Taste of the West is Hiring!

Project Officer – Membership and Awards Management

Background:

Our awards scheme has been running for almost as long as Taste of the West (TOTW) - 30 years.  It is very closely linked with the company’s membership scheme in that the main benefit of hospitality or retail membership is a free entry (assessment) for the awards scheme, and the benefits of producer memberships include at least one free entry into our product awards.

We are actively seeking to grow our membership which currently stands at around 1,000 members across the South West. These are food and drink producers, retailers, hospitality businesses and those companies who provide services for other members.

The Project Officer role is brand new, and the successful applicant will be targeted to bring in new members, and will also work closely with the Awards Scheme Manager to help with administration of the scheme. We are looking for an enthusiastic person as this is a very rewarding front facing/customer facing role.  The jobholder needs to inspire and create confidence for new and existing members. The position is very much a service driven job with a considerable amount of time spent on the phone and emails etc.

Output – will be assessed by the number of members gained.  We have a 2 year plan to grow the membership scheme from 1,000 to 1,500 by 2025.

Job Spec Requirements:

• The job requires a front of house style and level of communication.  In other words – ‘the customer is always right’ attitude !
• Bright, confident and inspiring style of personality with a ‘glass half full’ attitude.
• Positive telephone manner and not afraid of picking the phone up and talking rather than sending an email.
• The job is a ‘process driven’ job so good IT skills are essential.  Experience in Excel spreadsheets, databases essential.

The Role:

This role is an entry level role ideally suited to a person with a business background, or a professional looking to enter the world of food and drink. Full training will be provided on all aspects of the role as well the food and drink markets. Enthusiasm, initiative, determination, and ambition to succeed would be advantageous.

The position plays a key role with the TOTW team, working in collaboration with the Awards Scheme Manager, The Comms Manager, Business Development Manager and the CEO to achieve the business goals. The role is very customer focused with high levels of interaction through telephone, email, social media, in person visits and attendance of sales exhibitions.

The position is a Full Time role, however we would consider part time working as part of our flexible approach to achieving a better work life balance.

The primary focus of the role is to generate sales through developing strong relationships with new and existing customers alike, supporting new and existing customers through ongoing training and product knowledge and providing excellent customer care and support.

Based out of the Regional HQ office, near Whimple, near Honiton, Devon, the Project Officer will report directly to the CEO and the Business Development Manager and work closely with all other members of the TOTW team.

The ideal Candidate will possess:

• A degree or equivalent qualification (although this is not an essential requirement). You are a good communicator, both verbally and in writing, and you have experience of building relationships at all levels across the business.
• A self-starter attitude, who takes the initiative and can work well independently and in a team.
• A good knowledge of MS Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

THE PACKAGE

In return, we offer a competitive salary, team support, and the chance to progress in a small but rapidly growing company.

In addition to your annual salary, you will qualify for a quarterly bonus based on achievable sales objectives.

We have an ultra-modern hybrid working policy that allows employees to work from the office or home and also to work longer hours during the week and finish early on a Friday.

Other benefits include a salary pension scheme where the company makes a contribution of 3%, 25 days holiday a year plus 9 public holidays.

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity and you feel you have got what it takes, please send your CV with a covering letter telling us why you consider yourself suitable for the role, to the CEO, John Sheaves at Taste of the West.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to: [email protected] or call: 07974 660804

Date posted: 1^st August 2023

Closing Date: 5.00pm on Monday 21st August 2023

Job Description for Membership Recruitment Manager

The company reserves the right to vary or amend the duties and responsibilities of the post-holder at any time according to the needs of the business.