Business Development and Account Manager (sofco Limited)

Location: Remote (UK-based, with travel required) Reports to: Managing Director Employment type: Full-time, permanent About the Role Sofco are looking for a driven, commercially-minded Account Manager / Business Development Manager to join our team in a remote capacity. This is a dual-focus role, split between: Winning new business — proactively identifying, targeting, and converting new customers through outbound activity, networking, and industry events. Growing and protecting our existing client base — deepening relationships, identifying upsell and cross-sell opportunities, and ensuring high levels of retention and satisfaction. You'll be comfortable managing a portfolio of accounts day-to-day while also picking up the phone to open doors with prospects who've never heard of us. This is a role for someone who is equally motivated by nurturing relationships and by the thrill of the chase. Key Objectives New Business Development — Build a healthy pipeline of new prospects and convert them into long-term customers, contributing to agreed new business revenue targets. Existing Account Growth — Maximise revenue and value from the current account base through proactive account management, regular contact, and identification of new opportunities within accounts. Key Responsibilities New Business Development Generate new business leads through outbound prospecting, including cold calling, email outreach, and LinkedIn/social selling. Research and identify target companies and decision-makers within defined verticals/territories. Arrange and conduct new business meetings (virtual and face-to-face) with prospective clients. Develop and deliver compelling sales presentations and proposals tailored to prospect needs. Manage the end-to-end sales process from first contact through to close, including negotiation and contract sign-off. Build and maintain a robust, accurately-forecasted new business pipeline in the CRM. Account Management Own and manage a portfolio of existing client accounts, acting as the primary point of contact. Build strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders at each account. Proactively identify opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and expanding share of wallet within existing accounts. Conduct regular account reviews (virtual and in-person) to understand client needs and satisfaction. Monitor account health and address any risk of churn early, working cross-functionally to resolve issues. Maintain accurate account plans and revenue forecasts. Events, Networking & Market Presence Represent the company at trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events, both as an attendee and where required on a stand. Proactively arrange meetings with prospects and existing clients around event attendance to maximise ROI on travel and time. Stay current on industry trends, competitor activity, and market developments to inform account and prospecting strategy. Build a personal network within the industry to support long-term business development. Reporting & Administration Maintain up-to-date, accurate records of all account and prospect activity in the CRM. Provide regular pipeline, forecast, and account performance updates to management. Contribute to sales and marketing planning, sharing market and client feedback. What We're Looking For Essential Proven experience in a combined account management and business development / sales role, ideally B2B. Demonstrable track record of hitting or exceeding new business and account growth targets. Confident and resilient with cold calling and proactive outbound prospecting — genuinely enjoys initiating new conversations. Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to manage stakeholders at multiple levels, including senior decision-makers. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; confident presenting to clients and prospects. Highly organised and self-motivated — able to manage a varied workload independently in a remote-working environment. Willingness and ability to travel regularly for client meetings and trade shows/events (including occasional overnight stays). Full, clean UK driving licence. Desirable Experience within sofco's specific industry — e.g. Supply Chain within Food & Beverage & Retail supply CRM proficiency (HubSpot). Existing network of contacts within relevant target verticals. Experience exhibiting at or organising attendance for trade shows. What We Offer Competitive base salary + commission/bonus structure tied to new business and account growth. Fully remote working with flexibility, supported by regular team check-ins. Travel and expenses covered for client visits and events. Pension, healthcare, holiday entitlement, laptop/phone, other standard benefits Genuine autonomy and ownership over your territory/account base. Support from a collaborative marketing and sales team to help generate leads and content for prospecting.