Field Technical Manager

Field Technical Manager

Working closely with our Account Management team this role will identify new opportunities for our range of bakery products across Industrial and Wholesaler accounts. Taking ownership of product demonstrations, creation of briefs for customised products and subsequent trials with customers, to progress NPD samples to full sign off.

This role includes all of the wonderful benefits such a investment in training, Employees Assistance programme, wellbeing and engagement events, onsite mental health first aiders, seasonal flu vouchers, VDU and glasses vouchers, referral programme, that you would expect from Zeelandia,  as well as a car allowance due to the nature of the role.

• Demonstrate core Zeelandia products in Strategic and Key Accounts (industrial bakers, large craft bakery chains, bakery and foodservice wholesalers)

• Provide technical advice for customers, acting as a trouble shooter and dealing with questions and problems in use of Zeelandia UK products

• Support Strategic and Key Account customers with the development of new products and ideas using Zeelandia range as the foundation

• Attend and support Strategic and Key Account customers factory trials and first production of new and existing products

• Present new branded products to customers to gain early buy in and sales traction

• Identify opportunities for volume driven, profitable new product development projects within Strategic and Key Accounts and work with customers to write comprehensive brief to submit to NPD technologists

• Provide Technical baking advice for and support of businesses within the baking

• Collaborate with sales account managers, customer services, marketing, product team, quality team (both in UK and as required in OpCo’s), to ensure exceptional technical service to Strategic and Key Account customers

• Manage assigned customer relationships and report activities to the Heads of Product (Bakery & Confectionery and Fillings), Sales Director, MRD Director and the designated sales account manager

• Prepare visit reports, weekly planners and project briefs in a timely, detailed and professional manner

• Support at customer and industry events as required by MRD Director

• Support at onsite Strategic and Key Account customer visits at Colchester or Wigan as required

• Regular travel to customer sites will be required as well as time at UK Zeelandia sites at Wigan and Colchester

Skills and experience required:

• BTEC or BSC (Hons) in Bakery, Bakery Technology or Food Science is preferred; will accept 15 years of experience in lieu of a recognised qualification

• 10 years of baking experience; working with various channels of customers including craft, industrial manufacturers, multiple grocers ISB, or food service

• Strong understanding of baking processes and equipment (industrial and craft bakery)

• Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality

• Good problem-solving skills

• Good project management skills

• Outgoing and effective communicator – oral and written

• Ability to build solid working relationships with internal partners

• Outgoing and Enthusiastic, willing to network and directly engage with customers

• Team player

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft IT systems