Type: Full-Time (40 hr/week) | Location: London | Start: January/February 2025 | Web: drinkinghelps.co.uk
Lemonaid Beverages is looking for a full-time Key Account Manager Foodservice and Contract Catering to help drive growth in this key channel. You will own and manage relationships with major contract catering clients and foodservice distributors, leveraging your industry expertise and connections to unlock new opportunities. From executing trade marketing strategies and on-site activations to mentoring a junior field sales representative, youll play a critical role in expanding our market presence and driving impactful partnerships. If you thrive on building strong relationships, staying ahead of market trends, and delivering results, this role is for you.
Since 2009, weve been on a mission to shake up the soft drinks market with Fairtrade, organic beverages that make a real difference. Every bottle sold contributes 5p to the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation, and together weve raised over £9 million to fund impactful social projects in our sourcing regions. Our goal is simple yet powerful: to inspire social change, one drink at a time. You can learn more about our journey and the Foundations work here.
And its not just words - every year, we pack our bags and visit our growers and project partners, like the Heiveld Cooperative in South Africa, to see the impact first-hand.
What started as a small idea in Germany has grown into a global movement. Today, our team of 115 Lemonaiders spans six countries, and in the UK, a dozen of us are driving sales and marketing to new heights.
With fresh senior global leadership and a clear vision for the future, were entering an exciting phase of expansion. Were focused on winning key accounts and exploring new channels and formats - and we need the right person to join us on this journey.
YOUR ROLE
Your main responsibilities & what you'll be doing
* Own the UK Contract Catering Channel
Be the go-to lead for our existing contract catering clients, including Baxter Story, Elior, CH&Co, Compass, ISS, Lexington, RA, and others. Your mission is to nurture these relationships, drive growth, and bring on board new clients in this sector.
* Work with Leading Foodservice Distributors
Forge strong partnerships with our key distributors such as Brakes, Bidfood, and DDC. Youll be responsible for managing these critical relationships to maximise sales and strengthen our market presence.
* Grow and Expand Client Base
Take charge of managing and growing relationships with both existing and new contract caterers and clients. Your goal will be to develop and execute tailored strategies to drive incremental sales and expand our reach.
* Leverage Existing Relationships
Utilise your established connections within the industry to open doors, create opportunities, and drive new business growth.
* Execute Your Trade Marketing and Activation Strategy
Lead the development and execution of trade marketing initiatives, including on-site samplings, sales presentations, participation in supplier tradeshows, depot days, and other engaging activities designed to drive awareness and sales.
* Manage and Mentor
Oversee a new junior field sales representative focused on at-work activations and winning new listings. Youll provide guidance, support, and leadership to maximise their impact and ensure successful execution of our strategies.
ABOUTYOU
Now lets talk about who you are
* You have at least 3 years of account management experience in the FMCG foodservice and contract catering channel, with existing relationships with key players such as Baxter Story, Elior, CH&Co, Compass, ISS, Lexington, and major distributors like Brakes and Bidfood.
* Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts and distributors. Youre a natural at fostering connections and leveraging partnerships to drive growth.
* A strong track record of delivering on targets, winning new business, and driving existing client growth through strategic initiatives.
* Experience or desire to lead and mentor, with a passion for helping others succeed. Managing a junior field sales representative will be part of your role.
* Experience in trade marketing, on-site activations, and managing events like supplier trade shows and depot days is highly valued.
* Youre confident, articulate, and persuasive, capable of delivering compelling sales presentations to diverse audiences.
* Able to work autonomously while managing multiple priorities, you thrive in fast-paced environments and have a can-do attitude.
WHAT WE OFFER
The perks of being a Lemonaider, changing the world one drink at a time
* A chance to work in a fast-growing global social enterprise with a strong mission to drive social change
* 26 - 30 days holiday a year, plus bank holidays
* A company pension scheme
* Private medical insurance, incl. dental, optical & mental health support
* Regular team socials and project trips to our farming communities and project partners in the Global South
* The prospect of joining the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundations advisory board, participating in the selection process of project partners and distribution of funds
* Cycle2Work Scheme
* As many delicious iced teas and soft drinks as you can carry home
AMRT1_UKCT