At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key customer accounts and drive sales growth in the premium food sector.
- Company: Join a well-established business known for high-quality food products and exceptional staff retention.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, company car, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company with exciting products and ambitious future plans.
- Qualifications: Experience in national account management within the food industry and strong negotiation skills.
A truly fabulous opportunity to join a well-established and growing business operating within the premium food, gifting and retail sectors - a great company with great products!
The business is a leading supplier and manufacturer of high-quality food products and confectionery, supplying a diverse customer base across the UK. With an extensive portfolio of year-round and seasonal products, they work closely with independent retailers, garden centres, online retailers, wholesalers and major retail groups.
Owing to continued growth, they are looking to recruit an experienced National Account Manager to develop and manage key customer relationships across a varied and exciting customer portfolio. As National Account Manager, you will be responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of key accounts whilst identifying opportunities to drive sales and strengthen long-term customer partnerships.
Working closely with internal teams across sales, marketing, operations and product development, you will play a key role in delivering growth and ensuring exceptional customer service.
Key Responsibilities- Manage and develop relationships with key customer accounts
- Identify opportunities to increase sales, distribution and profitability
- Lead commercial discussions, negotiations and annual account reviews
- Deliver account plans and sales strategies aligned to business objectives
- Introduce new products, seasonal ranges and promotional opportunities
- Monitor market trends, customer activity and competitor performance
- Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure successful account delivery
- Forecast sales performance and maintain accurate account records
- Attend customer meetings, trade events and exhibitions as required
- Previous experience in a National Account Manager role in the food industry.
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
- Experience managing retail, wholesale or distributor accounts
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
- A proactive and self-motivated approach
- Strong planning, organisational and analytical abilities
- The ability to influence stakeholders both internally and externally
Experience working with garden centres, gifting, food, confectionery, private label, wholesale or retail customers would be highly advantageous.
What's on Offer?- Competitive salary package
- Bonus opportunity
- Company car
- Ongoing training and development
- The opportunity to work with an exciting portfolio of premium products
- A growing business with ambitious plans for the future
This is a superb opportunity to join a great business, which boasts good staff retention because of the variety of the work and the high quality of the products.
National Account Manager employer: Zest
Join a well-established and growing business in the premium food and gifting sectors, where you will enjoy a competitive salary package, bonus opportunities, and a company car. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this role offers the chance to manage exciting key accounts while working with high-quality products. The company's commitment to staff retention and growth makes it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, 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, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zest, 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.
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. 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. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest
✨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’s mission.
