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, bonus scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of your accounts and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years in retail or account management with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Bourne End, Buckinghamshire (Office-based 3–4 days per week - can be flexible for the right candidate)
Reports to: Head of Channel
About the Role
We’re looking for a driven, energetic, and commercially minded Key Account Manager to join our dynamic sales team, focusing on the Grocery, Retail and Discounter Channel. This is a hands-on role managing the day-to-day relationships, performance, and growth of key customers within the channel.
You’ll take ownership of your accounts — managing the P&L, developing and delivering joint business plans, negotiating terms, and ensuring sales and profitability targets are met or exceeded. We’re looking for someone who’s hungry to grow, both personally and professionally - a self-starter who brings ideas and initiatives to the table, rather than waiting for instruction. You’ll also play a key supporting role within the broader sales team, helping to execute administrative and operational tasks that keep our commercial function running smoothly.
Key Responsibilities
- Account Management & Growth
- Manage day-to-day relationships with key grocery, retail and discounter customers.
- Own the full P&L responsibility for assigned accounts - ensuring delivery of sales, profit and budget expectations.
- Develop and execute Joint Business Plans (JBPs) with customers to drive mutual growth.
- Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, promotions, and annual agreements.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, new listings, and incremental revenue streams.
- Present business proposals, category insights, and innovation plans to customers with confidence and clarity.
- Collaboration & Internal Support
- Work closely with senior members of the sales team to support wider business goals.
- Handle key admin tasks such as new line forms, sample management, and maintaining accurate customer data.
- Manage updates and submissions via online customer portals.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, supply chain, and finance to ensure smooth customer execution.
- Reporting & Planning
- Monitor and report on account performance, sales forecasts, and promotional effectiveness.
- Analyse data to identify growth opportunities or risks, recommending action plans to address them.
- Contribute ideas and insights to the sales strategy, supporting continuous improvement.
About You
We’re not just looking for an account manager - we’re looking for a go-getter. Someone who thrives on taking ownership, spotting opportunities, and making things happen.
You will have:
- 1–3 years’ experience in UK retail or account management, ideally within grocery, FMCG, or related consumer goods.
- Strong commercial acumen and confidence managing budgets or P&L elements.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- A proactive, positive and enthusiastic attitude - someone who takes initiative.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, comfortable juggling multiple priorities.
- A willingness to travel nationally and spend a few nights away from home when required.
- Ambition to learn, grow, and progress within the sales function.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary
- Company car
- Bonus scheme
- Flexible working hours
- Birthday off
- Company pension
- Companywide social events
- Supportive, collaborative and ambitious team culture
- Real ownership and responsibility from day one
- Clear opportunities for progression as the business grows
Key Account Manager employer: The Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd
Join our vibrant team in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, where we prioritise a supportive and collaborative culture that empowers you to take ownership of your accounts from day one. With competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and clear opportunities for progression, we are committed to your personal and professional growth while fostering an environment that celebrates innovation and teamwork.
Contact Details:
The Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager
✨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 Key Account Manager at The Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd, 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 Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Key Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager
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 Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for The Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd. 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 Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd
✨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 Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd 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 Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd 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 Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd’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.
