Global Key Account Manager

As a Global Key Account Manager, you will be responsible for growing Consumer Products business from the UK market. You will take the lead in developing new business opportunities from retailers, importers & brands and profitably grow the global business and will also act as the technical key contact for assigned and new accounts. You will be able to sell entire suite of services to include testing, inspections, audits. This requires interaction with a wide client contact base and engaging with quality executives throughout the industry. If successful, you will be expected to keep abreast of new developments in the industry providing ongoing feedback to colleagues and clients to ensure the company is aligned to technical and commercial developments in the overall business sector. Duties and Responsibilities: * Sell full suite of services to prospective customers and their supply chain to new clients; services such as product safety testing, pre-shipment inspection, social compliance auditing. * Act as single point of contact for technical queries with regards to softlines, hardlines and toys. * Service the ongoing customer needs. * Achieve sales revenue and profit margin targets; cascade this to the respective countries taking into consideration the local industry business climate and opportunities. * Work in close coordination with various country / divisional managers in developing and servicing sales, pricing and marketing strategies. * Develop strong business relationships with quality personnel of key clients. * Keep firmly abreast of technical and commercial developments in the market and make recommendations for service development. * Increases industry awareness and knowledge by attending appropriate industry conferences. * Drive market research projects to identify market trends and potential new opportunities, market share analysis and marketing intelligence etc. * Attend industry seminars and events as required. Essential Criteria – the successful candidate will have, or be able to demonstrate: * Education to degree level (or equivalent) specializing in sales or related product category discipline. * Strong experience in the retail or testing industry in the UK and the Nordic market. * Proven track record in sales / account management / merchandising / quality assurance, engaging with quality executives of large retailers, brands & wholesalers. * Familiarity with the production cycle of Softlines from design, prototyping, to shipment, as well as the associated stages of a quality assurance program. * Familiarity with the international regulations, national deviations, and renowned brands’ requirements of Softlines, Hardlines & Toys testing. * A good connection to appropriate industry associations in the UK will be a definite advantage. * Possess a wide client contact base and knowledge of sales trends in the Consumer Products business area. * Strong business sense and knowledge of the Softlines & Hardlines business and its supply chain, including understanding of quality and fulfillment of specifications of the products sold in the stores. * Knowledge in pricing strategies and structure for testing, auditing and inspection. * Able to interpret technical information and translate into common terminology. * Aggressive with keen interest on new business development. * Strong networking, negotiation, interpersonal and leadership skills. * Client interaction skills: Demonstrated ability to work with customers, determine their requirements, secure additional business, define and assist in solving problems, and generally ensure their total satisfaction. * Ability to organize and prioritize daily activities and workload in a resource constrained environment * Personable approach and able to work well independently, as well as in a team environment. * Strong appreciation of diverse cultures. * Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills. * Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Word, Powerpoint, Excel. * Confident, highly efficient, and self-motivated. Further Information: TÜV SÜD in the UK offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes a minimum of 33 days holiday entitlement (for full-time employees, including public holidays), a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan and a non-contributory Group Life Assurance Scheme. We also offer various Salary Exchange/Sacrifice schemes (buying/selling holiday, cycle to work scheme, pensions), incentive schemes and comprehensive wellbeing support (Employee Assistance Programme, Dental Scheme and Occupational Health services). Dependent on their role, employees may also be eligible for hybrid/permanent home-working, a Company Car/Car Allowance and Private Medical Insurance