ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Asahi UK (AUK), part of Asahi Europe & International Ltd, aims to enrich consumer experiences through innovation, high-quality service and an exceptional portfolio of premium beer, ale and cider brands including, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Meantime, Fuller’s London Pride and Cornish Orchards. Our aim is to be the leading super premium beer business in the UK, through a brand mix that creates a compelling proposition. At AUK we operate as an end to end business unit responsible for sales, marketing, customer operations, production, supply chain and wholesale operations in the UK & Ireland. For further information, visit www.asahibeer.co.uk

Asahi Europe & International is a subsidiary of Asahi Group Holdings Ltd, a global beverage and food company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. Employing > 12,000 people, Asahi Europe & International is the custodian for leading super premium lager brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch, Asahi Super Dry, plus international Czech lager brands, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel. The business has world-class brewing and production facilities in 8 markets – UK, NL, ITL, PL, CZ, SK, HU, RO. In most of these markets, we are the leading brewer with full portfolio of famous brands. Commercial operations in other parts of Europe, USA, Canada, LatAm, Africa and Asia are served through our global distribution network. With state-of-the-art facilities, some of the best brewers in the world, quality ingredients, and a culture based on innovation and collaboration, Asahi offers the best quality of beer to beer lovers worldwide. More information can be found at www.asahiinternational.com

Position Overview & Purpose: 

To develop and maintain relationships with key customers within a defined territory, developing joint business plans with outlets ensuring retention and organic growth.  New business opportunities through excellent territory knowledge are identified and growth via new distribution points is delivered in line with the Company’s objectives.

Key Deliverables & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for managing key customer accounts to ensure retention and organic growth is delivered to meet KPIs, through regular visits and development of joint business plans at outlet level
• Creation of a territory file to define regional quarterly and annual plans
• Maintain the account data base for a specified territory within our CRM system, producing regular reports for Regional Sales Manager & Director Of Sales
• Identifying new business opportunities through excellent territory knowledge and industry networking, using own initiative to deliver new draught installations for our key brands by working with the Regional Account Managers
• Build strong relationships with Route to Market partners, developing customer activity plans in line with the channel requirements in conjunction with National Account team
• Assisting with the training & development of the CDE sales team to ensure brands are developed in line with our brand policy
• Ensure best practice and cost effectiveness by tailoring a channel activity program to individual retailer needs
• Monitor and evaluate activity and share best practice within the Field Sales and wider Asahi UK account team
• Key weekly activities (80% account management/20% new business): 
  • Retaining exiting business with circa 7 calls per day
  • Working with RTM partners to unlock organic growth within the territory 
• The job involves extensive travel throughout a defined territory, as well as to the Head Office in Woking and other central meeting points.  There will be some evening and weekend working involved

Experience & Qualification Requirements: 

• Proven sales and account management experience within a major FMCG or drinks organisation, with a strong track record of delivering results. 
• Experience managing multiple key projects and priorities simultaneously
• Strong structured selling skills, with the ability to adapt approach within a premium brand environment
• Experience working with premium brands, with a clear understanding of the value and benefits of the premium sector and portfolio selling
• Good understanding of brand plans and how these translate at point of purchase, including matching the right product to the right outlet and consumer
• Strong commercial understanding, including the ability to develop mutually beneficial Joint Business Plans (JBPs) that balance customer objectives with business needs
• Good knowledge of products and their positioning within the wider market
• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently, demonstrating initiative and a balanced approach to decision-making
• Accountable for achieving results, taking ownership of both successes and mistakes
• Strong presentation, communication and influencing skills 
• For candidates seeking future career progression, flexibility to relocate may be required

We are committed to nurturing a workplace where we celebrate and respect difference, and support everyone to be true to who they are! At Asahi Europe and International we believe you can SHINE AS YOU ARE - no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs.  We want to support you to be courageous in your individuality and to know that whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can belong with us without having to conform.