Global Key Account Manager – Food

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Working as a member of SGS' Global Food team, the Global Key Account Manager will be responsible for developing a strategic and durable partnership between SGS and global food industry clients. You will be responsible for managing the successful deployment and delivery of diverse and/or complex client-specific projects of different sizes on a regional and global scale by ensuring contractual obligations and deliverables are met and client's expectations exceeded.

Although the majority of clients that the Global Key Account Manager will work with will be in the seafood industry, other food & beverage clients may also be assigned.

Primary Purpose of Role

• To develop a strategic and durable partnership between SGS and assigned global clients, representing SGS at all levels with special attention to Director and VP level.
• To manage the successful implementation and delivery of diverse and/or complex client-specific projects of different sizes on a global basis by ensuring contractual obligations and deliverables are met and client’s expectations exceeded, where possible
• To identify and develop new revenue opportunities within our client base, working closely with the SGS network, where required working closely with the International Solutions Manager to secure growth and expansion of services and revenue

Main Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development of long-term sustainable business partnerships between SGS Food and our Key international food clients.
• Represent the SGS network in reporting directly to our client’s senior management teams in a professional manner regarding SGS’ performance
• Responsible for the strategic growth and development of key international clients. In conjunction with the International Sales team, develop and ensure successful implementation of a client specific Global Key Account Development Plan, matching the key drivers and needs of the client with SGS
• Act as the primary liaison between SGS and the client’s management team at a Director or VP level in order to lead and ensure the smooth and effective management of existing programs with the global network in accordance with client KPIs.
• Manage the deployment and enhancement of global co-operative agreements within the SGS network, ensuring that all program elements are properly deployed and monitored on an on-going basis.
• Liaise effectively with global technical teams in advance of the deployment of new projects to ensure the optimum execution structure and technical support is agreed and implemented.
• Manage the investigation and resolution/remediation processes for any client concerns or complaints following appropriate escalation procedures as required.
• Identify and mitigate risk relating to poor performance and/or client expectations, with a proactive and constructive approach.

More specifically, you will

• Be responsible for the development of long-term sustainable business partnerships between SGS and our key international food & beverage clients;
• Manage the deployment and ongoing management of international programs falling under global co-operative agreements within the SGS network, ensuring that all program elements are properly deployed and monitored on an on-going basis;
• Liaise effectively with both technical teams and local affiliates, ensuring the optimum execution structure and technical support is agreed and implemented;
• Represent the SGS network in reporting directly to our client's senior management teams in a professional manner regarding SGS' performance;
• Responsible for the strategic growth and development of key international clients;
• Act as the primary liaison between SGS and the client's management team at a Director or VP level in order to lead and ensure the smooth and effective management of existing programs with the global network in accordance with client KPIs;
• Manage the investigation and resolution/remediation processes for any client concerns or complaints following appropriate escalation procedures as required. Identify and mitigate risk relating to poor performance and/or client expectations, with a proactive and constructive approach.

Note that although international sales experience can be an asset in this position, this is not a sales role.

Profile & Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a business or technical discipline
• A minimum of 5 years experience in a project/contract management related role
• Previous experience in the food or related industries would be highly desirable and due the specific client portfolio preference will be given to those with experience seafood or supply chain experience
• Fluent in English, with other language skills an advantage

Core Skills & Competencies

• Ability to represent SGS professionally at client senior management levels
• Analytical mind, lateral thinker and ability to identify a problem and find a solution
• Customer-focused and service oriented
• Strong commercial and business acumen
• Highly effective communicator at all levels with strong inter-personal skills
• Strong organisation and time-management skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong and engaging presentation skills
• Leadership and influencing skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Good team player, able to work independently and with others
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Solution oriented approach

We would like to hear from candidates based in US or Canada. Unfortunately we cannot support relocation from other locations for this position.