At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive visibility and build relationships with key accounts across North England.
- Company: Join a fast-growing brand shaking up the drinks industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and free XOXO sodas in the office!
- Other info: Be part of a fun, ambitious team in a high-energy environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with vibrant brands and dynamic teams.
- Qualifications: Experience with cafés or lifestyle retailers and strong sales skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a standout Key Account Manager to drive visibility, volume and vibrant partnerships across North England. If you’re obsessed with growing challenger brands, building standout customer relationships and bringing a category to life, we want to hear from you.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
- Territory Account Management
- Own and grow a portfolio of key independent accounts and regional chains across North England (Based in Manchester)
- Drive volume and visibility via promotional sell-in, merchandising and trade activation
- Build strong, long-term relationships with cafés, bars, convenience stores and lifestyle retailers
- Lead sell-in conversations with cafés, bars, convenience stores and lifestyle retailers
- Execution & Sales Performance
- Deliver against monthly volume, distribution and menu listing targets
- Own CRM and reporting across your accounts
- Monitor trade compliance and in-store promotional performance
- Field Intelligence & Feedback
- Share market, shopper and competitor insights to help guide commercial strategy
- Feed into product innovation and channel-specific execution plans
- Collaboration & Development
- Work closely with the Head of OOH for coaching, performance tracking and support
- Partner with Wholesale NAM to ensure smooth handovers & volume uplifts
WHO YOU ARE
- Previous experience working with independent cafés, bars or lifestyle retailers
- Strong understanding of café or lifestyle-led retail landscapes
- A confident communicator, commercially astute and naturally self-led
- Proven success in sales, account management or customer success
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
- Passion for culture-led, disruptive brands
STRUCTURE OF ROLE
- Reports to: Head of OOH
- Works with: Wholesale NAM, Sales Director, Marketing, Ops
- Customers: Key regional independents, café groups, bars & lifestyle-led retailers
PURPOSE OF ROLE
Your job is to drive volume and visibility across North England through exceptional account management, new business development, and trade execution. The KAM is the face of XOXO Soda for local accounts — delivering standout customer experiences that turn first-time stockists into long-term partners.
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
- New account wins across region
- Distribution, menu listings, and multisite targets
- Repeat order rate & uplift in volume
- Effective trade promotion & compliance
- Strong customer relationships & retention
WHY JOIN US?
- Be part of a fast-growing brand shaking up the drinks industry
- Competitive salary
- Join a fun, ambitious, and high-energy team that’s obsessed with what we do
- Make a real impact across a key region for growth
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Free XOXO sodas in the office!
No Recruiters Please.
Application Deadline: Friday 1st May 2026
Key Account Manager - North/Manchester employer: XOXO SODA
Join XOXO Soda as a Key Account Manager in Manchester, where you'll be part of a dynamic and ambitious team dedicated to transforming the drinks industry. Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, and the unique perk of free XOXO sodas in the office, all while building meaningful relationships with key independent accounts across North England. With a focus on personal growth and collaboration, this role offers you the chance to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager - North/Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and recent news. This way, when you walk into that interview, you can show them you're not just another candidate – you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Key Account Manager role. Plus, it could give you an edge if they put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about how your past experiences align with the role. Think about specific examples where you've built strong relationships or driven sales – this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm. It shows you're keen and keeps you top of mind!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager - North/Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you love building relationships and working with vibrant brands. Make it personal and relatable!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Take the time to highlight your experience with independent cafés, bars, or lifestyle retailers. We’re looking for specific examples that show how you’ve driven visibility and volume in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps – we love a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at XOXO SODA
✨Know Your Accounts
Before the interview, research the key independent accounts and regional chains in North England. Understand their business models, customer demographics, and how XOXO Soda can fit into their offerings. This will show your potential employer that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in driving their brand forward.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with cafés, bars, or lifestyle retailers in the past. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you used to engage these partners and how you maintained those relationships over time. This is crucial for a Key Account Manager role!
✨Demonstrate Sales Acumen
Brush up on your sales performance metrics and be prepared to discuss how you’ve met or exceeded targets in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with promotional sell-ins and trade activations, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Bring Market Insights
Familiarise yourself with current market trends, shopper behaviours, and competitor activities in the drinks industry. Being able to share insights during your interview will demonstrate your understanding of the landscape and your ability to contribute to the company’s commercial strategy.
