At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse accounts in fresh produce and drive sales performance.
- Company: Leading fresh produce supplier with a dynamic work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and exposure to global supply chains.
- Why this job: Be the expert in a fast-paced industry and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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 employer: Zest Recruitment
As a leading fresh produce supplier, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our National Account Manager role offers not only competitive remuneration but also the opportunity to engage with a diverse portfolio of clients in the vibrant North-West London area, where you can develop your skills and advance your career in a fast-paced industry. Join us to be part of a team that values resilience, analytical thinking, and a passion for fresh produce, while enjoying the benefits of a supportive culture and opportunities for professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager - Fresh Produce
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Zest Recruitment.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Zest Recruitment!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Zest Recruitment, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Zest Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager - Fresh Produce
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zest Recruitment, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Zest Recruitment.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Zest Recruitment. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Zest Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Recruitment
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Zest Recruitment’s mission.
