At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and grow key accounts in the confectionery export market.
- Company: Join Zertus UK & Ireland, a leader in premium chocolate brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days off, competitive pension, and healthcare support.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and professional development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Drive growth for iconic brands while travelling across the UK and Ireland.
- Qualifications: FMCG sales experience with strong negotiation and account management skills.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced FMCG sales Account Manager to join Zertus UK & Ireland on a 12-month maternity cover contract. Based at one of our UK sites with hybrid working, this exciting role offers responsibility for managing and growing a portfolio of our Irish distributor and wholesale customers. With regular travel to Ireland, you'll play a key role in driving profitable growth across our portfolio of premium chocolate brands, including Lir Chocolates, NOMO and licensed brands such as Baileys and Guinness. You'll lead the delivery of commercial and seasonal plans, building strong customer partnerships and identifying new opportunities for growth.
Position type: Full time, temporary contract for 12 months
Hours: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30
Location: Hybrid working with regular travel to Ireland - our offices and factories are in Sherburn in Elmet (North Yorkshire, UK), Heckington (Sleaford, UK), Bromborough (Wirral, UK) and Fakenham (North Norfolk, UK) and Navan (County Meath, Ireland).
Responsibilities:
- Manage key Irish, export distributor and wholesale accounts
- Deliver sales, margin and growth targets across national and international markets
- Lead customer negotiations, joint business planning and commercial reviews
- Develop and execute account plans aligned to business objectives
- Work cross-functionally with Marketing, NPD, Supply Chain and Demand Planning teams
- Identify new growth opportunities across existing and developing markets
Qualifications:
- FMCG commercial sales experience, ideally in chocolate or similar
- Experience managing export, international or distributor accounts
- Proven track record delivering sales and margin growth
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills
- Experience developing strategic account plans and JBPs
- Knowledge of both export markets and the Irish retail market
- Ability to travel regularly across the UK and Ireland
Rewards Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, giving you 33 days off each year plus a holiday purchase scheme where you can buy one extra week per year
- Competitive pension scheme with 4% employer and 5% employee contributions
- Life assurance providing cover of up to four times your basic salary
- Salary sacrifice benefits, including enhanced pension contributions, Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes (subject to eligibility)
- Healthcare Cash Plan through Paycare, offering over £400 worth of annual support for dental, optical, chiropody, professional therapies and counselling services
- Professional development support
- Hybrid working, providing flexibility between home and office working
- Expand your experience through regular travel to our UK and Irish locations, gaining exposure to international markets and some of the industry's most recognisable brands (company funded travel).
Zertus UK & Ireland comprises Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery and Lir Chocolates, manufacturing a wide portfolio of snacks and confectionery across our UK and Irish sites. Our brands include NOMO, Sun Valley, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, as well as collaborations with Baileys and Guinness. We are part of Zertus GmbH, a long-established European food group headquartered in Hamburg, employing more than 2,000 people across multiple markets.
Application & Interview Process:
Please apply online through our careers portal by uploading your CV and answering the application questions. Successful candidates will complete a two-stage interview process, including competency and scenario-based interviews. Zertus UK & Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Account Manager - Confectionery Export (Fixed Term Contract) employer: Zertus UK & Ireland
Zertus UK & Ireland is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises hygiene excellence in food manufacturing. Employees benefit from comprehensive healthcare cash plans, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, all while having the opportunity to grow their skills in a dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement and collaboration with dedicated teams.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Manager - Confectionery Export (Fixed Term Contract)
✨Get Involved in Local Networking Events
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✨Follow Up and Stay Engaged
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We think you need these skills to ace Account Manager - Confectionery Export (Fixed Term Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Sales Skills:In sales and business development, it's all about proving you can drive results. Make sure your CV highlights any previous experience in hitting targets or boosting sales. Numbers really speak — include any sales figures or goals you've smashed to grab our attention!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:This is your chance to shine! Talk about why you're excited about the temporary role at Zertus UK & Ireland and how your skills can help us thrive. We want to see your motivation and how you can bring value to our team in a short period.
Highlight Your Relationship-Building Skills:Sales is all about connections. In your application, don't forget to mention your ability to build relationships with clients or colleagues. Share any examples where you've successfully nurtured partnerships or handled client objections — these stories can really help us see your potential.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary position, let us know when you're available to start and how flexible you are with hours. This clarity helps us assess how well you fit into our immediate needs at Zertus UK & Ireland!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Numbers
In sales and business development, being numbers-savvy is crucial. Brush up on key metrics like conversion rates and sales growth percentages that are relevant to the role at Zertus UK & Ireland. It’s all about showing you can analyse data to drive better decisions.
✨Be Prepared for Role-Play Scenarios
Expect role-play scenarios where you're asked to sell a product or handle objections. It’s a great chance to showcase your communication skills and your approach to overcoming challenges. Practice these with a friend or in front of the mirror – it can really help you feel at ease during the interview!
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary gig, emphasise your adaptability and willingness to jump in quickly. Share examples of how you've successfully adjusted to changes in previous roles or projects. Zertus UK & Ireland will want to know you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Network and Collaborations
Temporary roles often require a strong network. Bring up any partnerships or connections you have that could benefit Zertus UK & Ireland. Whether it’s past clients or industry contacts, showing you can leverage relationships is a big plus in sales!
