Account Manager

Barfoots of Botley; Chichester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food and farming company in the UK is seeking an experienced Account Manager to strengthen relationships with retail customers. The role requires a proactive individual with strong communication skills to drive account growth and sales performance. Ideal candidates will have a background in FMCG or Food and possess excellent relationship management abilities. This position offers opportunities for professional development and a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

24/7 Online GP access

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted leisure membership

Cycle to work scheme

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of relationship management.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Excellent commercial awareness.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail customers.
• Develop sales plans to meet revenue targets.
• Negotiate contracts and price structures.
• Monitor retail market trends and competitor activity.
• Support role of Commercial Manager.

Skills

Customer relationship management

Team collaboration

Proactive and self-motivated

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Education

Degree or equivalent level

Job description

Account Manager

Growing is in our nature. What began over 40 years ago as a small family farm has grown into a global farming and food business. From humble beginnings with just a handful of people and a modest crop range, we now cultivate thousands of acres of farmland worldwide and employ a global team of people.

We proudly supply premium fresh produce to the UK’s leading retailers and restaurants. Our commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. With strong green credentials and ongoing investment in cutting-edge technology, we’re proud to maintain a carbon-neutral footprint—ensuring we grow responsibly, for today and tomorrow.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented Account Manager to join our dynamic Retail Sales Team. In this key role, you’ll act as the primary point of contact between Barfoots and a selection of our valued retail customers—building strong relationships, driving account growth and ensuring seamless coordination across procurement, operations and the supply chain.

We’re looking for a committed, reliable and proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and can consistently deliver results through effective collaboration and communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with retail customers
• Develop and execute sales plans to meet or exceed agreed-volume and revenue targets
• Identify expansion opportunities across product categories, promotional periods & new customer segments
• Negotiate contracts, price structures and promotional activities
• Effective management of sales budget
• Provide the business with accurate information to assist with monitoring, planning and forecasting short & long-term sales
• Use customer sales data to support consumer insights and drive commercial actions to grow sales
• Monitor retail market trends, promotions, competitor activity, and customer behaviour
• Leverage insights to refine category strategies and enhance value propositions
• Work with Commercial Manager on managing and influencing customers & attending customer visits
• Support Commercial Manager on general account administration with all customers

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• A strong understanding of customer relationship management
• Able to operate effective as part of a team as well as individually
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Ability to flourish in a dynamic working environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good commercial awareness
• Ideally educated to degree or equivalent level
• Previous FMCG or Food/Produce experience an advantage

Why Work for Barfoots?

• Investors In People Silver Award status.
• Company pension scheme
• 24/7 Online GP access
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Benefits Platform
• Development opportunities
• Discounted leisure membership
• Discounted vegetable box scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Approved training centre for Highfield qualifications
• Committed to Sustainability