Key Account Manager (Hybrid) (Permanent)

Vegetarian Express Limited; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading plant-based ingredient supplier in Northern Ireland is seeking a Key Account Manager to join their field sales team. This role involves supporting growth strategies, engaging with customers, and driving sales in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Candidates should have a proven sales background and a customer-first mentality. The position offers a competitive salary, uncapped commission, and a hybrid working arrangement.

Benefits

Competitive basic salary + uncapped sales commission

Company car or car allowance

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Health cash plan

Pension

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a Regional or Key Account Management role in a FMCG environment.
• Current Full UK/Ireland Clean Driving Licence.
• Experience working in a food service environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support customer relationships.
• Work collaboratively with all departments to deliver service excellence.
• Achieve sales targets and grow business in new sectors.

Skills

Proven sales skills

Excellent working knowledge of Excel

Customer ‘First’ mentality

Strong analytical skills

Exceptional relationship building

Job description

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Job Details

Job Title: Key Account Manager

Location: Northern Ireland (with up to 3 days per week travelling to the Republic of Ireland)

Salary: To be confirmed

Hours of work: To be confirmed

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity to join our field sales team as a Key Account Manager to support our expansion into new territories. At Vegetarian Express we have many customers with businesses in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, so a critical part of the role will be to mobilise these customers. The role is based in Northern Ireland with travel to the Republic of Ireland. We are looking for a dynamic, organised individual and a strong team player with the skills and experience to support the Company Sales Growth Strategy. With growth plans for 2025/26 and beyond, this is an exciting time to join Vegetarian Express; we want to hire the best talent across the industry.

The role will provide a proactive and effective sales presence for our customers and your time will be split between field and home/office, weighted towards the field. You will be required to maintain high levels of customer interaction and ensure that the customer base is being supported and managed in line with the business plan. The role is also required to develop and grow business in both new and existing sectors where the opportunity is viable, aligned to business and individual sales targets. You will be expected to work collaboratively with all departments within Vegetarian Express to deliver service excellence to our clients, maintaining a one team approach.

About us

Vegetarian Express specialise in delivering plant-based ingredients, ideas and inspiration to chefs across the UK for eating out of home. We are growing rapidly as plant-based, vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets rise in popularity. Nationally we supply more than 4000 skilled chefs from customers such as Compass, Baxterstorey and Hilton, as well as many independent operators. We work with customers to create plant-based menus that are enticing, healthier for consumers, better for the planet and commercially viable for businesses. We are a certified B Corporation, part of a global movement of businesses that believe in using business to do good.

What you need

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a Regional or Key Account Management role in a FMCG environment
• Current Full UK/Ireland Clean Driving Licence
• Proven sales skills
• Excellent working knowledge of Excel
• A Customer ‘First’ mentality
• A commercial mind with strong analytical skills
• Exceptional at building relationships, being comfortable with networking outside of the business and representing the brand

What will differentiate you

• Experience working in the industry either as a chef or front of house hospitality/operations
• Experience of working in a Food Service Environment
• A real passion for food and category selling

In return we offer

• Competitive basic salary + uncapped sales commission (OTE up to £45k dependent on experience)
• Company car or car allowance
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Annual leave purchase up to 3 additional days
• Health cash plan
• Pension
• Group Life Assurance
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Training opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme and Cycle to work scheme to support physical and mental health

Please note

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Key Account Manager, New Business Executive, External Sales, Sales Consultant, Business Development, B2B, B2B Sales Executive, BDM, Sales Officer, Business Development Executive, Sales Coordinator, Internal Sales Officer, Direct Sales, Key Sales, Business Developer, and related titles may also be considered for this role.