Job description

Position: National Account Manager (External Grounds Maintenance)

Location: Nationwide

Contract: Full Time 37.5 hours per week, Permanent

Salary: Competitive Salary Offered

Reporting To: Sales Director

Urban Planters began trading back in 1965 and has since grown to be the industry-leading interior landscaper. We provide and install planting in, on and around the buildings of the companies we partner with.

We love working with plants and enjoy the challenge of finding new ways to incorporate greenery into all workplace settings across the UK through our network of operating branches. Therefore, we are able to offer the personalised service of a local business but with the standards and resources of a national organisation.

We don’t just care for our plants; we also care about our colleagues and customers.

Over the last 10 years we have worked with businesses as Biophilic Design & Biodiversity Consultants.

At Urban Planters we help people understand how they can improve nature's impact on their customers and staff while boosting productivity, increasing sustainability, supporting nature, and enhancing well-being.

The Role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the National Accounts team to take up the role of National Account Manager (External). National Accounts is a key area of growth for us within Urban Planters and we are looking for someone who will be able to grow our current portfolio, as well as develop new business opportunities at a national level.

Initially, the role will focus on the account management and development of contracts, working closely with the Sales Director and Local Sales teams to drive profitable growth within a sustainable portfolio. When new business is won, the National Account Manager will also be responsible for the ongoing account management of that customer. It is expected that the role will consist of approximately 60% account management and 40% new business development activity.

The role is a mixture of working from home and local branches, but travel across the UK to visit existing & potential customers will be expected; there will be occasional requirements to stay away from home overnight.

Key responsibilities:

New Business Development:

• Developing a comprehensive understanding of our sector, categorising all major business opportunities, targeting future prospects, building long-term relationships and winning new customers, in accordance with pre-agreed targets, and in co-ordination with Local Sales teams.
• Ensuring that Urban Planters offerings are presented to our customers, and a customer-specific plan is developed to maximise sales of new products and services.
• Selling additional work to customers, either as upgrades to service, expanding the number of sites we service, or selling solutions to particular problems as a result of quotations and leads submitted by our network of Local Sales Colleagues and Technicians.

Account Management:

• To manage the portfolio of customers, reviewing service on a regular basis, to ensure customer visits, review of new sales opportunities and retention issues are all given attention in accordance with pre-agreed standards. Customer retention is a key strategic priority for the business, and plans are to be put in place that will ensure the highest possible standards of retention.
• Work closely with operational colleagues to ensure that there is a close match between our service delivery and customer expectations and requirements, bringing customers and operational colleagues together as often as is appropriate.
• Have a full understanding of the cost base of our business and to act within policy guidelines in all quotations, liaising and consulting as necessary with the Sales Director and other business managers, as required.
• Active management of customer’s debt position, to ensure we do not exceed pre-agreed aged debt targets.
• Maintain and increase the overall profitability of our proposals / works

Other:

• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of operational best practice, and be able to advise on customers on the best solutions for their sites
• Have a full understanding of competitor activity in the market, being knowledgeable about the content of competitor offerings and competitive pricing.
• Undertake other tasks and activities as reasonably requested by your manager.

Requirements

Knowledge and experience:

• Sales experience essential; account management and negotiation experience preferred.
• Internal and external influencing skills.
• Development and execution of new business development strategies.
• Building strategic relationships, both internally and externally.
• IT literate (Google Suite or Microsoft Suite - Google Sheets / MS Excel and Google Slides / Powerpoint in particular).
• Presentation skills.

Benefits

This Opportunity is for someone looking to join a busy, fast paced business where you will be working with a friendly and welcoming team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading company in the Interior and Exterior planting sector where progression and development are encouraged.

What we offer in return:

• A Competitive Salary,
• Job Stability & Security,
• Progression Opportunities,
• Employee Assistance Program,
• Refer A Friend Bonus Scheme,
• Company Events,