Field Sales Assistant Manager - Chinese Speaking

Field Sales Assistant Manager – Ethnic Channels (Foodservice Focus)

I. JOB DESCRIPTION

Overall Scope & Purpose:

The role is accountable for developing the Ethnic foodservice business in the UK, with a primary focus on the Chinese catering market. This includes building and maintaining relationships with foodservice wholesalers across the regions and with high-end restaurants and restaurant groups, particularly in London; introducing new products; and supporting trade events and foodservice activities. The role focuses on food service market development and execution, and does not include UK shipment sales responsibilities.

Responsible for:

Driving foodservice market development in the ethnic channels, with a focus on the Chinese catering market: developing relationships with foodservice wholesalers, high-end restaurants and restaurant groups, introducing new products, and delivering foodservice activities that build strong sales growth for a wide range of Lee Kum Kee products.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Business Development Manager to develop and implement programmes that will build food service sales and distribution.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Chinese foodservice customers, including high-end restaurants, restaurant groups and chefs, particularly in London.
• Cover food service wholesalers and cash & carries across the regions: build and maintain relationships, introduce new products and drive sell-through to the catering trade.
• Provide dedicated, high-touch account support to premium foodservice end customers, ensuring a responsive and professional level of service.
• Manage and conduct product demonstrations and presentations to pitch to key foodservice accounts.
• Manage new product introduction and launch to foodservice customers and the trade to maximise trial, distribution and usage.
• Represent Lee Kum Kee Europe at Chinese trade events, exhibitions and foodservice activities, and maintain good relationships with trade contacts and associations.
• Organize and conduct sampling and promotional activities, which may involve weekend work.
• Collate and track information on distribution, prices and competitors’ activities to support business planning.
• Assist the BDM with sales planning and tracking of A&P and other channel expenditure in line with relevant budgetary controls.
• Update and manage food service customer records and contacts.
• Ensure effective trade coverage and regular field-based contact, managing an economical yet comprehensive journey plan.
• Support the company in ensuring good representation and reputation of the Lee Kum Kee brand in the trade, to protect its brand image and equity.
• Periodically updated on the latest trends and findings in the foodservice market.
• Business trips as and when the job requires.

II. JOB SPECIFICATION

Education & Experience:

• Be educated to university degree level or equivalent; a Business or Marketing degree is an advantage.
• At least 1–3 years’ relevant sales experience, preferably in the foodservice / catering / HoReCa sector. Experience dealing with Chinese restaurants, foodservice wholesalers or cash & carries is highly desirable; a background in FMCG trade marketing is an advantage.

Requirements & Skills:

• Permission to work in the UK.
• Fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese, with proficiency in English.
• Must have a full UK driving licence as the job will involve driving.
• Good Microsoft Office skills in order to present business plans and analyse sales data and trends independently.
• Must be prepared to work flexible hours, including weekends, with frequent travel.
• Highly motivated and self-driven with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be a team player and assist colleagues in other departments when required.
• Must be independent and a good organiser with excellent self-discipline.
• Excellent negotiator when it comes to communicating with customers at all levels.
• Chinese food lover / keen cook with good knowledge of the working kitchen, in order to communicate effectively with foodservice customers.

This is a great opportunity for you to consider…

We offer attractive remuneration package with fringe benefits to the right candidates, such as

• Flexible working arrangement
• 25 days of annual leave + 1 company holiday (Lunar New Year) + UK bank holidays
• Medical insurance, dental insurance, and life insurance
• Company pension
• Company events
• Company car

For more information, please visit our website at https://uk.lkk.com/ and https://www.lkkprofessional.com/