Senior Key Account Manager Foodservice Trade Benelux

We are looking for a Senior Key Account Manager Trade UFS Benelux Division:
Unilever Food Solutions

Job title:

Senior Key Account Manager Trade Benelux Direct reports: 1

Location:

Rotterdam, the Netherlands or Brussels, Belgium Full time, local employment conditions applyBUSINESS CONTEXTAt Unilever Food Solutions (UFS), we help chefs and food service professionals focus on what they do best by providing innovative products, services, and inspiration. We offer culinary convenience products and solutions to professional Chefs, we serve Independent and Chain Operators in the Institutional Segment (Health, Canteens, Schools & Governmental) as well as in the Commercial Segment (Hotels, Restaurants, Snack bars, Butcher/Traiteurs).As

Senior Key Account Manager, you will be at the centre of our commercial strategy, managing partnerships that have a significant impact on business growth and customer success. You will be responsible for developing strategic partnerships with our largest wholesale partners, Sligro/Van Hoeckel in the Netherlands and Sligro/Java in Belgium, which represent a significant share of the Benelux business.

This role offers extensive exposure to senior customer stakeholders, cross-functional collaboration, and opportunities to influence commercial strategy. Whether you are looking to deepen your expertise in strategic account management, strengthen your leadership capabilities, or grow your career within a global food business, this position provides a strong platform for development and long-term success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and execute joint business plans with Sligro Benelux, driving sustainable growth, market share, and long-term strategic collaboration.

Responsible for negotiation and closing of the contracts, ensuring commercial investments and customer agreements deliver measurable business value and return on investment

Following successful onboarding, the role will include leadership responsibility for one direct report.

Cash Management: close monitoring of overdues, price and logistic claims in collaboration with Finance and internal teams.

Secure and retain complete range listings (incl. listings & stocking of all new product introductions), promotional listings and price increases.

Planning and superior execution of the agreed ‘on and offline’ activation & promotion plans in cooperation with Trade Marketing. If required selectively tailored, to increase relevancy for the customer.

Development of Category Management projects  in collaboration with Trade Marketing.

Implementation of the Digital and eCommerce strategy & plans, tailored to eCom plans of this Strategic Partner, to drive digital buying behavior of both visited & non visited operators & deliver e-commerce turnover.

Analysis of customer results & data: selling in vs selling out, digital, category & product results, forecasting.

Building strong relationship with sales management, sales and tender teams of Sligro in both countries.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Commercial Management, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.

Proven experience in Key Account Management, Sales, Business Development, Category Management, or a similar customer-facing commercial role.

Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and drive mutually beneficial outcomes.

Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with experience interpreting sales data, financial performance, and market insights to support decision-making.

Excellent communication skills, with fluency in Dutch and English (French is a plus).Willing to travel to both Belgium and the Netherlands weekly (customer meetings, events, Cash & Carry visits,…