European & UK Account Manager

PURPOSE STATEMENT

To develop, manage and grow strategic relationships with key Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) customers across the UK and Europe. The role is accountable for delivering profitable revenue growth, customer retention, innovation success and strategic business development through the creation and execution of customer plans. Working cross-functionally, the European Key Account Manager will build trusted customer partnerships, lead commercial negotiations and ensure flawless delivery of customer expectations across multiple markets and stakeholders.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/OUTCOMES

• Develop and execute strategic account plans for key QSR customers across the UK and Europe, delivering agreed revenue, profit and market share objectives.
• Build and maintain strong multi-level relationships with customer stakeholders including Procurement, Supply Chain, Marketing, Culinary, Quality and Operations teams.
• Act as the voice of the customer internally, ensuring customer priorities are clearly understood and executed across all business functions.
• Lead annual business planning, forecasting and budget management processes for assigned accounts.
• Identify and develop opportunities for growth through innovation, category expansion, menu development and new market opportunities.
• Manage complex contract negotiations, pricing discussions and commercial agreements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Quality and Customer Service to ensure customer commitments are delivered on time and in full.
• Lead customer projects from concept through commercialisation, including product launches, trials and promotional initiatives.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and customer strategies to identify risks and opportunities.
• Maintain ownership of account performance, taking proactive action to resolve issues and deliver against commitments.
• Deliver regular business reviews, forecasts and performance updates to both customers and internal leadership teams.
• Build a reputation as a trusted business partner, creating long-term value for both the customer and the organisation.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

Critical
• Significant Key Account Management experience within Foodservice, FMCG or Food Manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing strategic accounts across both UK and European markets.
• Strong understanding of QSR operational and commercial models.
• Demonstrated success delivering revenue growth, profitability and customer retention.
• Skilled negotiator with strong commercial acumen.
• Proven ability to manage complex cross-functional projects.
• Experience building relationships with senior stakeholders across multiple countries and cultures.
• Strong financial, forecasting and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and influencing capability.

Desirable
• Experience managing major QSR customers.
• Experience within bakery, frozen foods, ingredients or beverage categories.
• Knowledge of European foodservice markets and distribution networks.
• Degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science or related discipline.
• Experience working within multinational matrix organisations.
• Multi-language capability.