Job Description
Advantage Group International is seeking an enthusiastic, trusted, and resilient Client Service Director to join us in our journey of helping businesses be better together.What Matters to Us:Thirty years ago, in Toronto, Canada, Founder Ron Pirie championed the belief that businesses work better together when they commit to actively listening and responding to each other’s feedback.From humble beginnings and a staunch and universal belief that stronger collaboration leads to better business results in any market and any industry, our relationship benchmarking capabilities have become the gold standard for measuring business-to-business engagement in over 40 countries.Who We’re Seeking to Join Our Team:Reporting to the Country Manager, Ireland the successful candidate ideally holds 10+ years of experience in a senior sales, category management and/or customer marketing role at a large FMCG supplier, and/or has held senior trading management positions at a grocery retailer or wholesaler.Client service experience at a market research or marketing agency, servicing clients within the FMCG and Grocery Retail sectors is also a viable career path to be successful in this role.Current or recent experience of the Ireland Retail industry is a must-have with either a strong supplier or retailer background. Knowledge of other retail, digital and wholesale sales channels is desirable. Candidates with a Private Label or Branded background will be suitable for the role.Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, particularly MS Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Tableau or other BI tools is considered an asset.The successful candidate will be a proficient data analyst, able to deliver insight for clients in compelling and engaging presentations to varied audiences (retailers, wholesalers and suppliers).What Success Looks Like in this Role:Provides sales and client service leadership for the Advantage business in Ireland, with occasional support provided to the UK market. Specific responsibilities include:Achieve revenue growth goals by maximizing client retention and increasing market penetrationIdentify and win new business opportunities for existing and new servicesBuild strong business relationships and networks with our clients (suppliers and retailers) and ensure that they are gaining value and insights from the Advantage programmesAs a thought leader, help to enhance the Advantage brand, building our status as trusted advisor within the FMCG community, through presentations, workshops, and industry conference participationAssist the Country Manager and UK & I Managing Director in developing the annual business plans for the UK & Ireland marketProvide regular client reports and performance updatesSupport the UK client-facing team during peak periods to maximize client engagementWork collaboratively with the Operations Team, Programme Managers, and local and global Programme management and Client service teamsWhere You’ll be Located:This role will be home office based in Ireland, with occasional visits (e.g., quarterly) to our office in Somerset, UK. Expected travel is moderate but may be high at peak times of the year:Onboarding and induction processMeetings with and presentations to senior retailer and supplier clients in IrelandRelevant conferences or industry eventsUse of Video Conferencing (MS Teams) telephone frequentlySome client visits to the UK during peak UK client reporting (e.g., September/October/November)The Capabilities and Skills that Matter:Senior sales, customer marketing, retailer, and/or client service experienceExpert in Ireland FMCG and Grocery and Wholesale Retail marketA strong network of contacts among Ireland Grocery retailers and suppliersPolished presentation skills. Comfortable and confident working with both small and large audiencesAbility to communicate effectively internally and with senior supplier/retailer contactsStrong written and oral communication skillsA practical understanding of market research principles/conceptsReliably works with limited supervision and a high sense of urgencyAbility to manage complex research/consulting projectsProblem-solving, positive attitudeTeam player, able to flex style accordinglyThe Functional Competencies We Value:Outstanding Industry Connectivity: Building thriving relationships within the UK and Ireland grocery industry, particularly FMCG suppliers and retailers.Client Leadership: Acting as an advocate for our clients, understanding their needs, and recommending the right solutions.Prospecting for Growth: The ability to use prospecting principles, processes, and tools to identify and engage potential supplier and retailer clients.Effective Communication: Understanding and applying effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques.Insightful Presentations: The ability to present compelling and actionable insights using relevant Advantage data.Business and Financial Planning: The ability to apply business and financial concepts to make business plans and decisions.Entrepreneurial Drive: The ability to take creative actions to overcome obstacles that get in the way of reaching goals.Strategic Agility: The ability to anticipate future opportunities and trends accurately.Coaching for Success: Knowledge of coaching concepts and methods; ability to encourage, motivate, and guide individuals or teams.Advantage Offers An Attractive Salary Package With Fringe Benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr