Category Sales Manager / Cheese Industry Expert

AWD online; London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description

Category Sales Manager who has an in-depth knowledge of cheese and the cheese industry is required for a well-established company based in Balham, South West London.

SALARY: Competitive Depending on Experience + Generous Benefits (see below)

LOCATION: Balham, South West London (SW12) (Hybrid working opportunities)

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

JOB OVERVIEW

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Category Sales Manager who has an in-depth knowledge of cheese and the cheese industry. The company is the UK’s leading importer of exceptional Spanish food, dedicated to sharing their passion for Spanish gastronomy with food lovers nationwide. From their shops and website to the wholesale business, the company brings the finest Spanish produce to Delicatessens, Restaurants, Wholesalers, and Food Halls across the country.

At the heart of their operations is the purpose-built 'Cheese Room,’ where they care for and curate the finest artisan cheeses. As the company continues to grow, they are looking for an expert in the cheese industry - a talented, experienced Category Sales Manager to champion their premium cheese range.

Working as the Category Sales Manager you will play a key role in driving the growth and success of the company’s cheese category. With your deep knowledge of the cheese industry and passion for quality produce, you’ll work closely with the Cheese Board to develop and implement the company’s Cheese Strategy, generate demand, and build lasting relationships with both new and existing customers. Your focus will be on expanding the category, securing sales, and enhancing profitability.

DUTIES

• Developing and executing the Cheese Strategy, focusing on long-term growth and sales development across B2B, retail, and eCommerce channels
• Identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with customers, and driving category growth through targeted sales initiatives
• Providing regular updates to our Cheese Board on sales progress, action plans, and performance
• Collaborating closely with our Cheesemongers, Buyers, and Marketing teams to maximise sales and brand visibility, ensuring a seamless customer experience
• Ensuring that all cheeses are in optimum condition and aligned with customer needs, working closely with the Cheese Team, Supply Chain, and Ops Team
• Sharing your expert knowledge and passion for cheese, supporting our wider sales teams in delivering outstanding customer service and promoting cheese effectively
• Fostering a culture of excellence, with a strong focus on customer care, retention, and business partnerships that reflect the company’s values

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will be a recognised expert within the cheese industry, with a sales or account management background in premium retail or production. You will be someone who is driven by a genuine passion for cheese, Spanish food, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. You will thrive in a leadership role, taking pride in developing and executing strategies that expand the category and drive sales.

You will also:

• Be a passionate advocate for cheese, with the ability to share your expertise and inspire others
• Have a deep appreciation for Spanish gastronomy and the culture behind it
• Be highly skilled in building business relationships, driving sales, and identifying new opportunities
• Be ambitious, competitive, and someone who loves selling to customers
• Have a commercial mindset, able to manage budgets and deliver results
• Demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, with a collaborative approach to working across teams
• Be proactive in addressing stock issues, working closely with the Cheese Room to ensure optimal product quality and availability

BENEFITS

• A competitive salary depending on experience
• Working hours Monday to Friday 8am-5pm
• Flexibility, primarily office-based in Balham with opportunities for hybrid working on successful completion of probationary period
• 28 days holiday pay, rising to 33 days

Plus

• Discounts at the company’s shops, restaurants, and warehouse
• Access to Wagestream (an app-based salary/money management/welfare system)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• MyGym discounts company platform
• Cycle to Work and Tech Scheme
• Company Sick pay scheme after 6 months of service
• A group pension and life assurance
• Annual staff trips to Spain
• Training opportunities (internal & external)
• Recommend a friend scheme (at months 3 and 6)
• Regular staff parties and team building events

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to our Recruitment Team who will review your details. CV’s of Job Applicants meeting this requirement will be submitted to our Client for consideration. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.

JOB REF: AWDO-P13308