Account Manager – South London

Our client is an award winning, global market leader in the sector they operate combining technical, creative and commercial expertise. Most of the UK supermarkets feature amongst our client’s impressive client list. They are now seeking a further Account Manager to join the team.

Position: Account Manager

The Account Managers provide both customer sales support and undertake vital tasks including stock management, sales order processing and organising order fulfilment. In addition, the Account Managers support both customers and field sales executives on business development through providing and co-ordinating quotations and samples for clients. The role requires a significant amount of communication with both customers and colleagues verbally and in writing. The account manager being the main point of contact for significant customers.

The Account Manager will report to the Business Unit Manager and will have significant contact with other departments in the business including design, artwork and finance chasing up various samples/quote and project managing to achieve the delivery dates customers require.

Description

The Account Manager will act as the business’ point of contact for the following sales support functions:

• supplying quotations;
• organising delivery of samples;
• coordinating new product designs and changes to artwork;
• managing the critical path for product launches with customers; and
• arranging technical support from the UK should this be necessary.

In each case the Account Manager will be reliant on other departments in the business to provide information.

Existing business and repeat orders

This aspect of the role involves coordination of the customer requirements within the relevant lead times for manufacturing products, and ensure that the appropriate information is included in the company’s ERP system to ensure that the customer deliveries are met on time and in full and includes:

• Vendor Managed Inventory. The business operates vendor managed inventory for certain customers. The Account Manager should therefore have reasonable numerical skills to enable accurate stock forecasts to be made.
• Proactively seeking repeat orders. The Account Manager in regular contact with the customers and be aware of their likely demand. Orders should be proactively sought from each customer to ensure sufficient time is allowed for manufacture.
• Other administrative functions including order processing, organising delivery times and invoicing is also be undertaken by the Account Manager.

Candidate profile

• Experienced business to business customer service executive
• Excellent communication skills (including good email writing)
• Strong attention to detail needed for coordinating in a timely manner
• Solid numerical abilities and familiarity with Excel
• Very strong organisational skills – organised, flexible, dependable
• After initial training be able to work without supervision
• The candidate would enjoy working as a team member and supporting other colleagues
• Assertive individual capable of taking a balanced approach with customers
• Experience of the food retail sector industry would be advantageous, but training would be given

Competencies Required:

• Excellent all-round communication and writing skills (including excellent telephone manner)
• Exceptionally organised and excellent co-ordination and prioritisation skills (especially in relation to business deadlines)
• Keen attention to detail
• Flexiblity
• Diplomacy and discretion
• Collaborative, team player, ability to form good relationships with colleagues (internally and externally)
• Able to develop systems to manage administrative duties