At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a high-performing Key Account team in the foodservice sector.
- Company: Dynamic foodservice business focused on growth and development.
- Benefits: Work from home, company car, uncapped commission, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape a growing commercial team and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in account management and strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
We are delighted to be working with a foodservice business that is looking to appoint an experienced Group Account Sales Manager to lead, coach and inspire a well-established, high-performing Key Account team during an exciting period of growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially driven sales leader who thrives on developing people, building winning sales cultures, and helping account managers unlock their full potential.
While the role retains a hands-on commercial element, the real focus is leadership - empowering the Key Account team to grow existing business, maximise opportunities and deliver exceptional customer relationships across the foodservice sector.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the performance, structure and success of the Key Account function. You will lead and mentor a team of Key Account Managers, providing guidance, coaching and strategic direction to help them achieve ambitious growth targets. This is not a role centred around directly managing every customer relationship yourself; instead, your success will come from enabling the wider team to perform at their very best. Alongside leadership responsibilities, you will maintain commercial awareness within the market, support key strategic opportunities, contribute to tender processes and help drive profitable business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of Key Account Managers and Specialists
- Create a high-performance sales culture focused on growth, retention and customer excellence
- Support the team in identifying and converting new business opportunities
- Coach and challenge the team to maximise account performance and margin growth
- Provide strategic input into key tenders and customer opportunities
- Build credibility with senior customer stakeholders while supporting existing account relationships
- Work collaboratively with commercial teams and suppliers to drive sales performance
- Identify market opportunities, category gaps and regional growth potential
- Monitor team performance against sales and margin objectives
- Represent the Key Account function within wider commercial discussions
- Running monthly team meetings
We are looking for an experienced leader with a proven ability to lead and inspire successful account management teams. You will bring strong commercial awareness alongside a genuine passion for coaching, developing and motivating people.
You ideally will have:
- A strong background ideally from the foodservice sector.
- Previous experience managing or mentoring Key Account teams
- The ability to influence and communicate effectively at senior leadership level
- Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills
- A collaborative and supportive leadership style
- The gravitas to add value within strategic customer meetings without overshadowing relationships
- High levels of organisation, energy and resilience
- A customer-centric approach with strong commercial acumen
- A full UK driving licence
What's on Offer
- Working from home contract, with the expectation that you will be out with your team or working across the different depots.
- Company car
- Bonus scheme - generous uncapped commission
- Pension and additional benefits
- Ongoing professional development
- The opportunity to shape and influence a growing commercial team
This is a truly unique role that will suit someone who truly thrives on leading successful teams and has a proven track record of achieving in this type of role. It represents the opportunity to join a business that is in a great place, and with its commitment to investment is set to achieve impressive growth moving forward.
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed.
Group Account Sales Manager employer: Zest
Join a well-established food manufacturing business in the Grimsby area, where you will be part of a dynamic engineering team dedicated to maintaining high standards of production and safety. With a competitive salary and opportunities for continuous improvement projects, this role offers a supportive work culture that values employee growth and development. Enjoy the benefits of working in a thriving industry that prioritises innovation and teamwork, making it an excellent place for skilled engineers to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Account Sales Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Group Account Sales Manager at Zest, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Zest. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Group Account Sales Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Account Sales Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Zest:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Zest. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Zest that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Zest that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Zest’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
