Area Sales Manager (Food)

A chilled food producer is seeking to add an Area Sales Manager to their team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an Food/FMCG experienced individual to join a company that offers continuous progression opportunities.

The aim of this role is to develop new business across the Island, there will be some account management with this role, as well as various leads being passed on.

This role is primarily field based, but will involve some hybrid/home working and around 1 day per week returning to office. This role will involve travel in ROI.

Hours

Monday - Friday

9am - 5pm

Salary
£38,000 - £42,000 + bonus + Company car (higher salary candidates may be considered)

Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales Growth

• Identify and secure new business opportunities within the retail, foodservice, and wholesale sectors.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including buyers, category managers, and distributors.
• Proactively identify market trends, competitor activity, and potential opportunities to gain a competitive advantage.
• Achieve set sales targets and growth objectives by promoting the company's product range to new and existing customers.

Account Management

• Build and nurture long-term relationships with current clients to ensure repeat business and increase sales.
• Develop tailored solutions and proposals based on customer needs.
• Conduct regular account reviews and liaise with clients to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as R&D, production, and marketing to meet client demands and deliver excellent service.

Market Research & Strategy

• Conduct market research to identify new sectors, trends, and customer requirements within the chilled food industry.
• Assist in the development of sales and marketing strategies aimed at expanding the company’s market footprint.
• Present regular market analysis and sales reports to senior management, outlining progress, challenges, and growth opportunities.
• Attend trade shows, exhibitions, and industry networking events to promote the company's products and establish new contacts.

Product Knowledge & Innovation

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the company’s product range and stay informed about new product developments.
• Work closely with the product development team to identify opportunities for new product lines or product improvements based on customer feedback and market demand.
• Present innovative product solutions to customers to address their needs and preferences.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in business development or sales within the chilled food or FMCG sector, ideally with exposure to retail or foodservice markets.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving sales targets and growing customer accounts.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify profitable business opportunities.
• Full UK driving license and willingness to travel across Ireland.

Some feedback from recent VANRATH candidates-

‘’I would highly recommend VANRATH who I found to be thoroughly helpful, informative and efficient from first point of contact. Within a week of sending my CV I had interviewed and received an offer for a new role’’

‘’Very pleased with the service provided and extremely appreciative to VANRATH, who I’d highly recommend.’’

‘’VANRATH was very helpful in assisting me in obtaining my new employment post. They made care to stay in touch, inform me of any updates and gave me some excellent interview advice. Thank you for all your assistance; I wouldn't think twice about using VANRATH again. Outstanding service.’’