Sales Executive

About the Role

We are Europe's leading importer and distributor of authentic Japanese food and drink products, supplying many of the UK's best-known restaurants and retailers.

We are looking for an ambitious Sales Executive to support and develop a portfolio of key foodservice accounts. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their sales career who wants to develop into a Key Account Manager within a growing international food business.

You will work closely with UK restaurant customers, supporting commercial projects from initial enquiry through to product launch, while building long-term customer relationships and delivering profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Account Management

· Support the day-to-day management of a portfolio of key foodservice customer accounts.

· Build strong customer relationships through regular meetings, reviews and communication.

· Identify opportunities to grow sales, improve profitability and expand product listings.

· Prepare customer presentations, proposals and business reviews.

· Support annual pricing reviews and commercial negotiations.

Commercial & Sales

· Deliver agreed sales, margin and volume targets.

· Analyse sales performance, identify trends and recommend actions.

· Prepare forecasts and work closely with Supply Chain, Purchasing and other internal departments to ensure

excellent stock availability.

· Support new product launches from concept through to implementation.

· Monitor competitor activity and market trends.

Project Management

· Coordinate projects between customers and internal departments including Purchasing, Marketing,

Technical, NPD and Logistics.

· Ensure customer requests are delivered accurately and on time.

· Manage product listings, promotional activity and commercial administration.

Customer Service

· Provide outstanding service to key customers.

· Resolve customer issues quickly and professionally.

· Maintain accurate customer records and sales reporting.

Company Representation

· Attend customer meetings, trade exhibitions and food events.

· Develop knowledge of Japanese food, ingredients and market trends.

· Support wider sales initiatives across the business.

What We're Looking For

Essential

· Previous experience in sales, account management or another customer-facing commercial role.

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

· Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.

· Commercial awareness and willingness to learn. · Good Excel and Microsoft Office skills.

· Full UK driving licence.

Desirable 

· Experience within the food industry, FMCG or hospitality. 

· Experience working with restaurant groups or retail customers.

· Degree or equivalent qualification. 

· Experience using ERP systems (SAP desirable). 

Personal Attributes 

· Curious and eager to learn. 

· Commercially minded.

· Organised and dependable.

· Confident speaking with customers. 

· Positive and proactive.

· Comfortable working both independently and within a team. 

· Adaptable in an international business environment.

· Willingness to travel to visit customers and attend trade events.

About Tazaki Foods

Tazaki Foods is Europe's leading importer and distributor of authentic Japanese food and drink products. For over 45 years we have worked closely with Japanese manufacturers and UK customers to bring high-quality Japanese products to restaurants, retailers and wholesalers across Europe.

As part of Takara Holdings, we combine Japanese heritage with a growing international business, offering employees genuine opportunities to develop their careers within the food industry.