Head of Foodservice

3 months ago


Leicestershire, United Kingdom Radnor Hills Full time

Company Description Nestled in the heart of mid-Wales, Radnor Hills is a fifth-generation family business producing soft drinks using our exceptionally pure spring water. Our range of still, sparkling, and flavoured drinks is crafted in this magnificent landscape. We are passionate about sustainable practices to protect our environment—after all, it’s in our nature. Read on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience. Role Description We are seeking a full-time Head of Foodservice (Sales Manager) at Radnor Hills. This hybrid role requires some days at our Knighton site with flexibility for remote work. As the Head of Foodservice, you will manage the sales team, develop and execute sales strategies, and build and maintain relationships with key clients in the food service industry. You will analyse market trends, identify business opportunities, and drive revenue growth. Qualifications

  • Minimum of five years’ experience in the food service industry.
  • Proven experience as a sales manager or similar role, preferably in food service (minimum three years).
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a sales team.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
  • Experience with CRM systems.
  • Proficiency in managing budgets, forecasting sales, and analysing financial reports.
  • Ability to analyse market trends and develop effective sales strategies.
  • In-depth understanding of the food service industry and its dynamics.
  • Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.
  • Strong organisational and time management skills.
  • Flexibility to travel as required.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
  • Team Management: Lead, support, and motivate a team of sales professionals to achieve business objectives. Set performance goals, provide coaching and mentoring, and conduct performance reviews, adhering to the company’s values of people, products, innovation, customers, community, and environment.
  • Customer Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in the food service sector, including distributors, national chains, and independent operators. Conduct regular business reviews, negotiate pricing and promotional programmes, and resolve customer issues promptly. Ensure all communications, opportunities, and follow-up actions are recorded in the company’s CRM system.
  • Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams such as production, logistics, marketing, supply chain, and finance to ensure effective execution of sales strategies and programmes. Collaborate with marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns and promotions that support sales growth.
  • Sales Strategy: Develop and implement sales strategies to effectively target and penetrate the food service market, taking ownership of account responsibility.
  • Revenue Growth: Drive revenue and profitability targets through effective business planning, product promotion, and customer engagement.
  • New Business: Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the food service sector, including partnerships with major providers such as Brakes and Bidfood.
  • Market Analysis: Continuously monitor market trends and analyse sales data to identify areas for improvement. Produce reports on sales performance and present findings to senior management.
  • Budget Management: Manage budgets for sales and marketing activities within the channel, aligning with business interests and objectives.
  • Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations. Implement risk assessments and promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility. Adhere to food safety guidance and company policies to maintain brand integrity.
  • Forecasting: Submit timely and accurate forecasts to the Demand Planner.
  • Industry Knowledge: Stay informed of industry news, emerging trends, and opportunities.
Skills and Competencies Required Essential:
  • Strong commercial acumen and ability.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in MS Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Outstanding relationship management and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
  • Understanding of operational processes and supply chain management.
  • Organisational and diary management skills.
  • Effective time management.
Desirable: • Sales management experience within the soft drinks industry. If you are a dynamic and driven professional with a passion for the food service industry, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our team at Radnor Hills and contribute to our continued success.