At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key accounts, drive sales growth, and enhance customer relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Zeelandia, a company that truly values its people and promotes wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, mental health support, training opportunities, and a vibrant company culture.
- Other info: Engage in meaningful CSR initiatives and enjoy a supportive, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that champions innovation and positive change while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management, especially in the food industry, is essential.
The predicted salary is between 25189 - 30787 £ per year.
Key Account Manager
At Zeelandia, we’re excited to be recruiting a Key Account Manager to join our fantastic team.
This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who has a proven track record in account management, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and is passionate about delivering value to customers.
What really makes Zeelandia special is our genuine commitment to our people.
We don’t just talk about wellbeing, we live it.
Our holistic approach is underpinned by a wide range of supportive policies covering areas such as mental health, cancer support, miscarriage, menopause, carers, domestic violence, fostering and volunteering, ensuring our colleagues feel supported through every stage of life.
Our values sit at the core of everything we do.
We believe in acting with integrity and respect, taking ownership, and going above and beyond for each other and our customers.
We encourage innovation that has purpose, support those who champion positive change, and are driven by a genuine passion for success, balancing high standards with a supportive, inclusive approach.
If these values resonate with you, you’ll feel right at home at Zeelandia.
Alongside this, we offer a strong wellbeing and engagement culture, including onsite Mental Health First Aiders, regular speaker sessions and coffee mornings, annual NHS health checks, flu jab vouchers, and eye care support.
Our Employee Assistance Programme provides free counselling, resources, and access to a dedicated menopause coach, complemented by our Grocery Aid partnership, offering additional emotional, practical, and financial support for you and your family.
We’re also passionate about helping our people grow, with access to internal and external training, and mentorship.
Our inclusive culture is supported through active working groups, including DEI and employee involvement forums, as well as initiatives such as supporting neurodivergent-friendly spaces, quiet hours, and a multi-faith room.
Beyond the day job, we bring people together through company events, recognition schemes like Core Values and Long Service Awards, and meaningful CSR initiatives, from Bake for Ukraine to supporting local communities, schools, and charities.
With additional benefits such as cycle to work and EV schemes, this is a role where you’ll not only build your career but feel part of something bigger.
If you’re looking for a role where no two days are the same and where you’ll be genuinely valued for the difference you make, we’d love to hear from you.
- PLEASE NOTE
- This is a site and field based role
- We are unable to offer sponsorship or hire anyone that requires this or visa support
- Job Requirements
We are looking to hire a pro-active Key Account Manager to work with our larger clients.
This role will report directly to the Head of Sales, supporting our key clients.
Experience of dealing with large clients is essential, ideally in the food industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver annual sales plan for assigned key accounts to achieve revenue growth of 10% by year-end; maintain KPI ≥ target margin.
- Own account management process; ensure CRM data accuracy and compliance at 100% for all interactions.
- Partner with cross-functional teams (NPD, Customer Services, HR, Marketing, Operations, Finance) to remove blockers and deliver seamless customer experience.
- Develop and execute strategic account plans to secure long-term partnerships, including weekly onsite meetings with current and potential customers.
- Continuously improve sales workflows; document SOPs and implement measurable efficiency gains.
- Manage compliance & risk for all account activities (GDPR, contractual obligations, pricing governance).
- Report progress via dashboards and monthly reviews; elevate risks or delays promptly to leadership.
- Contribute to DEI, sustainability, and wellbeing initiatives relevant to client engagement and company values.
- Attend and actively contribute to required meetings, including pipeline reviews, client strategy sessions, and quarterly business reviews.
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity; provide insights to inform pricing and product positioning.
- Drive customer satisfaction and retention by resolving issues quickly and maintaining proactive communication.
Essential
- Experience in FMCG or food manufacturing sector, especially with experience of bread, multi-site or complex supply chain environments.
- Professional certifications such as Key Account Management, Negotiation Skills, or Sales Leadership or equivalent experience
- Proven experience in B2B sales within the food manufacturing or bakery ingredients sector, managing large or strategic accounts.
- Strong technical understanding of bakery processes and ingredient functionality
Skills
- Strategic account planning and relationship management
- Negotiation and influencing skills with senior stakeholders
- Data analysis and forecasting (Excel, BI tools)
- Problem-solving and solution selling in a technical environment
- Communication: Clear written and verbal communication; ability to present technical solutions to non-technical audiences.
- Digital/Systems: Proficient in CRM systems (e. g., Salesforce), MS Office Suite; intermediate Excel for data analysis.
- Compliance Awareness: Food safety standards (e. g., BRC, HACCP), GDPR, and contractual compliance relevant to client management.
- Commercial Acumen: Ability to manage pricing structures, margin targets, and profitability for key accounts.
Desirable
- Project management or process improvement credentials (e. g., PRINCE2, Six Sigma)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Account Manager employer: Zeelandia UK Limited
At Zeelandia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. Our commitment to supporting our team is reflected in our comprehensive benefits, including mental health resources, training opportunities, and a strong focus on inclusivity. Located in a dynamic environment, this role as a Key Account Manager not only allows you to thrive professionally but also to be part of a community that values your contributions and fosters meaningful connections.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account 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 Key Account Manager at Zeelandia UK Limited, 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 Zeelandia UK Limited. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Key Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account 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 Zeelandia UK Limited:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Zeelandia UK Limited. 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 Zeelandia UK Limited
✨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 Zeelandia UK Limited 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 Zeelandia UK Limited 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 Zeelandia UK Limited’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.
