๐ Tazaki Foods is a leading importer, developer and distributor of Japanese food and drink across the UK and Europe, supplying major retailers, restaurants and manufacturers.
๐ Established in 1978, the business has played an important role in growing the popularity and accessibility of Japanese cuisine in the UK. Tazaki Foods is also the company behind Yutaka, launched in 1995 to bring high-quality, easy-to-use Japanese products to consumers, with the range now including sushi ingredients, sauces, soups, rice, noodles and meal kits.
๐ With Japanese food continuing to grow in popularity, this is an exciting opportunity to join an established international food business and help drive its continued growth within UK grocery.
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The Opportunity
๐ Weโre looking for a commercially driven Key Account Manager to take ownership of key UK grocery retail accounts and build strong, long-term customer relationships.
๐ Youโll be responsible for delivering profitable revenue growth while increasing distribution and developing the presence of Tazaki Foods and its brands within the grocery channel.
๐ค This is a unique role where commercial ability, cultural awareness and a genuine passion for food are equally valued.
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What Youโll Be Doing
๐ค Own and grow relationships with key UK grocery retailers.
๐ Lead Joint Business Plans, delivering revenue, margin, distribution and rate-of-sale targets.
๐ Drive range expansion, new product sell-in and promotional activity.
๐ Use data and insight to identify issues, opportunities and areas for growth.
๐ฃ๏ธ Act as the commercial voice of the customer internally, working collaboratively across the wider business.
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What Weโre Looking For
๐ Experience managing UK grocery multiples or equivalent Key Account Management experience.
๐ท Proven commercial and negotiation skills with experience delivering profitable growth.
๐ฃ A genuine passion for food, with an eagerness to learn more about Japanese cuisine and appreciate the quality and authenticity of Japanese products.
๐ Highly organised, proactive and comfortable working independently when not all the information is immediately available.
๐ฏ๐ต Comfortable working within a Japanese corporate culture, bringing a respectful, collaborative and can-do mindset.
๐ Strong attention to detail with the ability to balance commercial priorities and customer needs.
โก Flexible and adaptable, thriving in a less structured and entrepreneurial environment.
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Why This Role Is Different
๐ This isnโt a typical UK grocery Key Account Manager opportunity.
๐ฏ๐ต Youโll be working at the intersection of Japanese business culture and the UK retail market, requiring curiosity, cultural sensitivity and strong commercial judgement.
๐ Success will be measured through revenue and margin growth, increased distribution, successful NPD launches and the strength of your retailer relationships.
๐ For someone who enjoys combining commercial responsibility with food, culture and brand growth, this is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine impact within an established and growing international business.
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Interested?
๐ If you have grocery account management experience and would be interested in joining Tazaki Foods, weโd love to hear from you. Express your interest by contacting your Foodchain Contact, or emailing: team@foodchainrecruitment.com. If you are new to Foodchain, you can contact us via LinkedIn or via the below link to discuss further.