Key Account Manager

Zeelandia Ltd; Ashton-in-Makerfield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Zeelandia Ltd is recruiting a Key Account Manager to lead strategic relationships with major customers in the bakery ingredients sector. The role focuses on delivering value, driving revenue growth, and maintaining high standards of customer service in a fast-paced environment.

The role reports to the Head of Sales and requires experience with large accounts, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong understanding of bakery processes and ingredient functionality.

Qualifications

• Strategic account planning and relationship management are essential.
• Negotiation and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
• Data analysis and forecasting using Excel/BI tools.

Responsibilities

• Deliver annual sales plan for assigned key accounts and grow revenue.
• Own the account management process with CRM data accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver a seamless customer experience.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans for long-term partnerships.
• Manage pricing, KPI dashboards, and client strategy sessions.

Skills

Strategic account planning

Negotiation

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

CRM systems

Compliance awareness

Commercial acumen

Tools

Salesforce

MS Office

Excel

Job description

At Zeelandia, we’re excited to be recruiting a Key Account Manager to join our fantastic team. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who has a proven track record in account management, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and is passionate about delivering value to customers.

What really makes Zeelandia special is our genuine commitment to our people. We don’t just talk about wellbeing, we live it. Our holistic approach is underpinned by a wide range of supportive policies covering areas such as mental health, cancer support, miscarriage, menopause, carers, domestic violence, fostering and volunteering, ensuring our colleagues feel supported through every stage of life.

Our values sit at the core of everything we do. We believe in acting with integrity and respect, taking ownership, and going above and beyond for each other and our customers. We encourage innovation that has purpose, support those who champion positive change, and are driven by a genuine passion for success, balancing high standards with a supportive, inclusive approach. If these values resonate with you, you’ll feel right at home at Zeelandia.

Alongside this, we offer a strong wellbeing and engagement culture, including onsite Mental Health First Aiders, regular speaker sessions and coffee mornings, annual NHS health checks, flu jab vouchers, and eye care support. Our Employee Assistance Programme provides free counselling, resources, and access to a dedicated menopause coach, complemented by our Grocery Aid partnership, offering additional emotional, practical, and financial support for you and your family.

We’re also passionate about helping our people grow, with access to internal and external training, and mentorship. Our inclusive culture is supported through active working groups, including DEI and employee involvement forums, as well as initiatives such as supporting neurodivergent-friendly spaces, quiet hours, and a multi-faith room.

Beyond the day job, we bring people together through company events, recognition schemes like Core Values and Long Service Awards, and meaningful CSR initiatives, from Bake for Ukraine to supporting local communities, schools, and charities. With additional benefits such as cycle to work and EV schemes, this is a role where you’ll not only build your career but feel part of something bigger.

If you’re looking for a role where no two days are the same and where you’ll be genuinely valued for the difference you make, we’d love to hear from you.

PLEASE NOTE

This is a site and field based role

We are unable to offer sponsorship or hire anyone that requires this or visa support

NO AGENCIES

We are looking to hire a pro‑active Key Account Manager to work with our larger clients. This role will report directly to the Head of Sales, supporting our key clients. Experience of dealing with large clients is essential, ideally in the food industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver annual sales plan for assigned key accounts to achieve revenue growth of 10% by year-end; maintain KPI ≥ target margin.
• Own account management process; ensure CRM data accuracy and compliance at 100% for all interactions.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (NPD, Customer Services, HR, Marketing, Operations, Finance) to remove blockers and deliver seamless customer experience.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans to secure long‑term partnerships, including weekly onsite meetings with current and potential customers.
• Continuously improve sales workflows; document SOPs and implement measurable efficiency gains.
• Manage compliance & risk for all account activities (GDPR, contractual obligations, pricing governance).
• Report progress via dashboards and monthly reviews; elevate risks or delays promptly to leadership.
• Contribute to DEI, sustainability, and wellbeing initiatives relevant to client engagement and company values.
• Attend and actively contribute to required meetings, including pipeline reviews, client strategy sessions, and quarterly business reviews.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity; provide insights to inform pricing and product positioning.
• Drive customer satisfaction and retention by resolving issues quickly and maintaining proactive communication.

Essential

• Experience in FMCG or food manufacturing sector, especially with experience of bread, multi‑site or complex supply chain environments.
• Professional certifications such as Key Account Management, Negotiation Skills, or Sales Leadership or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in B2B sales within the food manufacturing or bakery ingredients sector, managing large or strategic accounts.
• Strong technical understanding of bakery processes and ingredient functionality

Skills:

• Strategic account planning and relationship management
• Negotiation and influencing skills with senior stakeholders
• Data analysis and forecasting (Excel, BI tools)
• Problem‑solving and solution selling in a technical environment
• Communication: Clear written and verbal communication; ability to present technical solutions to non‑technical audiences.
• Digital/Systems: Proficient in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), MS Office Suite; intermediate Excel for data analysis.
• Compliance Awareness: Food safety standards (e.g., BRC, HACCP), GDPR, and contractual compliance relevant to client management.
• Commercial Acumen: Ability to manage pricing structures, margin targets, and profitability for key accounts.

Desirable

• Project management or process improvement credentials (e.g., PRINCE2, Six Sigma)