Sales Account Manager

Zest; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading value-added food ingredients company in the UK is seeking a Commercial / Sales Account Manager. You will be responsible for managing a portfolio of foodservice businesses, developing customer partnerships, and identifying new business opportunities. The ideal candidate will have experience in food manufacturing or service, along with strong communication skills. A hybrid working model is available, and a performance-based bonus is included.

Benefits

Hybrid working available

Bonus up to 10-15% on personal performance

Qualifications

• Experience in managing commercial accounts, preferably in food manufacturing or food service.
• Strong communicator and relationship builder.
• Self-starter with strength of character and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional service to your portfolio of foodservice businesses.
• Develop and grow existing customer accounts.
• Identify new business opportunities aligned with strategic goals.

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about food and excited by innovation? We're looking for a Commercial / Sales Account Manager to join a successful, growing value added food ingredients company. Since the start, this company has been transforming vegetables into bold, exciting ingredients that inspire menus across the food service and manufacturing sectors. Collaborating with major food brands, recipe box providers, and chilled food manufacturers, it brings plant-based ingredients to the centre of the plate. If you're a driven and commercially-savvy professional with a love for food and relationship-building, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What You'll Be Doing

• As a Commercial / Sales Account Manager, you'll play a key role in providing exceptional service to your portfolio of foodservice businesses.
• Work with NPD to ensure customer needs are met and drive growth, developing strong customer partnerships, and ensuring outstanding service.
• Develop and grow existing customer accounts.
• Identify new business opportunities aligned with strategic goals.
• Deliver engaging, insight-led customer presentations.
• Support innovation and product development projects with clients.
• Oversee pricing models and ensure competitive, profitable quotes.
• Lead the preparation of tenders and negotiate win-win outcomes.
• Collaborate on annual commercial strategy and sales targets.
• Maintain healthy profit margins through accurate costing and integration.
• Work closely with internal teams (NPD, Technical, Process) to ensure seamless product delivery.
• Manage volume forecasts, product launches, and delists.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety and quality standards (BRC).
• Host feasibility meetings and contribute to project success across departments.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Passionate about food.
• Experience in managing commercial accounts, preferably in food manufacturing or food service.
• A strong communicator and relationship builder.
• A self-starter with strength of character and resilience.
• Analytical and strategic, with a keen eye for margin and growth.
• Comfortable presenting ideas and working cross-functionally.
• Familiar with customer supply chain requirements and industry standards.

Why Apply?

• Join a trend-setting company influencing the future of food.
• Collaborate with leading food service brands.
• Be part of a dynamic, growth-focused team.
• Work in a company that values creativity, development, and integrity.
• Hybrid working available (1 or 2 days per week from home).
• Bonus - up to 10-15% on personal performance.

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