Promotional Merchandise Account Manager in Exeter

Promotional Merchandise Account Manager in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Pollard Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage exciting merchandise projects from concept to delivery, building strong client relationships.
  • Company: Join Pollards, a dynamic brand solutions company with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, hybrid working, and ongoing development opportunities.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth into senior account management or broader commercial roles.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by helping brands create memorable merchandise that resonates.
  • Qualifications: Experience in promotional merchandise or related marketing/sales roles preferred.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Build Brands That People See, Use and Remember. At Pollards, we help brands show up in the real world. From merchandise and clothing to print, creative and fulfilment, we bring ideas to life in a way that connects with people and delivers impact. Rather than working with multiple suppliers, our clients rely on us as one accountable partner to deliver consistent, high-quality brand experiences. With services delivered largely in-house across our UK sites, we stay close to the detail and take pride in making things happen properly.

We’re now looking for a proactive and commercially minded Promotional Merchandise Account Manager to join our team, helping clients create standout merchandise that strengthens their brand and delivers real results.

About the Role

This is a client-facing, consultative role where you’ll manage merchandise projects from concept through to delivery. You’ll work closely with clients to understand their brand, campaigns and objectives, recommending high-impact promotional products that align with their goals, timelines and budgets. This role suits someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities and taking ownership of projects end-to-end.

Key Responsibilities

  • Client Relationship Management
    • Act as the primary point of contact for assigned client accounts
    • Build and develop long-term, trusted client partnerships
    • Understand client brand guidelines, marketing strategies and campaign objectives
    • Identify opportunities for account growth and repeat business
    • Prepare and present proposals, quotes and product recommendations
    • Negotiate pricing, timelines and production specifications
    • Stay up to date with product trends, sustainability options and sourcing innovations
  • Project Coordination
    • Liaise with internal production, suppliers and logistics teams
    • Ensure accurate order processing and artwork approvals
    • Monitor timelines, quality standards and delivery schedules
    • Proactively resolve issues to maintain a high level of client satisfaction

Skills & Experience

  • Previous experience in promotional merchandise, branded products or a related marketing/sales environment preferred
  • Experience sourcing products from UK and/or overseas suppliers
  • Proven ability to manage projects from enquiry through to delivery
  • Experience preparing quotes and managing client budgets
  • Strong supplier negotiation and cost management skills
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail
  • Confident communicator with a proactive, solutions-focused approach

Why Join Pollards?

  • Be part of a business that delivers end-to-end brand solutions, not just individual products
  • Work on a wide variety of projects across merchandise, print, creative and fulfilment
  • Join a collaborative team where people take ownership and support each other
  • Opportunity to build long-term client relationships and make a visible impact
  • A business with strong heritage, modern capabilities and clear ambition for growth

Benefits

  • 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Company pension scheme
  • Hybrid working opportunities
  • Ongoing development and progression opportunities
  • Exposure to a wide range of clients, industries and projects

Your Future at Pollards

This role offers the opportunity to grow within a wider commercial structure, with potential progression into senior account management or broader commercial roles. We’re building a business that connects creative thinking with real-world delivery and this role sits right at the heart of that.

Promotional Merchandise Account Manager in Exeter employer: The Pollard Group

At Pollards, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture. As a Promotional Merchandise Account Manager, you'll enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, 26 days of holiday, and a company pension scheme, all while having the opportunity to build long-term client relationships and make a tangible impact on diverse projects. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer clear pathways for progression within our dynamic and ambitious team.

The Pollard Group

Contact Details:

The Pollard Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Promotional Merchandise Account Manager in Exeter

Show Your Creative Side

In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for The Pollard Group and show them what you can bring to the table.

Engage in Marketing Communities

Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like The Pollard Group are looking for.

Leverage Social Media

Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with The Pollard Group on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.

Attend Industry Events

Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at The Pollard Group. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!

We think you need these skills to ace Promotional Merchandise Account Manager in Exeter

Client Relationship Management
Project Coordination
Negotiation Skills
Budget Management
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit The Pollard Group. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.

Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.

Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!

Demonstrate Your Understanding of The Pollard Group:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about The Pollard Group’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Pollard Group

Showcase Your Creative Campaigns

Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at The Pollard Group will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.

Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out

If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.

Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

At The Pollard Group, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing

As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.