The Opportunity
Join Alkemista, the liquid development consultancy that's redefining how breakthrough drinks brands are born. We don't just create liquids - we translate emotions into commercial success, partnering with ambitious founders to build billion-dollar exits.
As our Account Manager, you'll be the strategic guardian of our most valuable client relationships, enabling our founder Anthony Wilson to focus on the liquid development magic that only he can deliver, while ensuring clients receive the partnership-level service that sets us apart from traditional formulators.
This isn't your typical account management role. You'll be part business strategist, part project coordinator, part relationship therapist - helping drinks entrepreneurs navigate the complex journey from prototype to supermarket shelf.
What Makes This Role Special
Direct Impact: Your work directly contributes to creating the next generation of breakthrough drinks brands
Technical Excellence: Partner with a team that's created billion-dollar brands for Diageo and won industry awards
True Partnership: Move beyond transactional relationships to become the "fourth founder" for ambitious entrepreneurs
Scale-Up Energy: Join a rapidly growing business with multiple revenue streams and international expansion plans
Innovation Focus: Work at the cutting edge of liquid development, pushing boundaries others think impossible
What You'll Do
Strategic Relationship Management
* Own the primary relationship for 8-10 high-value client accounts (£50K+ annual value)
* Serve as strategic advisor and sounding board for drinks entrepreneurs navigating complex challenges
* Proactively identify opportunities to expand relationships and add value beyond current scope
* Challenge clients constructively when needed - saying no to protect their long-term interests
Project Orchestration
* Coordinate complex, multi-stream development projects across 6+ month timelines
* Manage relationships with co-packers, suppliers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies
* Anticipate bottlenecks and communicate proactively about timeline/scope changes
* Maintain client momentum and excitement through the inevitable "messy middle" of development
* Handle 80% of client touchpoints, allowing Anthony to focus on technical excellence and strategic moments
* Translate between technical complexity and business language for non-technical stakeholders
* Manage client expectations while protecting Anthony's time for high-value activities
* Escalate issues strategically - bringing solutions, not just problems
Business Development Support
* Contribute to new business development through relationship building and referrals
* Identify upselling opportunities for additional services (supply chain, technical services, equity partnerships)
* Represent Alkemista at industry events and client meetings
* Build and maintain network within drinks industry ecosystem
Process Innovation
* Document and improve client onboarding and project management processes
* Identify opportunities to systematize relationship management without losing personal touch
* Contribute to development of new service offerings based on client insights
* Support team training and knowledge sharing initiatives
What We're Looking For
Essential Experience
* 3-5 years B2B account management in services environment with complex, project-based work
* Portfolio management experience with high-value accounts (£50K+ annually)
* Cross-functional collaboration with technical/creative teams who think differently
* Startup/scale-up experience - comfortable with ambiguity, resource constraints, and rapid change
Industry Knowledge
* FMCG/drinks industry exposure or strong consumer brand background preferred
* Understanding of supply chain complexity and manufacturing challenges
* Familiarity with retail landscape and route-to-market considerations
* Appreciation for premium positioning and high-touch service expectations
Core Competencies
* Strategic thinking - ability to see beyond immediate project to long-term business impact
* Emotional intelligence - skilled at managing multiple stakeholder personalities and agendas
* Commercial acumen - understands startup funding cycles, investor expectations, and growth pressures
* Communication excellence - translates technical complexity into compelling business narratives
* Ownership mentality - treats client success as personal responsibility
Cultural Fit Indicators
* Entrepreneurial mindset - thinks like a business owner, not just an employee
* High conscientiousness - genuinely cares about client outcomes and takes pride in excellence
* Adaptability - thrives in fast-paced environment with changing priorities
* Collaborative spirit - works effectively with neurodivergent team members and diverse personalities
* Growth orientation - seeks feedback and actively develops capabilities
Why Join Alkemista
Professional Growth
* Fast-track development in rapidly scaling business
* Direct mentorship from successful entrepreneur with 28 years industry experience
* Cross-functional exposure to R&D, supply chain, and business development
* Industry network access through established relationships with major players
Financial Rewards
* Competitive base salary
* Performance bonus
* Equity participation
* Professional development budget
Work Environment
* Flat structure - direct access to leadership and decision-making
* Innovation focus - working on cutting-edge projects that push industry boundaries
* Collaborative culture - supportive team that celebrates diverse thinking styles
* Meaningful impact - directly contributing to breakthrough brand creation
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £34,539.30-£47,874.40 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Flexitime
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Profit sharing
Application question(s):
* What experience do you have working with creative and technical teams who think differently?
* Do you have experience in FMCG or drinks or a strong brand background?
* Are you comfortable with being on site in the office for your contract hours?
* Can you demonstrate experience managing multiple project timelines and deadlines?
Experience:
* client management B2B: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person