Job Introduction
An Associate Strategic Partner is responsible for the retention and growth of key client relationships, ensuring customer satisfaction and maximising contract retention in CH&CO – (Vacherin, G&G, Company of Cooks). Reporting to the Director for Strategic Accounts the role entails developing and executing strategies to retain mid-value contracts, negotiating profitable renewal terms, and collaborating with operations to meet client needs, with a focus on contracts due to end in the financial year.
In this position it is vital to build and maintain relationships with the Strategic Account Director, a varied client base, operations teams across the brands and SME's in the business such as culinary, nutrition etc.
Location: Flexible within the UK
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum + excellent benefits
Working Pattern: Monday – Friday, 40 hours/week
Key Responsibilities
1. Retention Strategy
- Within allocated portfolio develop a plan to retain each contract in priority order.
- Engage with clients proactively to ensure needs are met, and CH&CO – (Vacherin, G&G, Company of Cooks) continue to deliver value.
- Monitor retention pipelines, collaborating with Regional, Area and Site Managers monthly.
2. Relationship Management
- Act as the main point of contact for allocated SAG accounts and support the operator team with the non-SAG accounts, ensuring the client needs are understood and met.
- Conduct regular client reviews with those in your portfolio to maintain strong, long-lasting relationships.
- Collaborate with operations to plan pre-empts, supporting on pricing and writing the response
- Manage contract renewals and pre-empt contract extensions through strategic interventions.
3. Re-tender Process for Top Accounts
- Lead the re-tender process for portfolio accounts, ensuring the crafting of winning strategies and coordination with operations teams.
- Oversee the bid management process and ensure the proposal meets the client’s Critical Business Issues (CBIs) and WITYs (What’s Important To You).
- Direct the presentation team and all related activity for a successful re-tender outcome.
4. Analysis & Reporting
- Collect and analyse client feedback, identifying areas for improvement in services and processes. (Brookeside and Clientshare)
- Track retention activities and assess their effectiveness, using CRM data for reporting.
- Implement targeted strategies for at-risk clients based on early warning signs identified through data analysis.
- Maintain and update CRM systems regularly for all accounts.
- Build the Quarterly/Termly Business Review template for the operations team to use
5. Master of Sales Funnel
- Use WAMS tools to support retention efforts.
- Assist with training delivery where necessary.
Competencies & Skills
- Customer-Centric Mindset: A commitment to understanding client needs and delivering win-win solutions.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong financial understanding
- Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Resilience: Capable of handling setbacks and remaining focused on goals.
- Problem Solving: Ability to think outside the box or use contacts within business network resolve conflicts and develop solutions.
- Time Management & Organisation: Ability to prioritise tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
Qualifications / Experience
- University degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or related fields or equivalent apprenticeship level 5
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in operations, preferably in Hospitality, Food Catering, or Retail sectors.
- Proficiency in IT platforms to record and manage data.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Flexibility
- Customer Focus
- Resilience
- Problem Solving
- Conflict Management
- Planning & Organisation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Influencing Others
Desirable:
- Continuous Learning
- Empathetic Outlook
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Company-funded APMP membership and professional certification training to support continued development
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers