At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage customer relationships and drive sales growth for our diverse food brands.
- Company: Join one of Europe’s largest specialist food companies with a passion for collaboration and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, private healthcare, and wellness benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while building influential relationships.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience in FMCG or East Asian markets and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
South Asian Channel | East London & South London | Field Based | Up to 25% Annual Incentive Plan | Company Car or Car Allowance
Love winning new business, building customer relationships and seeing the results of your hard work?
At Westmill, we're looking for a commercially minded Customer Manager to help grow some of the UK's best known food brands across East and South London. From Elephant Atta and Rajah to Patak's, Lucky Boat and Green Dragon, our brands are enjoyed by millions of consumers. Now we're looking for someone with the energy, ambition and commercial instinct to get them into even more stores and businesses.
If you enjoy getting out into the market, developing relationships, spotting opportunities and making things happen, this could be the opportunity for you.
The Opportunity
As our Customer Manager, you'll take ownership of an established customer portfolio while identifying and winning new business across your territory.
You’ll work predominantly with customers in East London, with some customers in South London, developing our presence across the South Asian and wider specialist food markets.
This is a field based role where you'll have the freedom to manage your territory, build relationships and make a real commercial impact, supported by our Senior Customer Manager and wider sales team.
What You'll Be Doing
- Building strong relationships with existing customers and identifying opportunities to grow their business with Westmill.
- Winning new customers and developing new business opportunities.
- Increasing the distribution, visibility and sales of our leading food brands.
- Developing customer and territory plans that drive volume, revenue and margin.
- Negotiating with customers to secure new listings and promotional opportunities.
- Spending time in the market, understanding customers, competitors and emerging opportunities.
- Working closely with colleagues across Sales, Marketing and Customer Services to deliver results
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who combines a passion for sales with the commercial ability and determination to deliver results.
You’ll have experience in a customer facing sales role within FMCG, foodservice, wholesale or a similar environment, with a track record of growing accounts and developing new business. Experience within the South Asian food market would be particularly welcome, but it's not essential.
You’ll also bring:
- Strong relationship building, influencing and negotiation skills.
- A proactive approach to finding and winning new business.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to turn customer insights into sales growth.
- Excellent organisation and territory management skills.
- The confidence and motivation to work independently.
- A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across your territory.
Why Westmill?
We're one of Europe's largest specialist food businesses and part of Associated British Foods, a global food group. Our portfolio includes some of the most recognised and loved brands in authentic Asian food. But it's our people who make the difference. At Westmill, you'll be part of a collaborative business where your ideas are valued, your contribution matters and you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impactAlongside a competitive salary, we offer:
- Up to 25% Annual Incentive Plan
- Choice of company car or car allowance
- Private Healthcare
- ABF Pension Scheme membership
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Electric vehicle and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes
- 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial education and access to affordable loans
- A paid volunteering day
- Extra Spice, our employee benefits platform offering retail and leisure discounts from day one
Ready to make your mark?
If you're an ambitious sales professional who enjoys building relationships, winning business and seeing the results of your efforts, we'd love to hear from you.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Customer Manager employer: Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc
Westmill, part of Associated British Foods plc, is an excellent employer that prioritises the wellbeing and growth of its employees in Manchester. With a strong focus on collaboration and inclusion, we offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive pension scheme, and various wellbeing benefits, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally in a supportive work environment.
Contact Details:
Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer 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 Customer Manager at Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc, 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 Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Customer Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer 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 Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc. 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 Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc
✨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 Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc 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 Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc 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 Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc’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.
