Join Keelings You will be part of a passionate team of people and a growing business. Come on the journey with us where you will grow and develop and truly feel a sense of belonging. At Keelings, we don't just grow quality fresh produce, we also nurture people and their professional development. The Keelings family always employ the best people for the job, the key to our success is the quality of the people we employ.
Purpose of the Role:
* To lead the growth and development of the Keelings business within a specific account (large, Irish food Retailer), achieving volume, net sales, and profitability targets in line with company objectives.
* To act as the dedicated account lead, ensuring continuity, deep understanding of their ways of working, and effective management of strategic initiatives.
* To drive the growth and profitability of Keelings' brands within account, leveraging detailed account insight and strong relationships to deliver sustainable long-term outcomes.
Role Responsibilities
* Manage the end-to-end account (large Irish food Retailer), including weekly, monthly, and annual performance reviews and growth plan updates.
* Own and manage the customer relationship, including regular engagement, facilitation of key meetings, and proactive resolution of issues.
* Develop and implement account plans and Joint Business Plans aligned to Retailer's strategic priorities and long-term growth objectives.
* Conduct challenging commercial discussions, including negotiations, tenders, and contract renewals, with full accountability for outcomes.
* Collaborate with internal functions (commercial, technical, operations, marketing, finance) to ensure alignment and delivery against account plans.
* Maintain an in-depth understanding of the Retailer's operating model, governance structures, strategies, and trading dynamics.
* Use in-market observation and insight to inform account strategy, identify growth opportunities, and adapt commercial approaches as required.
Key Skills
* Strong customer and consumer focused mindset, with the ability to translate insight into commercial action.
* Results-driven, motivated, and able to operate autonomously as the primary account lead.
* Excellent communication, influencing, and analytical skills.
* Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage challenging conversations.
* Well-organized and able to manage multiple priorities across complex account activities.
* High integrity and professionalism.
Essential:
* Proven, recent experience directly managing the a large Irish food retail account, with full responsibility for commercial performance, relationship management, and Joint Business Planning.
* Demonstrated understanding of large Irish food Retailer operating model, governance structures, and ways of working, including category planning, promotional cycles, concessionary retail model and decision-making processes.
* Experience leading challenging commercial discussions with large account, including negotiations, performance reviews, and strategic alignment.
* Ability to develop and implement account and Joint Business Plans aligned to the Retailer's strategic objectives.
* Proven ability to operate as the primary point of contact for a strategically significant retail customer, with full accountability for decision-making and issue resolution.
* Strong understanding of retail strategy, customer propositions, and trading dynamics, and ability to translate these into actionable commercial plans.
Preferable:
* At least 5 years previous direct selling and negotiation experience, ideally within FMCG & preferably in Fresh Produce
* Previous knowledge of Nielsen, Kantar and category data would be an advantage
Qualifications:
* A relevant business/marketing third level degree
* Possess a full, clean driving license
* Solid demonstration of computer skills, Microsoft Office, sales data base etc.
Keelings Values
* People Matter - We support and treat each other in a clear, fair and respectful way. We all learn, develop and encourage everyone to contribute
* Teamwork - We inspire and help each other to deliver our ambitions together as One Keelings
* Integrity - We do the right thing and deliver on our commitments
* Passion for Achievement - We motivate ourselves and each other to achieve our ambitions with energy, knowledge and courage. We are always striving to be better.
Recruitment Process
* CV Submission & email acknowledgment of receipt
* Phone Screening
* 1st Interview
* 2nd Interview
* Outcome & Feedback
Inclusion & Diversity Statement
In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
If you require reasonable accommodation in submitting your application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please contact
Keelings Careers -
Keelings Strategy & Values -