Sarah Ferguson – Sales
I joined Kellogg’s in 2004 straight from University as a Territory Development Manager working with the Major Multiples on the South Coast. It was really important to me that my first full time job was with a Company which was a market leader, with globally recognised brands and with training and development that would set me up for my career; Kellogg’s provided all of these things.
As a TDM, I got to learn the fundamentals of Sales as well as building internal and external contacts, and gaining an understanding of our customers and our brands. Having done this for 1 year, I then moved to the Kellogg’s Head Office in Manchester to work as a National Account Executive on the Sainsbury’s Account.
Moving from Southampton to Manchester was an easy decision as I’d got to know and become friends with the Head Office team whilst I was out in the Field. The flexible working hours along with a strong team culture making working in the office an enjoyable experience, and Manchester is a great City to live in.
As a National Account Executive on Sainsbury’s, it was my job to support the National Account Manager, and more specifically to analyse the effectiveness of promotions. Whilst working on Sainsbury’s I was given the opportunity to manage the Bells & Jackson business (now Sainsbury’s Local) as well as the Sainsbury’s Online business. This was a fantastic opportunity to work as an Account Manager whilst being managed, supported, and challenged by an experienced National Account Manager.
Having done this role for just under 2 years, I’d learnt a lot and I was ready to take on more accountability and responsibility. In 2007 I became a NAM within our Specialty Business working on High Street Accounts such as Boots and Woolworths. This role was purely Snack focused and required a complete change of mindset. Developing a business relationship within an Impulse arena, in large retailers, where Kellogg’s is not the number one player requires good questioning and listening skills, humility and drive. It was very exciting to be working on a relatively new part of the business to shape the way that we do business with these customers for years to come.
3 months ago, I moved to my current position of Senior National Account Manager on Booker & Bestway. To be working within another sector of the Kellogg’s Business is helping me to constantly gain more experience. Again, flexibility and adaptability is required as how I go about executing the Kellogg Sales Strategy has to be delivered to our customers in a way that is catered to suit their needs.
As you can see, Kellogg’s provides people with a chance to constantly develop their skills which makes it an exciting place to work, where you feel challenged and valued.