As the supermarkets continue to diversify into more and more non food areas, suppliers of these products are turning to grocery for the talent they need to service accounts in the multiples.
It's a trend that is proving beneficial for many involved on the sales side of the food and drink sector, says recruitment expert Bill Robinson from Resourcebank. He says non food companies are being forced to look outside their traditional recruitment arenas to attract high calibre individuals. In return they offer plenty of benefits for sales staff thinking of making the switch from grocery, Robinson claims.
"What makes these non food sectors attractive is the challenge and opportunity to quickly advance careers outside of the confining traditional structures of grocery." He adds: "The financial rewards for performance also outstrip the fmcg reward structure."
Robinson cites mobile phone accessories company Dextra as one example of a firm actively recruiting account managers from grocery.
Dextra a Resourcebank client is part of the Cordwell Communications Group, which has an annual UK turnover of £1bn. In spite of the problems in the telco market, Dextra's business is booming. It is expanding into Europe and America and is seeking senior national account managers to develop its reach in new markets, such as in food multiples and general merchandise retailers. Candidates need to have experience of food industry sales training. The group offers a package of £65k with a basic of £50k to tempt talent away from food. Performance related bonuses, car, pensions and health care are all part of the deal.
Long term prospects are good for those prepared to switch today's sales account recruits could move into directorship roles with six figure packages within a few years.
Robinson added: "Our clients want fmcg candidates because they have had a structured training, experience in selling to multiples and retail-led skills."
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