Overview
Our Client Development Managers (CDMs) are a key link between customers and apetito. They are the face of apetito and instrumental to the success of partnerships. A successful CDM is an authentic, enthusiastic self‑starter who can develop long‑term partnerships and achieve commercial targets, including high levels of customer retention and loyalty. CDMs manage their own customers with support from a team of apetito colleagues, providing a point of difference in the market.
Care Homes Team
* Dedicated experts in the provision of food for older people
* Genuine partners to Care Homes and their teams
* Proud to create food that is enjoyed and shared; forward‑thinking culture to accelerate growth over the next 5 years. Mix of experienced managers, food professionals and graduates who are positive and passionate about what we do. We make a real difference.
Region & Travel
This role covers the North West of England and will require travel across the region as well as to the head office in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
Driving Licence & Company Car
A full UK driving licence is required, ideally with no points or endorsements. A company car is provided.
Key Responsibilities
The CDM typically manages a portfolio of around 40 customers, focusing on budget control, delivering training needs, product presentations, dispute resolution and extensive networking to promote apetito throughout the Care Homes marketplace.
Retention
* Target: achieve 95% Account & Value retention on existing accounts.
Mobilisations
* Ensure the service is mobilised excellently by introducing the system, training staff, and ensuring their skills support continued service.
Business Development
* Work closely with KAMs to develop group opportunities for further business development. Focus on group target groups and develop ongoing business as a result of successful mobilisation.
Relationships
* Build external relationships; collaborate with other divisions including Marketing, CS&D, Product Development, Healthcare, LA, and WFF.
Essential Qualifications
* Proven experience of achieving and exceeding targets as an Account Manager
* Experience delivering training
* Consultative, solutions‑led sales approach (rather than a hard product sell)
* Strong commercial acumen – able to justify a business case
* Strong organisational skills – able to manage time and workload
* Team player, contributing to shared success
* Objections handling focused around financial issues
* Good O Levels/GCSEs to support high standard of business communication skills and numerical analysis
* Excellent influencing and interpersonal skills
* Attentive to customer's needs
* Methodical and analytical in approach, but results‑focused
* Full UK driving licence
Desirable
* Catering experience
* Experience of food/nutritional/technical standards
* Experience of the Care sector
* Further education
* Intermediate/Advanced Food Hygiene Training
Personal Qualities
* Passion for this role
* Gravitas – credibility with owners and management boards
* Compassionate and able to show empathy with the customer
* Constantly looking to improve existing practices; strives for excellence
* Resilient & determined
Regulatory & Safety
* Requires Enhanced DBS Disclosure due to working with elderly and vulnerable customers.
* A exempt role from The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Working Hours & Flexibility
Due to geography and customer settings, flexibility with working hours will be needed. Travel to customers across the region and national events, including overnight stays, will be a regular requirement – typically one night per week.
Benefits
* Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
* Company car
* 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
* Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
* Generous annual bonus scheme
* Pension scheme – employer matched contributions up to 5%
* Life assurance scheme worth 2x annual salary
* Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
* apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts
Equal Opportunity
We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we are on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.
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