Working closely with our Account Management team this role will identify new opportunities for our range of bakery products across Industrial and Wholesaler accounts. Taking ownership of product demonstrations, creation of briefs for customised products and subsequent trials with customers, to progress NPD samples to full sign off.
Role
* Demonstrate core Zeelandia products in Strategic and Key Accounts (industrial bakers, large craft bakery chains, bakery and foodservice wholesalers)
* Provide technical advice for customers, acting as a troubleshooter and dealing with questions and problems in the use of Zeelandia UK products
* Support Strategic and Key Account customers with the development of new products and ideas using the Zeelandia range as the foundation
* Attend and support Strategic and Key Account customers' factory trials and first production of new and existing products
* Present new branded products to customers to gain early buy-in and sales traction
* Identify opportunities for volume-driven, profitable new product development projects within Strategic and Key Accounts and work with customers to write comprehensive briefs to submit to NPD technologists
* Provide Technical baking advice for and support businesses within the baking sector
* Collaborate with sales account managers, customer services, marketing, product team, and quality team (both in UK and as required in OpCo’s), to ensure exceptional technical service to Strategic and Key Account customers
* Manage assigned customer relationships and report activities to the Heads of Product (Bakery & Confectionery and Fillings), Sales Director, MRD Director and the designated sales account manager
* Prepare visit reports, weekly planners and project briefs in a timely, detailed and professional manner
* Support at customer and industry events as required by MRD Director
* Support at onsite Strategic and Key Account customer visits at Colchester or Wigan as required
* Regular travel to customer sites will be required as well as time at UK Zeelandia sites at Wigan and Colchester
Skills and experience required:
* BTEC or BSC (Hons) in Bakery, Bakery Technology or Food Science is preferred; will accept 15 years of experience in lieu of a recognised qualification
* 10 years of baking experience; working with various channels of customers including craft, industrial manufacturers, multiple grocers ISB, or food service
* Strong understanding of baking processes and equipment (industrial and craft bakery)
* Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality
* Good problem-solving skills
* Outgoing and effective communicator – oral and written
* Ability to build solid working relationships with internal partners
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