I graduated with a first in Business and International Relations from Aston University, Birmingham. Like many, my degree doesn’t exactly correlate to what I do now, which goes to show that a singular path to sales does not exist and ABF appreciate people from diverse backgrounds. During my time at university I completed a fantastic placement year and two summer internships in the world of Banking. Unlike many, I didn’t know that I wanted to work in FMCG, let alone know what FMCG was! However, I did know that my fulfillment at work came from building relationships with others and communicating with people from different walks of life. I am a keen foodie and love working with people and therefore a Customer Development graduate scheme with ABF seemed like a fantastic opportunity to do what I love daily!

My journey with ABF began at Jordan’s Dorset Ryvita where I spent my first year as National Account Executive on the cereals team. There, I was responsible for the back-office running of the Tesco and Coop account, this incorporated monitoring daily and weekly sales, implementing our promotional strategy and checking up on how those promotions performed whilst supporting the SNAM with range changes and New Product Development launches. I was also the Tesco Ireland National Account Manager, where I had front line experience of building a relationship with a customer and getting under the skin of how to run an account.

I am just about to finish my second year at Allied Bakeries where I have spent the year working in Shopper Marketing. My role is most-definitely hands on and I am responsible for the planning, execution an evaluation of Shopper Marketing campaigns. This role brings to life category and brand plans in-store dynamically and within budget. It has been a fantastic year where I have developed my stakeholder management skills and enhanced my levels of creativity.

There is no typical day for me in Shopper as it all depends on the campaign I am working on. But some of my daily activities include booking activities with the relevant retailer media agency and commissioning artwork from our creative agencies. I really enjoy seeing a creative idea come to fruition and discovering innovative ways to communicate a brand message with relatively restrictive retailer guidelines. I also liaise with sales on any commercials and communicate internally on upcoming activations, as it is important to bring people on your journey. All whilst enjoying the Allied perks of Hot Cross Bun tastings or taking part in Allied Community Buddha day meditation session!

ABF are keen on giving you opportunity to develop and grow as an employee but also within your function. I have refined my presentation skills and engaged with my behavioral preferences at work, this has allowed me to become a more self-aware and well-rounded individual. The support here at ABF is second to none, the several touch points you are given and develop for yourself through the many networking opportunities stand you in good stead for an exciting future with ABF.