Account Manager - Fresh Produce Into Major Retailers

Henderson Brown Recruitment; Chichester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fresh produce business is seeking a Key Account Manager to join their team in the Chichester area. This role focuses on managing major retailer accounts, developing strategic sales plans, and driving growth. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in the Produce industry, strong negotiation and partnership skills, and the ability to travel extensively. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing company and influence key strategies.

Benefits

Bonus

Healthcare

Additional benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience managing major accounts in the Produce industry.
• Expertise in budget management and trade revenue optimisation.
• Strong track record of achieving targets and delivering ROI.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage key accounts to drive mutual growth.
• Develop strategic sales plans to achieve growth targets.
• Negotiate contracts and terms with key accounts.
• Provide regular reports on account performance.

Skills

Negotiation

Category leadership

Partnership skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Problem-solving

Advanced IT skills

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Planning software

Job description

Key Account Manager - Fresh Produce into Major Retailers

Location & Setup: Chichester area - onsite most days for the first 3 months, then some flex, including travel.

Package: £40,000 - £50,000 + bonus + HC + benefits.

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a leading fresh produce business to appoint a Key Account Manager to join their Commercial team from January 2026. This newly created role is driven by growth, offering the chance to make a real impact on some of the company's biggest UK supermarket accounts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage high-priority key accounts, developing strong partnerships to drive mutual growth.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve growth targets, optimize trade revenue, and deliver ROI.
• Apply data, insights, and category expertise to shape strategies and support customer decision‑making.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with key accounts, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure seamless delivery of products and services.
• Provide regular reports on account performance, sales activity, and market insights to senior management.
• Travel as required to suppliers and customer sites to strengthen relationships and support operations.

What We're Looking For

• Proven Key Account Manager with a strong track record in managing major accounts within the Produce industry (minimum 5 years).
• Expert salesperson with negotiation, category leadership, and partnership skills.
• Experienced in budget management and trade revenue optimisation, delivering against targets and ROI.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and people management skills.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to solve challenges in a fast‑moving, regulated environment.
• Advanced IT skills, including Excel, PowerPoint, and planning software.
• Clean UK/EU driving licence and willingness to travel extensively.

Additional Information

The role may involve extensive travel, so a valid passport, clean driving licence, and access to reliable transport are essential.

Why Join?

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in supporting a well‑respected food business through a period of growth. You'll work with leading retailers, influence strategy across a vertically integrated business, and be part of a culture that values people, collaboration, and long‑term success.