Regional Account Manager

Regional Account Manager – South West Location: Home based (living in the South West) and willing to travel within the area up to 4 days per week. Very occasionally you may be expected to travel outside of this area (e.g. trade events), but still within the UK. Role Summary: Due to strong sales growth, an exciting opportunity has arisen to join our award‑winning speciality food and drink wholesaler as the newest member of our sales team. This is a key role within a dynamic team of 14, growing our small to mid‑size independent retail customers. As a Regional Account Manager, you will be expected to build and develop relationships with existing customers across various sales channels including Farm Shops, Garden Centres, Food Halls and Delis in the South‑West region. In addition, you will prospect and convert new customers to deliver overall sales and profitability targets. Key Responsibilities Report to the Commercial Director and focus on growing sales of our 4,000+ products within your portfolio of accounts. Leverage a strong base of existing business while hunting and farming new opportunities. Ensure new and existing business meets company sales and margin expectations. Sell the business and environmental benefits of increased consolidation through Cotswold Fayre. Promote sustainable and B Corp brands to retailers and the benefits of stocking them. Maintain all account records and customer communication (including CRM data) up to date on in‑house systems. Fulfil all relevant internal/external administrative and reporting requirements accurately and promptly. Work with internal departments and suppliers to maximise sales, margin and deliver excellent Customer Service. Attend trade and industry shows to present the Cotswold Fayre offer to new and existing customers to build profitable new business. Analyse internal sales data and trends to present to customers with the objective of realising incremental selling. Participate in the weekly conference call and regular sales meetings (remotely & in‑person). About You You have a passion for food and drink, know food retail, particularly the speciality sector, and are determined to achieve success. You understand the benefit of relationship building, customer service and sales development. Proven, demonstrable track record in business development, new business sales and within food & drink. IT competency with experience of Microsoft Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom and Outlook; high standard of numeracy and literacy. Experience At least 5 years’ sales experience, preferably in food & drink. Track record of securing new business and developing existing accounts. Working knowledge of the UK food and drink market. Ability to negotiate with larger accounts and sell the benefits of consolidating supply through Cotswold Fayre. Must have a full and preferably clean driving licence. Desirable Personal Qualities and Attributes Highly motivated, organised and capable of managing a large and complex territory; self‑starter and hungry for new customers. Rapport building is second nature; relationships are personally important within your working life. Comfort with independent work but also desire to share learnings & success with others in the team. Resilient, tenacious and determined to succeed. About Cotswold Fayre Cotswold Fayre is an award‑winning speciality and fine food wholesaler, supplying premium ambient and chilled products from the UK’s best producers – and beyond – to retailers nationwide. We’re proud to be recognised as the No.1 SME in the UK by Elite Business (2023), Lloyds Bank Purpose Before Profit Business of the Year (2022), and a Grocer Gold Award winner. Our mission is simple: to inspire, delight and make a positive difference – to our customers, communities and the planet – through our shared passion for exceptional food and drink. As a certified B‑Corporation, a Living Wage employer and a carbon‑neutral business since 2019, we’re committed to using business as a force for good. We work closely with suppliers to offer retailers a more sustainable way to source products, consolidating deliveries to reduce environmental impact while strengthening the connection between makers and sellers. Benefits Annual bonus Generous benefits package Electric/hybrid car provided Inclusion We are looking for a person who, like us, believes business should be a force for good and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and with all levels of ability. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what we stand for. We want our people to grow and develop their confidence and responsibilities, treating customers with kindness and care in an atmosphere of fun and rewarding hard work. #J-18808-Ljbffr