Strategic Key Accounts Leader in Nelson

Strategic Key Accounts Leader in Nelson

Nelson Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
William Jackson Food Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead key accounts, build relationships, and drive growth in the hospitality sector.
  • Company: Wellocks, a top UK fresh food distributor with a rich history.
  • Benefits: 33 days holiday, employee discounts, volunteer day off, and wellness support.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of premium hospitality while leading a high-performing team.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in key accounts, strong commercial acumen, and relationship-building skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Head of Key Accounts

We’re looking for a commercially driven, relationship‑focused Head of Key Accounts to lead and shape our key accounts function at Wellocks.

In this role, you will own relationships with some of the UK’s most prestigious hospitality groups, driving sustainable growth, strengthening long‑term partnerships, and delivering outstanding commercial performance.

You’ll lead a high‑performing team while acting as a key ambassador for the Wellocks brand across the premium hospitality sector.

What You Will Do

  • Own and develop relationships with key strategic customers, ensuring strong partnerships at every level
  • Lead customer reviews, contract negotiations, and long‑term growth planning
  • Identify opportunities to increase retention, profitability, and share of wallet
  • Represent Wellocks at meetings, events, and industry forums
  • Lead the Key Accounts team to exceed sales, growth, and margin targets
  • Develop and execute strategic account plans aligned with business objectives
  • Analyse performance data and market trends to unlock growth opportunities
  • Lead commercial negotiations, including contracts and rebate structures
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Key Account Managers and a Key Account Executive
  • Set clear objectives and drive a high‑performance, customer‑focused culture
  • Support talent development, succession planning, and team capability growth
  • Work closely with Sales, Purchasing, Marketing, Operations, and Finance teams
  • Ensure a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints
  • Collaborate on innovation, product development, and customer events
  • Drive best practice in forecasting, pipeline management, and CRM usage
  • Use data and insights to inform decision‑making and strategic planning
  • What You Will Need
  • Proven leadership experience in a senior key accounts or account management role within hospitality, foodservice, or FMCG
  • Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing large or procurement‑led accounts
  • A track record of leading negotiations and building long‑term strategic partnerships
  • Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams
  • Exceptional relationship‑building and influencing skills
  • Highly commercial, strategic thinker with strong analytical capability
  • Confident negotiator with strong stakeholder management skills
  • Collaborative leader who inspires and develops others
  • Resilient, adaptable, and solutions‑focused
  • Depot Manager – Harlow

We are looking for an experienced Depot Manager to lead our Harlow transport operation.

This is a key leadership role where you’ll be responsible for delivering a safe, compliant, and high‑performing depot, ensuring exceptional service for our customers every day.

As Depot Manager, you’ll take full ownership of depot performance – leading your team, driving operational excellence, and ensuring all transport and health & safety standards are met.

  • What You’ll Be Doing
  • Leading the Harlow Depot Operation
  • Oversee the day‑to‑day running of the depot, ensuring an efficient, reliable fleet operation
  • Plan and manage resources including drivers, vehicles, and routes
  • Deliver excellent service to both internal and external customers
  • Promote a positive, high‑performing team culture focused on engagement and retention
  • Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure full compliance with UK transport legislation (drivers’ hours, tachographs, O‑licence requirements)
  • Maintain vehicle roadworthiness through effective maintenance and defect management
  • Lead on health & safety, including risk assessments, incident investigations, and safe systems of work
  • Support audits and ensure actions are completed in a timely manner
  • People Leadership
  • Lead, coach, and develop your team through regular 1:1s and performance reviews
  • Manage recruitment, onboarding, and training to build a capable and compliant team
  • Foster strong communication across the depot and wider network
  • Handle employee relations matters professionally and fairly
  • Performance & Continuous Improvement
  • Own depot KPIs, analysing performance and delivering improvement plans
  • Manage budgets, control costs, and identify efficiencies
  • Drive continuous improvement and implement best practice processes
  • Maintain accurate reporting and operational records
  • What We’re Looking For

Experience & Knowledge

  • Proven experience in transport, logistics, or distribution management
  • Strong knowledge of UK transport compliance and operational practices
  • Transport Manager CPC (preferred)
  • Health & Safety qualification (IOSH/NEBOSH desirable)

Skills

  • Strong leadership and people management capability
  • Excellent planning, organisation, and problem‑solving skills
  • Data‑driven mindset with experience using KPIs to drive performance
  • Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
  • IT proficiency, including Excel and operational systems

Who You Are

  • A strong, accountable leader with a safety‑first mindset
  • Passionate about delivering excellent customer service
  • Commercially aware and results‑focused
  • A collaborator who thrives in a fast‑paced environment
  • Driven to continuously improve and challenge the status quo

Benefits

  • 33 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
  • Generous employee discounts on all our products
  • Volunteer day off per year
  • Cycle to Work Scheme – discounted bikes and equipment
  • Pay‑per‑donation to charity before tax
  • Holiday Purchase Scheme
  • Employee assistance services for finances, health, and wellbeing

About Us

Wellocks is one of the leading UK fresh food distributors using the finest ingredients, supporting chefs with quality items.

We are part of the William Jackson Food Group, a family‑owned business founded in 1851.

  • Reporting To
  • Sales Director
  • Equal Opportunity

All colleagues are expected to take personal responsibility for keeping our workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying – the place where everyone is treated fairly and respectfully.

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Strategic Key Accounts Leader in Nelson employer: William Jackson Food Group

William Jackson Food Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where teamwork and communication thrive. With competitive pay and benefits such as employee discounts and volunteering days, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values their contributions and encourages personal growth. The night shift role at the Nelson Main Site not only provides a structured schedule but also fosters camaraderie through unique team treats, making it a rewarding place to work.

William Jackson Food Group

Contact Details:

William Jackson Food Group Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Key Accounts Leader in Nelson

Relationship Management
Commercial Acumen
Negotiation Skills
Strategic Thinking
Team Leadership
Performance Analysis
Stakeholder Management