Food Services Accounts Manager (HORECA)

We invite all qualified applicants to apply for the role of Food Services Accounts Manager.

The purpose of this position will be to:

1. Handle all Food Service Accounts including, but not limited to, industries such as hotel, restaurant and catering.
2. Manage all sales-related activities that gravitate around food, beverage and.

Qualifications:

• Grade 12
• Degree / Diploma in Hospitality Management, Food Technology, or equivalent professional qualification.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years Sales & Marketing experience handling Food Service accounts specific to HORECA customers in the region.

Knowledge Required:

• Hospitality background
• FMCG Retail experience
• Key Account management
• Forecasting
• CRM Software
• Experience in Microsoft Office applications

Skills Required:

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to deal with all levels from Unit Head Chefs, Contract Catering Managers to Buyer level
• Strong customer orientation, financial knowledge, and negotiation skills
• Strong communication capabilities, organizational skills and a focus on consumer needs.

Tasks and Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Responsible for acquiring new food service accounts.
• Identify market potential to establish new accounts, achieve food service sales volume, revenue, and profitability goals.
• Coordinate and review the pipeline of potential HORECA customers on a regular basis for efficient Sales Force Management.
• Develop and deliver annual sales plans for each assigned key account in accordance with division sales objectives.
• Develop annual sales budgets in line with the Company’s budgeting process and expectations.
• Propose and follow up on Sales Force specific regional actions such as promotions, events, trade fairs etc. in order to reach sales targets.
• If sales targets are not met, ensure that alternative plans are formulated to make up any short falls.
• Perform regular and accurate reporting of Sales Force productivity (monthly, weekly, daily) and potential action to be taken.
• Ensure all work is within budget at all times.
• Ensure that all communication with customers (contract reports, promotional plans, promotional evaluation etc.) is implemented, up to date and communicated.
• Ensure that service levels to this channel are within Company expectations and that any shortfalls are addressed with the Sales (e.g. out of stock, errors in order taking, incorrect invoicing).
• Ensure effective utilization and execution of marketing programs to ensure selling success of new or existing products occur (in collaboration with the Marketing Department).
• Activate local and national marketplace initiatives and promotions to build brand development and maximize brand performance (in collaboration with the Marketing Department).
• Evaluate customer research, market conditions, and competitor data and make any consequential amendments to marketing strategies (in collaboration with the Marketing Department).
• Maintain, monitor, and regularly evaluate pricing and contracts with customers to provide products and services that meet standards of quality, timeliness, and cost.
• To participate and assist other sales channels when required and called upon.
• Ad-hoc tasks and responsibilities as and when required by Management.