Associate Strategic Partner

We are CH&CO
, proud to take a thoughtful, mindful approach to the food experiences we source, prepare, and present. We are looking for an Associate Strategic Partner to join our team.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Collect and analyse client feedback, identifying areas for improvement in services and processes. (Brooke side 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.

• Use WAMS tools to support retention efforts.
• Assist with training delivery where necessary.

• 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 to 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.

• 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.

• Flexibility
• Customer Focus
• Resilience
• Problem Solving
• Conflict Management
• Planning & Organisation
• Interpersonal Skills
• Influencing Others

• Continuous Learning
• Empathetic Outlook

Working with CH&CO has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

• 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