National Accounts Controller

BACKGROUND:

We are seeking an experienced National Account Controller reporting directly to the country lead to join our team. We require a result driven sales leader with a track record of success in the foodservice or similar industry.

Operating in over 70 markets around the world, Unilever Food Solutions is the dedicated foodservice business of Unilever. Our portfolio in Ireland encompasses many of the world's leading food brands including Knorr, Colman's, Carte D'or and Hellmann's. Through combining a world-class product portfolio, knowledge of our customers and investment in our staff, we deliver year-on-year growth through offering chefs and caterers tailored solutions, helping them to expand their business and do what they love.

The world of foodservice is dynamic and exciting. It involves working with customers ranging from Michelin star restaurants, hotels, pubs, workplace, school and hospital caterers - as well as wholesalers and cash and carries who service the foodservice industry. Unilever Food Solutions business is ambitious for growth and for the right individuals, we offer great development opportunities, both within the local business and beyond.

• Are you passionate about food and passionate about building relationships with customers and offering them solutions based on their needs?
• Do you want to work with iconic brands?
• Are you ambitious and willing to learn?
• Do you have bags of energy and a desire to succeed?
• Do you want to be part of a successful team?

If the answer to all these questions is YES, then this is a fantastic opportunity for you!

JOB PURPOSE:

As a National Account Controller your role is to develop and execute strategic sales initiatives in designated trade partners (wholesalers) and end user customers (e.g. Hotels) along with a high performing team of account managers and through the development of head office relationships with key customers.

Strong leadership skills and an ability to lead, coach, support and inspire a wider team are a must for this role. Strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams are also essential skills required.

An exciting part of this role is to be part of the management team of the Irish UFS business which involves helping create and implement strategies that shape the future of the business.

A passion for food and the industry is a must!

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree or similar
• 5 years + experience in a senior sales role preferably within the Irish market
• Excellent track record in achieving sales targets, implementing joint business plans and developing long term customer relationships
• Proven track record of continuous learning and willingness to adapt and change
• Knowledge and understanding of all areas in the foodservice market, including foodservice trends.
• Experience selling in the Food Service marketplace desirable but not essential
• Ability to interpret, analysis and act upon data
• Experience in managing a high performing sales team

RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Consistent delivery of sales/profit targets and other strategic measures
• Create a high performing environment via the implementation of a National Account strategy including farming and hunting
• Lead, inspire and motivate team including career development support
• Oversee commercial propositions and develop the commercial acumen of the team
• Ensure implementation of all business administration in a timely manner
• As part of the management team, you will be required to actively engage and participate in the development of business winning strategies
• Ensure customers are compliant with agreed terms; where these are breached seek a resolution and monitor implementation.
• Work closely with all internal stake holders.
• Build strong and sustainable customer relationships.
• Active participation with industry bodies
• Identify opportunities via data analysis and interpretation and create a winning strategy.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent leadership and motivational skills, self-starter who can use their own initiative and work well with the wider team
• Exceptional commercial acumen & communication skills
• In depth understanding of the customer needs and requirements
• You are a passionate, highly motivated individual that works with pace
• Good clear, concise thinker who can prioritise
• Strong organisational skills, including diary and administration management
• Great IT skills including Microsoft office and data analysis.
• Can create a high performing fun and collaborative environment

Standards of Leadership

• Consumer & Customer Focus
• Bias For Action
• Building Talent & Teams
• Accountability & Responsibility
• Growth Mindset

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Delivery of monthly volume targets.

• Delivery of quarterly annual KPIs
• Delivery across all specified Job Fundamentals (including administration)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Travel and occasional overnights required.
• Full Driving licence.
• Attendance in the Dublin Office