Away from Home Sales Team Lead - outbased

PepsiCo, Inc.; Theale; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global food and beverage company in the UK is seeking an AFH Sales Lead to manage and develop customer accounts. You'll focus on strategic account management while building strong relationships that drive engagement and revenue growth. Ideal candidates will have at least 4 years of sales or account management experience with a strong ability to analyze data and foster client relationships. The role offers competitive salary, company car, and performance incentives.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company laptop and mobile phone

Company car

Regular sales incentives

Competitive pension scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience in sales, account management, or customer service (FMCG experience desirable).
• Strong analytical and numerical ability.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and retain a portfolio of key customer accounts.
• Develop meaningful relationships with clients to understand their business needs.
• Ensure smooth order processing and timely delivery for customers.

Skills

Sales Management

Customer Relationship Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

GCSE-level education or equivalent

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

As AFH Sales Lead you will be responsible for managing and developing a diverse portfolio of customers, acting as the main point of contact and strategic partner for each account. Your focus will be on building strong, long-term relationships that drive customer engagement, increase revenues, and enhance brand loyalty to Pipers Crisps.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Account Management
  • Manage and retain a portfolio of key customer accounts, ensuring consistent engagement with the Pipers brand and product range.
  • Develop meaningful, consultative relationships with clients to understand their business needs and tailor solutions that maximise value.
  • Identify opportunities to upsell and cross-sell across the Pipers product portfolio and third‑party lines, increasing average order value and revenue per account.
  • Use sales data, CRM dashboards, and performance analytics to monitor account performance, identify growth opportunities, and take proactive action.
  • Partner with clients to promote new "go-to-market" initiatives, brand campaigns, and promotional incentives designed to support mutual business growth.
  • Adapt to customers' evolving needs and distribution channels (e.g., direct vs. wholesale), ensuring business continuity and accurate reporting of market trends.
  • Oversee the onboarding process for new key accounts, ensuring each stage is completed effectively to drive early engagement and long‑term retention.
• Account Planning
  • Continuously review and refine plans to reflect customer changes, market shifts, and sales priorities.
  • Maintain accurate customer records and decision‑maker contacts to support efficient and personalised communication.
  • Achieve retention, order volume, and revenue KPIs through disciplined portfolio management and a proactive approach to customer engagement.
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure consistent account coverage and shared success across the sales function.
• Commercial Administration & Credit Management
  • Ensure merchandising and POS materials are effectively deployed to support in‑outlet brand visibility.
  • Oversee the full sales cycle from purchase to payment, partnering with finance to maintain effective credit control.
  • Proactively manage outstanding balances, ensuring smooth order processing and transparent communication with customers.
• Customer Service & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Warehouse, Logistics, and Production teams to ensure seamless service delivery for all accounts.
  • Minimise customer issues by maintaining high standards of service and following trade complaint procedures diligently.
  • Coordinate with third‑party logistics providers to ensure reliable and timely deliveries for customers.
  • Provide regular feedback to the Telesales Manager on client performance, market trends, and potential areas for growth or improvement.
• Personal Development
  • Use CRM and performance dashboards to track your results against KPIs and continuously improve your approach.
  • Engage with PepsiCo's learning and development resources, actively seeking out coaching and training opportunities to enhance your professional growth.

Qualifications

• GCSE-level education or equivalent.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in sales, account management, or customer service (FMCG experience desirable).
• Proficient in CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical and numerical ability.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Organised, self‑motivated, and target‑driven, with strong time management.
• Able to balance pace with precision, ensuring consistent quality and accuracy.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based incentives.
• Company laptop and mobile phone.
• Company car.
• Regular sales incentives and recognition for achievement.
• Competitive pension scheme and paid annual leave.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with the Equality Act 2010, we value diversity at our company; it is an essential part of our success. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, pregnancy or maternity, marital/civil partnerships, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, disability or race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin.