Account Manager (foodservice)

Respect. It’s a word you often hear bandied about; everybody is bemoaning the lack of it or talking up the ways to gain it. It’s a great thing to get and just as rewarding to give.

But you have to earn it. And that is just what my client has spent the last eight years doing. Quietly going about their business, gaining respect throughout the sector by providing expert purchasing and culinary consultancy services to independent foodservice operators throughout the UK, supported by a chosen stable of suppliers at both national and regional level.

They are discerning in who they work with – this is their passion after all – and they have pedigree. Established and run by some of the foremost names in foodservice and cuisine they are renowned throughout the industry not only for their expertise but also their passion. But they know that pedigree alone doesn’t garner respect, nor does it guarantee success.

So what does?

Of course, you know the answer to this question. If you don’t then this role may not be for you. You see, this is an opportunity to make a mark, to earn real respect and be a part of a tangible success story. This is an Account Management role with a direct line to the board, to the strategy and decision makers, to the passion of a successful consultancy. You know that respect is being listened to, having your input valued, you know this both as an individual and as a sales professional. This is how you treat others and how you yourself wish to be treated.

You have gained respect as a business developer, within the foodservice sector. You have a track record of listening to and working with operators – chefs, buyers – to offer solutions and services. You embrace the challenge of developing territories. You have experience of working with broad product ranges and how the sector operates to benefit the end user.

But this is not just about Business Development, it is about the less transactional side of account management, the servicing of accounts and the building of relationships, of trust and, yes, you guessed it, respect.

Desired Skills and Experience

If you can demonstrate your achievements in the above sectors and channels, then you’ve pretty much got what it takes. You’ll need demonstrable experience of dealing with foodservice operators – the independent team running a pub through to group concern running a chain of hotels and understand their need for purchasing efficiency.

The Midlands is a new territory for my client, and as such you will need to be fully immersed in the regional market and have experience in developing and managing accounts within this region.

This is a role that requires a high level of autonomy – you’ll be based from home – and the proven ability to both build and maintain relationships, but you knew that already. In return you will gain the support of a passionate and successful management team and the backing of some of the most prestigious suppliers in the business. The prospect of development for the role is unrivalled within the sector and the day one benefits aren’t bad either.