Junior National Account Manager

About us:

The Bread Factory is the UK's leading artisan bakery. Founded by Gail Meija in 1993, The Bread Factory, originally known as Gail Force, began by supplying some of London's most prestigious restaurants, including many with Michelin stars. More than three decades later, we continue to work closely with the best chefs, alongside grocers, foodservice partners and our own neighbourhood bakery, GAIL's.

The Bread Factory is synonymous with quality. We have been awarded more than 100 Great Taste Awards and have held a Royal Warrant since 2016, when it was first granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2024, the warrant was renewed by His Majesty The King.

We source our ingredients thoughtfully, partnering with farmers and millers who align with our values. The result: delicious, carefully made baked goods that support a more sustainable and nutritious food system; bringing great bread to more tables every day.

The Junior National Account Manager will provide day to day commercial and administrative support to the National Account Controller, while managing a portfolio of national accounts.

Every day is different at The Bread Factory, but here are some of the things you will be doing:

Account Management & Customer Growth

• Manage a portfolio of foodservice customer accounts with the support of the National Account Controller, acting as the primary commercial contact and building strong, professional relationships.
• Identify opportunities to increase distribution, introduce new products and expand The Bread Factory’s presence with existing customers.
• Support the National Account Controller on day-to-day management of National Accounts.
• Build positive working relationships with customers through regular communication and excellent customer service.
• Assist with account plans that grow sales, improve profitability and strengthen customer retention.
• Coordinate customer requests and ensure actions are followed through internally.
• Maintain regular customer contact through meetings, site visits, range reviews, bakery visits and performance updates.

New Business Development

• Support the identification of new business opportunities across the foodservice sector
• Assist in preparing samples, quotations, presentations and customer proposals.
• Maintain accurate pipeline information.
• Attend customer meetings and trade events, representing The Bread Factory confidently in the market, communicating our craft, quality, service capability and product range.
• Learn the customer onboarding process and support successful implementation of new business wins.

Commercial Delivery

• Deliver agreed sales, margin, volume and customer performance targets.
• Prepare forecasts, monitor account performance and provide accurate updates on risks, opportunities and trading trends.
• Support pricing, tenders, promotions and proposals with clear commercial thinking and attention to detail.
• Coordinate completion of new line forms, customer documents and commercial administration.

Customer Service & Cross-Functional Working

• Work closely with customer service, planning, operations, logistics, technical and finance teams to ensure customers receive a high-quality, reliable service.
• Support the resolution of customer queries quickly by coordinating with internal departments and escalating where appropriate.
• Coordinate product samples, launches, seasonal activity and customer communications.
• Gather customer feedback and share insights with the NPD and Bakery teams to support new product development.

Our team tells us you will be a great addition if you have:

• You’re an ambitious and commercially minded professional looking to build your career in foodservice account management.
• Previous experience in a sales support, customer service or commercial support role is desirable.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Confident communicating with customers and colleagues in a professional manner.
• Customer-focused with a proactive approach to solving problems.
• A genuine passion for food, hospitality and high-quality bakery products.
• Self-motivated and organised, with the discipline to manage customer accounts, pipeline, customer meetings and internal follow-up.
• Comfortable balancing existing account development with new business generation.
• Good analytical skills and confidence using Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint.
• Customer-first mindset with high standards of service, responsiveness and professionalism.
• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel is essential.

What’s in it for you:

• Fresh bread daily to take home to enjoy with family and friends.
• 50% discount at GAIL’s and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Discounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants
• 24-hour GP service
• Cycle to work scheme