Overview:
Account Manager – Confectionery Export (Fixed Term Contract)
Zertus UK & Ireland - Lir Chocolates, Kinnerton Confectionery & Humdinger
We are looking for an experienced FMCG sales Account Manager to join Zertus UK & Ireland on a 12-month maternity cover contract.
Based at one of our UK sites with hybrid working, this exciting role offers responsibility for managing and growing a portfolio of our Irish distributor and wholesale customers. With regular travel to Ireland, you'll play a key role in driving profitable growth across our portfolio of premium chocolate brands, including Lir Chocolates, NOMO and licensed brands such as Baileys and Guinness. You'll lead the delivery of commercial and seasonal plans, building strong customer partnerships and identifying new opportunities for growth.
Position type: Full time, temporary contract for 12 months
Hours: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30
Location: Hybrid working with regular travel to Ireland - our offices and factories are in Sherburn in Elmet (North Yorkshire, UK), Heckington (Sleaford, UK), Bromborough (Wirral, UK) and Fakenham (North Norfolk, UK) and Navan (County Meath, Ireland).
Closing Date: 04/09/2026
Responsibilities:
- Manage key Irish, export distributor and wholesale accounts
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Deliver sales, margin and growth targets across national and international markets
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Lead customer negotiations, joint business planning and commercial reviews
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Develop and execute account plans aligned to business objectives
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Work cross-functionally with Marketing, NPD, Supply Chain and Demand Planning teams
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Identify new growth opportunities across existing and developing markets
Qualifications:
- FMCG commercial sales experience, ideally in chocolate or similar
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Experience managing export, international or distributor accounts
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Proven track record delivering sales and margin growth
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Strong commercial and negotiation skills
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Experience developing strategic account plans and JBPs
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Knowledge of both export markets and the Irish retail market
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Ability to travel regularly across the UK and Ireland
Rewards Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, giving you 33 days off each year plus a holiday purchase scheme where you can buy one extra week per year
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Competitive pension scheme with 4% employer and 5% employee contributions
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Life assurance providing cover of up to four times your basic salary
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Salary sacrifice benefits, including enhanced pension contributions, Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes (subject to eligibility)
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Healthcare Cash Plan through Paycare, offering over £400 worth of annual support for dental, optical, chiropody, professional therapies and counselling services
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Professional development support
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Hybrid working, providing flexibility between home and office working
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Expand your experience through regular travel to our UK and Irish locations, gaining exposure to international markets and some of the industry's most recognisable brands (company funded travel).
About Us:
Zertus UK & Ireland comprises Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery and Lir Chocolates, manufacturing a wide portfolio of snacks and confectionery across our UK and Irish sites. Our brands include NOMO, Sun Valley, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, as well as collaborations with Baileys and Guinness. We are part of Zertus GmbH, a long-established European food group headquartered in Hamburg, employing more than 2,000 people across multiple markets. Our UK&I locations include Heckington, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Fakenham, Bromborough and Navan in Ireland, with office space in Hull and Holborn, London.
Application & Interview Process:
Please apply online through our careers portal by uploading your CV and answering the application questions.
Successful candidates will complete a two-stage interview process, including competency and scenario-based interviews.
Zertus UK& Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
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