Customer Account Manager

TN United Kingdom; Kingston upon Thames; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Customer Account Manager to join their team in Kingston upon Thames. This full-time role involves managing key retail accounts and developing strong relationships within the fast-paced FMCG sector. You will be responsible for driving sales and executing promotional strategies for a renowned brand, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives. The position offers a mix of remote and onsite work, providing flexibility and an engaging work environment. If you are passionate about customer relationships and have a flair for sales, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Free parking

Discounted products at Unilever Staff Shop

Canteen facilities

Gym with classes and shower facilities

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of Customer Account Management experience.
• Strong sales and negotiation skills with a focus on execution.

Responsibilities

• Build sustainable relationships with wholesale and retail customers.
• Manage promotional investments and customer compliance.

Skills

Customer Account Management

Sales Skills

Negotiation Skills

Relationship Building

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Presentation Skills

Networking Skills

Commercial Acumen

Excel Proficiency

Education

Relevant Degree or Equivalent Experience

Tools

Excel

Key Business Systems

Job description

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Customer Account Manager, Kingston upon Thames

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Client:

Manpower

Location:

Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom

Job Category:

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

d5eaf38b9146

Job Views:

4

Posted:

02.05.2025

Expiry Date:

16.06.2025

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Job Description:

We are currently seeking an interim Customer Account Manager, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. This is a full-time temporary role to run to 30/01/2026 (Maternity Cover), requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying between £44,000 - £48,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

Job Purpose:

This role sits within the Away from Home Convenience team where we have responsibility for a universe of over 40,000 outlets across managed convenience, high street, discounters, travel and symbol stores.

You will be responsible for managing a selection of key retailers within the forecourts channel for impulse and take-home ice cream, becoming an expert on your portfolio and working with your retailers to sell ice cream effectively.

It will involve working closely with internal stakeholders, route to market partners, and directly with multiple stakeholders within your accounts.

Responsibilities:

• Build strong and sustainable relationships at all levels with a range of wholesale and retail customers.
• Develop a deep contact network at head office, regional, and outlet levels.
• Act as an active ambassador of Unilever.
• Negotiate effectively with the customer to agree trade terms, trade funding, and counterparts according to the UL ice cream strategy.
• Manage our presence at key customer events such as trade shows.
• Develop strong customer business plans with the support of cross-functional teams, including Brand Managers, Category Managers, AFMs, and Shopper Marketing.
• Develop and deliver an optimal category promotional plan.
• Manage promotional and non-promotional investments with customers, ensuring all agreements are properly documented and stored.
• Own all administration for your accounts, including invoicing and accruals.
• Manage the launch of new products with customers, including selling in the new product and providing samples promptly.
• Ensure effective in-store activation of key events, providing clear briefings to the Retail Operations Team where appropriate.
• Develop a sector strategy to ensure delivery of sales and profit targets.
• Manage customer P&Ls and overall customer investment levels.
• Conduct regular reviews with customers to monitor and maintain performance versus plan.
• Manage in-month performance against forecasts, working closely with CBMs and Business Operations.
• Manage accruals and pricing accurately and efficiently.
• Ensure customer compliance with trade terms; address breaches and monitor resolutions.
• Minimum 2 years relevant Customer Account Management experience.
• Possess commercial and financial acumen.
• Obsessively pursue world-class execution.
• Strong sales and negotiation skills.
• Influencing and relationship-building abilities.
• Networking skills at all levels of seniority.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Analytical ability to derive insights from data.
• Proficiency with Excel and key business systems.
• Entrepreneurial flair for creative solutions for customers.
• Experience managing convenience customers and ice cream/frozen categories.
• Experience in making new business pitches and securing contracts.

Additional Information

Kingston working environment:

• Contractors based in Kingston are eligible for free parking at a local car park.
• Unilever Staff Shop located on the Ground Floor offers discounted products for Contingent Workers.
• A canteen is available.
• A gym with various facilities is available on the Ground Floor, with classes available and shower facilities.