Business Development Manager - EU

With almost 60 years in business, Kepak is one of Europe’s leading food companies with manufacturing sites across Ireland and the UK. Kepak’s vision is to be a successful, sustainable, future ready Food Business with differentiation at its core, that is a great place to work. This vision is underpinned by our values of Responsibility, Ambition, Passion For Food & Teamwork.

Kepak Foods Division have developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland and chosen European markets for both Retail and Foodservice Customers.  We have two Manufacturing Sites supported by shared services, with 500 people supporting our vision to become a transformed, future proofed, profitable €0.5bn Food Business by 2030.

ROLE LOCATION: Germany (Ideally South West region)

ROLE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: The role is based in Germany with travel to customers across Germany required and some international travel within Europe.

ROLE STRUCTURE: Reporting to the Head of Key Accounts EU- Kepak Foods

ROLE PURPOSE:

To showcase a strong understanding of the German Food to Go industry and propel the growth of Kepak sales with key accounts by collaborating with central Key Account contacts at a national level, while also establishing strong connections with their operations at a regional and store level.

Achievement of business goals and objectives in alignment with our EU sales strategy through a well-coordinated sales process and exemplary customer management execution.

Collaborating and communicating with sales and distribution partners when necessary.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be a driving force behind our Market Entry Strategy by expanding our customer base and nurturing existing relationships. Your primary focus will be on captivating customers with our exceptional Kepak product portfolio through interactive cooking sessions, captivating sampling experiences, impressive product presentations, and persuasive sales techniques.
• Devise and implement effective account plans (Joint Business Plans/JBPs) that seamlessly align with our Brand Plans. These plans will ensure consistent execution and activation of key Customers, maximising business returns and optimizing investment.
• Ensure financial control and successful management of crucial components within our Sales operation. This includes overseeing debtors, maintaining forecast accuracy, managing the sales funnel, optimising trade investment, and ensuring seamless execution of promotional activities. All actions should be aligned with Business targets and objectives.
• Actively contribute and participate in CDT (Channel Development Team) meetings, working closely with cross-functional teams to drive tangible outputs and actions that align with our business objectives.
• Collaborate with store operators to gain insights into any challenges encountered in product execution, and work collaboratively to find effective solutions.
• Serve as a passionate ambassador for our products, services, brands, and our company, fostering positive relationships with both external partners and internal stakeholders

ROLE DELIVERABLES:

• Deliver on agreed commercial KPIs, such as Margin, Volume, Revenue, and Growth, for your assigned territory.
• Support and manage the development of high-potential leads (key accounts), crafting compelling business cases that require investment and cross-functional support. These cases will be reviewed and approved by the Senior Management Team.
• Build strong customer relationships to ensure successful execution of our growth strategy.
• Showcase our core Kepak flame-cooked range to customers, adhering to food safety procedures.
• Foster effective working relationships across all relevant key functions within the business. Emphasize respect for everyone's views and facilitate an aligned and collaborative approach to collectively solving issues as one unified team.

Requirements

• Fluency in both written and spoken German and English is a must.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in Account Management/ Business Development is required, preferably within the food/ food-to-go industry.
• It is essential to have good working knowledge of MS Office applications and be IT literate.
• If you have relevant qualifications in Business, Food Business, Strategic Sales Management, Culinary, or similar disciplines, that would be an advantage.
• Additionally, possessing a full clean driving license and being eligible to work and travel within the EU are important requirements.

What can you bring to the role:

• Proven track record in discovering new and lucrative sales opportunities
• Adept in commercial and financial strategy
• Exceptional skills in managing and nurturing customer relationships
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiation
• Highly motivated, results-oriented, and driven by ambition
• In-depth knowledge of the market and industry
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage time
• Strong networking capabilities
• Proficient in project management
• Flexibility and adaptability

Benefits

Kepak is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Note: as with all positions, due to the nature of the business, key responsibilities will evolve and change over time