At a Glance
- Tasks: Own customer relationships and drive sales performance for a key product category.
- Company: Established fresh produce business with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape category strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with ownership and visibility.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: West Midlands (with UK & occasional overseas travel)
Reporting to: Commercial Director / Business Unit Manager
An established and growing fresh produce business is looking to bring an experienced Account Manager into their team, to take ownership of a designated product category and key customer portfolio. This role will allow you to take full responsibility for sales performance, margins, ranging, promotions and category development, working closely with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
You will manage customer relationships and P&L performance for your category, using data-led insight to drive profitable growth. The role combines commercial management, category strategy, NPD involvement and customer-facing leadership.
Key Responsibilities- Full ownership of customer relationships and P&L for your product category
- Deliver sales, margin and gross trade profit in line with agreed budgets
- Develop and implement category strategies using market, consumer and demographic data
- Lead and contribute to category reviews with customers, including recommendations on NPD, promotions, merchandising and packaging
- Manage ranging, pricing, promotional activity and performance analysis
- Identify and develop new customer and market opportunities
- Work closely with procurement to ensure accurate margin forecasts and strong supplier performance
- Support and deliver New Product Development in line with internal processes
- Prepare and present commercial proposals and category plans to customers and internal stakeholders
- Manage and mentor account managers, executives or assistants within the category
- Travel within the UK and overseas as required
- Proven experience in an Account Manager or Category-focused commercial role, ideally within FMCG
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing P&L and budgets
- Confident in using data and insight to inform decision-making and strategy
- Experienced in building and maintaining strong customer and supplier relationships
- Comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders and customers
- Highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities
This is a great chance to take on a commercially influential role with real ownership and visibility, with the opportunity to shape category strategy and drive growth. If you thrive on working in a busy, collaborative and cross-functional working environment then this is an excellent next step.
Account Manager employer: Zest Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Zest Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can add value to their team. Highlight your experience in managing P&L and building customer relationships, as these are key for an Account Manager role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing P&L, customer relationships, and any relevant data-driven insights you've used in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the fresh produce industry and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention specific examples of your success in similar roles.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves using data-led insights, make sure to highlight your experience with data analysis and how it has influenced your decision-making. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into actionable strategies!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Account Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L and budgets. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed these in previous roles. Use specific examples to show how your decisions have positively impacted sales and margins.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
This role requires a strong grasp of data-led insights. Familiarise yourself with market trends and consumer behaviour relevant to the fresh produce sector. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform category strategies or drive growth in past positions.
✨Build Rapport Quickly
Strong relationships are key in this role. Practice your interpersonal skills and think about how you can quickly establish trust with customers and suppliers. Share examples of how you've successfully built relationships in the past, especially in challenging situations.
✨Present Like a Pro
You'll need to present commercial proposals and category plans to various stakeholders. Prepare a mock presentation based on a product category you’re familiar with. Focus on clarity, confidence, and engaging storytelling to showcase your ideas effectively.