Global Key Account Manager – Food

SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.

Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.

Working as a member of SGS' Global Food team, the Global Key Account Manager will be responsible for developing a strategic and durable partnership between SGS and global food industry clients. You will be responsible for managing the successful deployment and delivery of diverse and/or complex client-specific projects of different sizes on a regional and global scale by ensuring contractual obligations and deliverables are met and client's expectations exceeded.

Although the majority of clients that the Global Key Account Manager will work with will be in the seafood industry, other food & beverage clients may also be assigned.

Primary Purpose of Role

• To develop a strategic and durable partnership between SGS and assigned global clients, representing SGS at all levels with special attention to Director and VP level.
• To manage the successful implementation and delivery of diverse and/or complex client-specific projects of different sizes on a global basis by ensuring contractual obligations and deliverables are met and client’s expectations exceeded, where possible
• To identify and develop new revenue opportunities within our client base, working closely with the SGS network, where required working closely with the International Solutions Manager to secure growth and expansion of services and revenue

Main Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development of long-term sustainable business partnerships between SGS Food and our Key international food clients.
• Represent the SGS network in reporting directly to our client’s senior management teams in a professional manner regarding SGS’ performance 
• Responsible for the strategic growth and development of key international clients.  In conjunction with the International Sales team, develop and ensure successful implementation of a client specific Global Key Account Development Plan, matching the key drivers and needs of the client with SGS
• Act as the primary liaison between SGS and the client’s management team at a Director or VP level in order to lead and ensure the smooth and effective management of existing programs with the global network in accordance with client KPIs.
• Manage the deployment and enhancement of global co-operative agreements within the SGS network, ensuring that all program elements are properly deployed and monitored on an on-going basis.
• Liaise effectively with global technical teams in advance of the deployment of new projects to ensure the optimum execution structure and technical support is agreed and implemented.
• Manage the investigation and resolution/remediation processes for any client concerns or complaints following appropriate escalation procedures as required.
• Identify and mitigate risk relating to poor performance and/or client expectations, with a proactive and constructive approach.

More specifically, you will

• Be responsible for the development of long-term sustainable business partnerships between SGS and our key international food & beverage clients;
• Manage the deployment and ongoing management of international programs falling under global co-operative agreements within the SGS network, ensuring that all program elements are properly deployed and monitored on an on-going basis; 
• Liaise effectively with both technical teams and local affiliates, ensuring the optimum execution structure and technical support is agreed and implemented; 
• Represent the SGS network in reporting directly to our client's senior management teams in a professional manner regarding SGS' performance;
• Responsible for the strategic growth and development of key international clients;
• Act as the primary liaison between SGS and the client's management team at a Director or VP level in order to lead and ensure the smooth and effective management of existing programs with the global network in accordance with client KPIs;
• Manage the investigation and resolution/remediation processes for any client concerns or complaints following appropriate escalation procedures as required. Identify and mitigate risk relating to poor performance and/or client expectations, with a proactive and constructive approach.

Profile & Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a business or technical discipline
• A minimum of 5 years experience in a project/contract management related role
• Previous experience in the food or related industries would be highly desirable and due the specific client portfolio preference will be given to those with experience seafood or supply chain experience
• Fluent in English, with other language skills an advantage

Core Skills & Competencies

• Ability to represent SGS professionally at client senior management levels
• Analytical mind, lateral thinker and ability to identify a problem and find a solution
• Customer-focused and service oriented
• Strong commercial and business acumen
• Highly effective communicator at all levels with strong inter-personal skills
• Strong organisation and time-management skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong and engaging presentation skills
• Leadership and influencing skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Good team player, able to work independently and with others
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Solution oriented approach

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for full time employees.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• A dynamic, collaborative work environment.
• Access to cutting-edge cryptographic technology and tools.

Physical Demands of the Job

• Stand: Occasionally
• Move or traverse: Frequently
• Sit: Constantly
• Use hands: Constantly
• Reach with hands and arms: Occasionally
• Climb or balance: Occasionally
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: Occasionally
• Talk/hear: Constantly
• Taste/Smell: Occasionally
• Lift/carry/push or pull: Occasionally 30 lbs

Additional information

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a callback.  Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.