Key Account Manager - Fresh Produce

Henderson Brown Recruitment; Pulborough; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fresh produce business in the UK is looking for a Key Account Manager to join their Commercial team in January 2026. This role offers the chance to drive mutual growth with major UK supermarket accounts. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in account management, strong negotiation skills, and a proven ability to develop strategic sales plans. The position allows for hybrid or remote work arrangements.

Benefits

Bonus

Healthcare

Other benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing major accounts within the Produce industry.
• Strong track record as an expert salesperson and negotiator.
• Excellent communication and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage high-priority key accounts to drive growth.
• Execute strategic sales plans to optimise trade revenue.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with key accounts.

Skills

Negotiation

Category leadership

Partnership building

Budget management

Interpersonal skills

Advanced IT skills

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Planning software

Job description

Key Account Manager - Fresh Produce

Location & Setup: West Sussex - flexible for the right candidate in terms of hybrid or remote working

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 is a newly created role driven by growth, offering the chance to make a real impact on some of the company's biggest UK supermarket accounts.

This is an exciting opportunity for an expert salesperson who thrives on building strong relationships, driving profitable growth, and turning insights into action. You'll play a pivotal role in delivering commercial success, strengthening partnerships, and supporting cross‑functional initiatives across a fast-moving, vertically integrated business.

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, optimise 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.