Recruitment specialists for the Fresh Produce, Food, Agriculture, Viticulture & FMCG Industries.

Title: Key Account Manager Company Overview: This company is a leading player in the growing, packing, and distribution of Salads, Legumes, and Vegetables. With modern glasshouse facilities and key growing areas around the world, they are committed to sustainability, boasting a low carbon footprint and green credentials that are ingrained in their DNA. HO in the Netherlands, they have a satellite office in Kent, to cater to their Retail and other customers in the UK. This is a new dedicated role based in Kent focussing on key account management of their largest Retail customers in the UK. Job Description: Position: Key Account Manager Location: Kent (travel expected to NL) Job Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and energetic Key Account Manager to join the team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and growing key accounts within the retail sector (Tesco is the largest account) ensuring customer satisfaction and driving business growth in line with company objectives. This role will involve building strong relationships with customers, understanding their needs, and collaborating with internal teams to deliver value-added solutions. Key Responsibilities:

1. Manage and nurture current key accounts within the Retail sector and develop prospects with the remainder.
2. Develop and execute strategic account plans to drive sales growth and achieve revenue targets.
3. Act as the main point of contact for key accounts, addressing any inquiries, concerns, or issues in a timely and professional manner.
4. Collaborate with internal teams, including sales, marketing, and operations, to develop tailored solutions and meet customer needs.
5. Conduct regular business reviews with key accounts to assess performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive continuous value delivery.
6. Stay updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
7. Monitor and analyse sales data, market trends, and customer feedback to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.
8. Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings to promote products and services and expand business relationships.
9. Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and standards, including sustainability initiatives and environmental regulations.
10. Travel to the NL office and other locations as needed to meet with customers, attend meetings, and participate in company activities.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in Key Account Management (Minimum 2yrs) within the food or agricultural industry, preferably with a focus on fresh produce.
• Strong understanding of retail industry dynamics, including market trends, customer preferences, and competitor landscape.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and a track record of achieving sales targets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and CRM software.
• Fluency in English; additional languages such as Spanish would be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Join a friendly team and play a key role in driving the success of the business while contributing to their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Apply now to be part of our dynamic and innovative team! Application Process: If you are passionate about sales and have a strong background in the Fresh, Food or FMCG sector, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your CV or contact me by email or phone to discuss this role. We look forward to hearing from you! Frank@FMKconsulting.co  (just .co) or Call me +44 (0) 7734 861 080      

Job Title: Account/Sales Manager Industry: Salad and Vegetable Distribution Location: Kent, UK Company Overview: Working for a company who are a leading player in the Salad and Vegetable sector, serving various customers including UK retail, wholesale markets, processors, foodservice, and other non-retail outlets. With recent integrated grower additions, they possess a competitive advantage in the market complemented by their very ‘Green’ credentials. As part of their growth strategy, they are introducing a new role for an Account/Sales Manager to drive business development and maintain strong relationships with both existing and potential customers. Job Description: As an Account/Sales Manager, you will be responsible for managing and growing the customer base across various sectors within the UK market. Your primary duties will include:                                Customer Relationship Management:

• • Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing customers in the retail, wholesale, processor, foodservice, and non-retail sectors.
  • Identify key decision-makers within customer organisations and establish rapport to understand their needs and preferences
    • Business Development:

• • Identify and target new customers within the designated market segments to expand their client base.
  • Develop and implement strategic business plans to achieve sales targets and increase market penetration.
  • Utilise market research and industry insights to identify new opportunities for growth.
    • Sales Strategy and Execution:

• • Collaborate with internal teams to develop innovative sales strategies tailored to specific customer segments.
  • Lead negotiations and finalise sales agreements, ensuring favourable terms for both the company and the customer.
  • Monitor sales performance and identify areas for improvement, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
    • Market Analysis and Planning:

1. • Stay updated on market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes affecting the salad and vegetable sector.
   • Analyse sales data and customer feedback to identify opportunities for product enhancements or new offerings.
   • Work closely with the marketing team to develop promotional campaigns and initiatives to drive sales.

Qualifications: Proven experience in sales or account management within the food, FMCG or Fresh industry, preferably in the salad and vegetable sector.

• Strong understanding of the UK retail, wholesale, processor, foodservice, and non-retail markets.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic business plans to achieve sales targets.
• Self-motivated with a results-oriented mindset and a track record of exceeding sales goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software(desirable).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity for career advancement and professional development.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and growth.

Application Process: If you are passionate about sales and have a strong background in the Fresh, Food or FMCG sector, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your CV or contact me by email or phone to discuss this role. We look forward to hearing from you! Frank@FMKconsulting.co  (just .co) or Call +44 (0) 7734 861 080    

Buyer – Food Service Wholesale We need an energetic and talented Buyer to join a leading (National) Food Service Wholesaler. They predominantly serve the ‘Out Of Home’ (OOH) Market, having a share of this £40bn sector – so plenty of scope! The Trading Team cover 11 categories with around 6k SKU’s. The objective of the Buyer is to have ownership of the full product life cycle within designated categories to achieve range and financial targets while aligning to the business needs and customer demand. Liaise with Marketing to ensure Trading strategy dovetails with Channel and Consumer insight.  

• Manage Suppliers and Customers:

>Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and customers to    ensure effective communication and collaboration. >Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers and internal Sales Teams to optimize value and profitability. >Address any issues or concerns raised by suppliers or Sales Team in a timely and professional manner.

• Category Management:

>Develop and implement category strategies to drive growth and profitability. >Analyse market trends and consumer insights to identify opportunities for product assortment optimization. >Monitor category performance and make recommendations for assortment changes and promotional activities. >Price management, Range Reviews, Competitor Analysis, Market updates, Commodity Tracking and reporting.

• Source New Product Lines:

>Research and identify new product opportunities to enhance the product portfolio. >Source new suppliers and products that align with market trends and customer preferences. >Evaluate potential suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability to ensure alignment with company standards.

• Own the Category:

>Take ownership of specific product categories and drive initiatives to maximize sales and profitability. In this case more than likely the Ambient Food category. >Develop a deep understanding of customer needs and preferences within the category. >Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute category plans and achieve business objectives.

• Product Life Cycle Management:

>Manage the entire product life cycle from introduction to discontinuation. >Monitor product performance and make recommendations for product improvements or discontinuations. >Develop strategies for product launches, promotions, and end-of-life management.

• Attend Trade Shows and Other Industry Events:

>Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and industry events to network with suppliers and customers. >Stay informed about industry trends, innovations, and best practices. >Identify opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and business development.

• Food Safety:

>Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards. >Work closely with suppliers to maintain quality and safety standards throughout the supply chain. >Implement food safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks and ensure product integrity.

• Legal Regulation Requirements:

Stay up to date with relevant legal regulations and compliance requirements. >Ensure that all products and operations adhere to applicable laws and regulations. >Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to address any regulatory issues or concerns.

  Key attributes / Experience: >Highly self-motivated to achieve agreed goals, able to work efficiently and independently within time constraints. > An organised and methodical approach to work and prioritisation that ensures the achievement of deadlines. > A good understanding of key metrics that impact the commercial revenues including Overrider, Marketing income & Product Rebates. > Experience managing relationships across the product supply chain. > Excellent stakeholder management skills and experience working with both internal and external stakeholders of all levels. > Experienced and confident at delivering presentations. > Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills. > Excellent numeracy skills and GCSE grade C(4) or equivalent as a minimum. > Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel and ideally with experience using Office 365, Teams and SharePoint. > FMCG Product knowledge ideally gained from within one of the ‘out of home’ channels. > Experience managing the Product Lifecycle; List, Launch, Review, De-list. > Experience collating, tracking, managing, and reporting on personal revenue targets accurately. > Experience working as part of a team within an office environment. > Experience sourcing new products from both an existing supplier base and new suppliers. > An understanding of product allergens, nutritional information, and government food legislation (Sugar Tax, HFSS Etc) > A strong understanding of Foodservice and Wholesale marketplace > Excellent networking skills > Experience co-ordinating, contributing to and adding value to company, industry and supplier events including exhibitions, insights and networking. > Willingness to Travel and the flexibility to accommodate planned overnight stays for attendance at events, with reasonable notice provided.   Desirable Experience: > 2 Years experience working within Food, FMCG or other commercially related industry. > Experience managing a supplier or customer portfolio. > A good understanding of traditional and digital marketing execution including print and digital advertising and E-Commerce. > A good understanding of the sales process and customer management processes for large, complex or national accounts.   Benefits:

• Competitive salary +Bonus
• Work From Home options
• Usual Company benefits (details on request)

How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a note detailing your experience in a Buying or Sourcing role in FMCG Ambient or Frozen products. business development achievements, and how your skills align with the role. Send a CV to frank@fmkconsulting.co or call + 44(0)7734 861 080.