Chloe Yardley – Sales
National Account Executive for Waitrose and Somerfield.
Also working as National Account Manager for Ocado, the online shopping facility for Waitrose.
No two days are ever the same here. Even though I have a routine, it never has the chance to get monotonous because of the variety of work we do. My main role is to support the National Account Manager and to ensure that all the information she, the wider business, our customers and I may need is up-to-date and at our fingertips. I cascade information to the Field Sales Team, carry out price checks and visit stores once a week to ensure excellent execution and to keep an eye on competitor activity.
Liaising with Forecasting and Customer Services, I ensure that we’ve the correct amount of stock to fulfil our promotions. I then carry out post promotion analysis. Involved in the planning and delivery of activities from grass roots upwards, I’ve gained a good understanding of the financial and demographic reasons for promoting each product, in each way, in each store. I’m also lucky enough to be involved in Customer Marketing with our accounts and therefore get involved in producing advertorials and running account specific competitions. Variety comes in more than just an 8 pack at Kellogg’s!
I started with Kellogg’s in May 2005 and worked out on the road as a Territory Development Manager for 12 months. This was a great introduction to the business. I was given the autonomy to manage my own area whilst being given the training and support to improve on my strengths and overcome my weaknesses. Throughout this time I was always encouraged to work within a framework, but never to lose my individuality. My Line Manager always gave me opportunities to present at Regional Meetings so that I could raise my profile, which after 12 months led to me being put forward for promotion.
My Manager and other colleagues with National Account Executive experience were all on hand to help me with my interview preparation. Kellogg’s is a very open environment and it’s really easy to ask people for guidance.
My degree is in Food, Nutrition & Health and my first role in the industry was with a drinks company. Although the role was not for me, it did enable me to see the benefit of working for a company with the established roots of Kellogg’s. It’s multinational, all the processes are streamlined and there is plenty of support and training. The heritage of the company ensures stability. I’m supported and my job is secure. I focus on the fact that I’m building a career here.
We always have weekly catch-ups where we’ll run through exactly what we’re doing and any problems we might be facing. We’re under pressure sometimes, but a bit of pressure helps to keep you on your toes and allows you to pull together as a team.
Since being at Kellogg’s I’ve not once woke up and thought, “I really don’t want to go to work today”. This is a feeling shared throughout the building. I think anyone starting a career in a large corporation is worried about becoming just a number, but it’s not like that here. I know people on every floor and you’re encouraged to go and speak to people rather than just send emails. One outstanding thing for me here is that even though everything is done in a very structured way, I’ve never been made to fit into a mould. We’re all encouraged to be individuals while working within the Kellogg’s framework.