Key Account Manager (Commercial Chilled)

The purpose of this role is to profitably and sustainably manage and grow our chilled category. The successful candidate will be involved in executing business commercials and team strategies for the channels effectively and collaboratively with the operational teams to achieve operational and strategic objectives. Managing and resolving day to day operations and problems with cross functional teams.

Responsibilities:

• Sales performance analysis and forecasting.
• In put into WW chilled budget in line with the overall budget targets.
• Complete all WW chilled reporting requirements.
• Managing and maintain margins, pricing and price books and tracking orders, ensuring systems details are accurate and up to date
• Executing strategic Promotional and marketing strategies for the channels, aligned with commercial direction and objectives and in collaboration of team and innovation specialist.
• Manage customer account profitability - Deliver the required top line, GM, GM% and EBITDA as set out for the customer account.
• Assess and recommend strategic options to the category team in line with business and customer objectives and vision.
• Develop customer sales activity plans and monitor, execute and review promotional plans.
• Collaborate effectively across departments/functions to ensure business objectives are aligned and delivered upon.
• Accurate management and implementation of customer pricing and product costings.
• Ensure product availability and visibility on shelf- management of product portfolio end to end.
• Communicate customer strategy and activity plans to operational team and factory ensuring successful execution thereof.
• Conduct customer reviews at all levels.
• Monitor competitor and market activity, with regular analysis and understanding of market changes/trends. To gather, process, analyse and report on customer data.
• Understanding of global and local food trends and consumer behaviour.
• Maintain a close hand on the WW chilled team and resolve day to day problems with solutions.
• Effective communication and support of the teams.
• Ensure regular and accurate sales forecasting in conjunction with Supply Chain / Logistics.
• Develop and manage and cultivate strong customer relationships.
• Effective and accurate product costing for new lines.
• Negotiation with customer to achieve business objectives.
• Input into product development and category direction , reviewing commercial viability and driving NPD objectives with the. team and customer for successful on time launches.

Requirements:

• Ability to achieve targets in a dynamic and competitive business environment
• Good leadership qualities including the ability to maintain a high performing and engaged team
• Ability to build and nurture trust with teams, customers and suppliers- team player
• Effective allocation of company resources including the ability to coordinate a team with multiple components
• Strong decision-making ability
• Strategic and commercial thinking
• Experience implementing cost-saving methods and improving operational efficiency
• Forward, pro-active planner
• Ability to communicate in a clear and confident manner
• Ability to illicit cooperation from teams, management and external stakeholders
• Experience building and cultivating effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders (internal & external)
• Experience building and executing a Company strategy
• Effective conflict management and negotiation skills

Knowledge & Experience Required:

• Relevant Degree/similar qualification in Food Preparation/ Marketing / Consumer Science or commercial
• Experience leading a high performing team in a commercial environment
• Experience within the FMCG industry essential
• Understanding FMCG and wholesale and retail market dynamics
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory systems, policies and legislation
• Knowledge of food procedures, processes and requirements
• Knowledge of category strategy formulation and category planning
• Knowledge of commercial and financial trade-offs in category sales
• Understanding of foods, trends and customer segmentation and shopper behavior. Applying the set understanding to ensure that categories are targeted for the correct market.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of the food business globally
• Advanced skills in MS PowerPoint and Excel are required
• Excellent command of English, strong communication and excellent presentation skills
• Knowledge of technical processes, principles and label legislation is advantageous
• Knowledge of customer technical requirements and processes
• Knowledge of customer satisfaction management
• Valid Passport and Drivers Licence