Description
Our client is a global leader in the flavors and naturals taste industry. They are seeking a Beverage Team lead, to lead and inspire a team of Account Managers as the Commercial Lead for UK & Ireland, driving growth across Beverage categories. This role ensures strategic alignment, profitable growth, and strong customer partnerships, positioning the business as the essential partner in taste.
The beverage business is fundamental to the next phase of growth. Their Flavour and our Naturals portfolio differentiate them within the market globally and the development and manufacturing footprint in the UK will be leveraged fully to take advantage of our client’s potential to be the go-to supplier in the market.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Commercial Leadership
- Own the commercial strategy for Key Accounts across Beverage categories.
- Drive profitable growth and margin improvement across the portfolio.
- Ensure pricing discipline and value-based selling.
Team Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Account Managers to deliver strategic objectives.
- Foster a high-performance culture with clear accountability and collaboration.
- Ensure effective deployment of the KAM process and tools.
Customer Strategy & Growth
- Build and maintain senior-level customer relationships.
- Translate customer strategies into actionable plans for the business.
- Co-create and deliver customer growth plans aligned with market strategy.
Performance Management
- Achieve sales, profit, and contribution targets.
- Monitor and report performance using CRM (CX) and EIS systems.
- Ensure accurate forecasting and pipeline management.
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Lead Key Account Planning and ensure alignment with UK & Ireland market strategy.
- Drive innovation and co-creation initiatives with customers.
- Manage complex projects from brief to contract.
Governance & Compliance
- Uphold corporate governance, ethics, and stewardship standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- University degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent commercial apprenticeship with BA study).
Experience
- Minimum 8+ years in commercial roles within a multinational environment.
- Proven leadership experience managing account teams.
- Strong track record in Beverage categories in UK & Ireland.
- Flavours experience is a must.
Skills
- Strategic relationship building and negotiation.
- Commercial and financial acumen.
- Leadership and team development.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM, and SAP.
