National Account Executive - (Business Development)
UK Foodservice
Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties.
With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.
Applications are invited for the above position within our Foodservice Sales team.
The Role:
Our National Account Executive (Business Development) will play a key role in identifying, engaging, and converting new customer opportunities across all channels, with a strong focus on end-user accounts.
Working closely with the Head of New Business, this role will support the delivery of Lakeland Dairies’ growth ambition by feeding and converting the new business pipeline, contributing to the €3–€5million target in year one.
Key responsibilities will include (not limited too):
* Support our Head of New Business in managing relationships with delivered foodservice customers including depot teams and central contacts.
* Manage executive promotional plans, depot activations, and visibility campaigns for priority brands (Millac, Comelle, Viva, Lakeland).
* Monitor distribution gaps and work with internal teams to resolve availability issues.
* Gather key market intelligence and customer feedback to inform channel strategy and innovation.
* Assist in preparing customer presentations, promotional calendars and performance reviews.
* Deliver sales and profit / contribution targets and to forecast sales.
* Build excellent customer relationships with buyers and cross functionally within customers to deliver compelling category plans and arguments.
* Ensure delivery of NPD and key events with customers.
The person:
Coming from a similar level position within the foodservice/National Wholesale or food related FMCG industry, the successful applicant will have a proven track record of delivering profitable sales growth through the setting & monitoring of sales, targets and budget management,
Excellent account management experience, including wholesalers, the ability to identify and develop new business opportunities and a commercial understanding of the UK Foodservice and Wholesaler market are additional key essentials of this highly rewarding opportunity.
Additional requirements are financial aptitude, proficiency in Microsoft Office, people outstanding communication skills and the willingness to travel as required (potentially several nights at a time).
Head office experience and/or experience of convenience retail would be advantageous.
If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this exciting opportunity in a dynamic, high volume and fast-moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you.
***The successful applicant will be prepared to travel within the UK, Ireland and internationally as required***
If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this exciting opportunity in a dynamic, high volume and fast-moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Application Process:
To apply for this role, please send a copy of your CV by email to Glen Young (glen.young@lakelanddairies.com) by no later that Monday 15th December 2025.
Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at recruitmentni@lakelanddairies.com.