At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse accounts in fresh produce, driving sales and building relationships.
- Company: Leading fresh produce supplier with a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive package, and opportunities for travel.
- Other info: Regular travel and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Be the expert in a complex industry and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Do you thrive on the fast‑paced nature of fresh produce? We are working with a leading fresh produce supplier looking for a commercially sharp National Account Manager for our prepared fruits, vegetables and ingredients team. This newly created role will have ownership of a diverse portfolio of foodservice, processor and independent retail accounts.
The Role
You will develop and deliver joint business plans across a varied customer base, working closely with procurement and technical colleagues to drive sales, margin and service performance. Day‑to‑day you’ll manage buyer relationships, run commercial forums, track promotional calendars and ensure supply chain complexities – seasonality, short shelf life, multi‑sourcing – are navigated with confidence. This role is for someone who thrives on complexity, thinks end‑to‑end, and takes pride in being the expert in the room.
What You'll Be Doing
- Developing and delivering joint business plans across foodservice, processor and independent retail accounts
- Owning budgeted sales and trading contribution targets – tracking, monitoring and delivering
- Managing day‑to‑day buyer relationships and building a broad network across accounts and the industry
- Collaborating cross‑functionally with procurement and technical teams on supply, availability, quality and service
- Identifying new business opportunities through EPOS data, consumer insight and market intelligence
- Forecasting accurately and working agilely with sourcing and planning teams to hit service level targets
- Managing sourcing risks (weather, logistics, geopolitical) and protecting brand integrity
- Ensuring compliance with agreed trading terms, customer portals and internal business processes
- Regular travel to UK customer sites, occasional international travel for conferences and trade events
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Proven account management experience in fresh produce, food manufacturing or short shelf life grocery
- Strong understanding of the end‑to‑end supply chain – from field to fixture
- Experience with GSCOP, contract negotiation and supply agreements
- Commercially numerate, analytical and confident making data‑led decisions
- Resilient, collaborative and able to thrive under pressure
- Advanced MS Office skills
- Degree‑level education or equivalent
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Familiarity with BRC, LEAF, TNC, Global Gap or ETI standards
- Exposure to global agri‑business supply chains
- Project management experience
If this sounds like the role for you, we look forward to hearing from you.
National Account Manager - Fresh Produce in London employer: Zest Recruitment
Join a leading fresh produce supplier in North-West London, where you will thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and employee growth, offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. With opportunities for professional development and the chance to manage diverse accounts, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the fresh produce industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager - Fresh Produce in London
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Zest Recruitment often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager - Fresh Produce in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Zest Recruitment does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Recruitment
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Zest Recruitment will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Zest Recruitment.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Zest Recruitment.
