At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage customer relationships and coordinate manufacturing orders for a dynamic, growing company.
- Company: Zendlabs, a fast-growing contract manufacturer in sports nutrition and wellness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, hybrid working, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture where your ideas can make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape customer experiences and drive growth in an innovative manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in account management with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Zendlabs is one of the UK's fastest-growing contract manufacturers, specialising in sports nutrition, health & wellness, nutraceuticals and functional products. From formulation and procurement through to manufacturing, packaging, fulfilment and delivery, we help ambitious brands bring innovative products to market quickly and successfully.
The Opportunity
Zendlabs is growing fast, and this is an opportunity to join us at an exciting stage of our journey. You will have the freedom to shape how we manage our manufacturing customers, improve processes and ways of working, and grow your own role as the business scales. You will be at the heart of our customer relationships, acting as the key contact internally and externally throughout manufacturing and the ongoing commercial relationship. You will get to know each customer's business, products, forecasts and growth plans, making sure they receive an exceptional level of service. This is more than traditional account management. You will help build the customer function within a dynamic, ambitious manufacturing business, identify opportunities for new products and services, and play a meaningful part in what we are building at Zendlabs.
Purpose of the Role
To own and develop the ongoing relationship with Zendlabs manufacturing customers, ensuring orders are delivered on time and to specification while driving customer satisfaction, retention and account growth. You will be the customer's primary point of contact once commercial terms are agreed, bringing together internal teams to deliver an excellent end-to-end experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the primary day-to-day contact for an allocated portfolio of manufacturing customers once commercial terms are agreed.
- Build trusted, long-term relationships and develop a strong understanding of each customer's business, products, forecasts and growth plans.
- Provide proactive updates on orders, production, stock and deliveries, ensuring customers always know what is happening.
- Own customer queries, issues and complaints through to resolution and maintain clear actions and follow-ups.
- Hold regular customer reviews and identify accounts requiring additional support or attention.
- Coordinate manufacturing orders and repeat orders with Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Packaging and Finance.
- Ensure customer requirements, specifications, forecasts, purchase orders and agreed commercial terms are accurately captured in internal systems.
- Maintain visibility of upcoming demand and work with customers to secure timely forecasts and purchase orders.
- Monitor delivery commitments, escalate risks early and coordinate internal teams to keep orders on track.
- Protect and grow existing customer revenue through strong relationship management and excellent service.
- Identify opportunities for new SKUs, reformulations, alternative formats and additional Zendlabs services.
- Work closely with Sales and Innovation to develop opportunities within existing accounts.
- Support renewals, pricing reviews and commercial discussions, and take proactive action where an account is at risk.
- Maintain a strong understanding of customer pricing, volumes, forecasts and commercial agreements.
- Support Finance with deposits, proformas, outstanding payments and account queries where required.
- Maintain accurate customer, order, forecast and opportunity information within CRM and ERP/MRP systems.
- Report on account performance, customer satisfaction, retention, revenue, risks and growth opportunities.
- Represent the voice of the customer internally and identify opportunities to improve processes and the overall customer experience.
Requirements
- At least three years' experience in account management, customer success or customer relationship management.
- Experience in manufacturing, FMCG, food, nutraceuticals, supplements or contract manufacturing is highly desirable.
- Strong customer relationship and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercial confidence with experience managing existing accounts and identifying growth opportunities.
- Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
- Experience using CRM and ERP/MRP systems.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance bonus
- Private healthcare and company pension
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Hybrid working
- Career development and the opportunity to grow with a fast-scaling business
- Supportive, ambitious culture where you can influence how we do things
Account Manager - Contract Manufacturing in Paddock Wood employer: zendbox
Zendbox is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a hybrid work model and an impressive 33 days of annual leave. With a strong focus on fostering a positive workplace culture and providing ample opportunities for career growth, Zendbox empowers its team to thrive in a dynamic distribution environment at their Kent HQ. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and supports your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Manager - Contract Manufacturing in Paddock Wood
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like zendbox, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Manager - Contract Manufacturing in Paddock Wood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to zendbox specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at zendbox
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with zendbox, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like zendbox value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
