- Salary: Salary band is £60-90,000 plus a strong benefits package
- Location: The company are based in the Yorkshire region, but there is the potential for the position to have a home based contract.
The Company
A food manufacturer who specialise in supplying high quality products for the foodservice sector. The company was founded 5 years ago and has rapidly grown to become the No 2 business within their category. Set up by a team who have a strong track record of success over many years in food manufacturing, the business is also backed by a significant global food group.The business has moved quickly from being a start-up to a key manufacturer for foodservice customers and forecasts are for strong future growth.
Based out of a manufacturing site in Yorkshire, they have a turnover of c£20m and their customer base includes a diverse range of accounts, from wholesalers and independents through to national end users. Recent success has been driven by a number of factors – manufacturing capability, NPD expertise, a focus solely on foodservice and a driven approach to building business with both new and existing customers.
One of the keys to continued future success is the strength of the NPD pipeline, which is being driven by a high quality Innovation team who have created a range of exciting and innovative new products.
The Role
The company are looking to diversify their Sales strategy, which will involve continuing to grow and target “traditional” customers but will also focus on “up and coming” areas such as smaller or rapidly growing restaurant chains where diners will expect to see innovative products on the menu. As a result they’re looking to recruit someone who has a proven track record of developing new business in this market sector.
Key experience will include an extensive knowledge of the “emerging” customer base and being able to demonstrate existing commercial relationships with key Buying contacts. The role will involve managing some existing national account relationships, as well as building a portfolio of new accounts.
It’s essential that an individual is secured who can work effectively and deliver strong business growth in a small company environment. Reporting to the Managing Director this is a key new role in the senior management team and the requirement is to find a high performing candidate who will also be a great fit and engaging leader.
The Person
We’re seeking an individual who will make a real impact and fit closely with the company ethos. People need to be confident operating in a small business environment, where they can have involvement in a range of disciplines, take accountability for a broad remit and be a positive influence on the wider organisation.
As this is a newly created position, the exact remit of the role will be shaped to fit the individual who joins the business. However, the ideal candidate profile includes:
- Proven track record of successfully developing new business in the UK Foodservice channel
- A focus on “emerging” rather than “traditional” customers
- Also able to manage existing national account customers at senior level and capable of building strategic relationships with contacts above Buyer level.
- Strategic in their approach, able to build long term partnerships with their customers
- Passionate and knowledgeable about trends within the foodservice industry
- Excited by product innovation, a genuine “Foodie”
- Hands-on approach, able to work effectively in a small business culture
- Energy, enthusiasm, passion for working in a company that is growing and evolving
- Drive to deliver positive change and innovation
If you have the skills and experience and are looking for a new challenge, we would be delighted to discuss this opportunity further.