Commercial Sales Executive

Base pay range Direct message the job poster from Zest Food Jobs Are you passionate about food and excited by innovation? We’re looking for a graduate who has a keen interest in food and sales/account management to join a successful, growing value added food ingredients company. This is an excellent opportunity for someone to be part of a collaborative business and learn the ropes with a view to progressing to a full Sales/Commercial Manager role. What You’ll Be Doing The company is looking to recruit a proactive and detail-oriented individual to support the commercial team in driving growth and operational efficiency across the food manufacturing business. This position involves providing administrative, analytical, and customer support to ensure the smooth running of both the commercial function and the wider organisation. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, eager to develop their commercial expertise, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. The Junior Commercial Executive will play a vital role in supporting the wider Commercial team and ensuring an exceptional customer experience across a diverse and growing portfolio. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, the postholder will help maintain accurate, insightful information flows and contribute to effective decision-making. Day‑to‑day responsibilities will include managing essential administrative processes, producing high‑quality sales reports, and preparing presentations for both internal stakeholders and external partners. This role offers significant opportunities for professional development, with exposure to sales, marketing, and supply chain functions across the food industry. As skills and confidence grow, the successful candidate may take ownership of new customer accounts, directly contributing to the company’s commercial success. Training and development opportunities will be tailored to individual ambitions within a supportive, collaborative environment. Key Responsibilities: Supporting the sales team with customer quotes, orders, forecasting, and contracts. Acting as a key point of contact for customer queries and helping to build strong, long‑lasting relationships. Assisting with internal forecasting and ensuring commercial plans align with supply chain and NPD teams. Contributing to marketing activities, product launches, and customer presentations. Gathering market insights to support the Marketing team. Generating New Line Forms and working cross‑functionally to align new product forecasts and manage raw material risks. Attending cross‑functional meetings to collate key dates and details for upcoming customer launches. Supporting Account Managers and NPD teams with preparing and delivering presentations and meetings. Handling day‑to‑day account management tasks such as price queries, availability issues, and general enquiries. Assisting with customer visits, both on and off‑site. Becoming a central point of contact for administrative requirements when onboarding new customers. Staying informed on market trends, including emerging grocery brands and high street developments. What They’re Looking For: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships. Experience in customer‑facing environments, demonstrating confidence and professionalism. Strong analytical abilities paired with high levels of organisation and attention to detail. A proactive, motivated, and positive approach to work. Confidence in presenting information clearly and engagingly. Strong Excel skills and the ability to learn new systems quickly. A creative mindset, bringing fresh ideas to support brand promotion and engagement, including via social media. A minimum of 1 year’s sales experience in the food manufacturing or FMCG sector. Ideally a bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. This role offers: Supportive management team with an open‑door policy 8% contributory pension (5% employee contribution) Access to an Employee Assistance Programme Access to a high‑street discounts platform Membership to The Company Shop Regular team lunches, Christmas hampers, and team‑building events Opportunities to take part in recognised training courses Clear progression pathways with a promote‑from‑within culture Convenient transport links (bus and tram) and on‑site car parking If you’re an ambitious, driven and commercially‑savvy professional with a love for food and relationship‑building, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Seniority level Associate Employment type Full‑time Job function Sales and Business Development Industries Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Food and Beverage Services #J-18808-Ljbffr