Field Sales Assistant Manager - Chinese Speaking

Field Sales Assistant Manager – Ethnic Channels (Foodservice Focus)

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.