Account Manager

Retail Sampling & Branded Events

Full Time | Permanent

Hours: 35 hours, Monday to Friday
Location: Winnersh, RG41 (Hybrid Office 3 days + Client Site)

At Smollan, we partner with some of the UK’s biggest retail and FMCG brands to deliver high-energy sampling and events campaigns that create real buzz and real results.

We’re looking for a driven, commercially minded Account Manager to join our Retail Sampling & Branded Events team. You will take full ownership of the campaign lifecycle; from the initial brief to live field execution. You’ll manage an Account Executive, lead briefings for our field management teams, and act as the calm, decisive "crisis manager" when things move fast.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Client Lead: Serve as the primary contact, building trust through expert delivery and high-impact presentations.
• Operational Excellence: Lead the end-to-end planning of sampling and experiential activities.
• Data & Insight: Translate weekend campaign results into actionable "what’s next" insights for the client.
• Risk Mitigation: Develop contingency plans to ensure flawless execution, no matter the challenge.

What You’ll Bring

• The Energy: A "let’s make it happen" attitude and the confidence to manage a major account solo.
• Agile Mindset: A proactive organiser who thrives in fast-paced, reactive environments and can pivot priorities with ease.
• Articulate Communicator: Exceptional written and verbal skills, with a knack for crafting compelling briefs and presentations.
• Proven Track Record: Solid experience in campaign delivery and client-facing roles. Specific experience in Retail Sampling or Product Demonstrations.
• Customer-Centric Passion: A genuine drive to exceed customer expectations and deliver "best-in-class" brand experiences.
• Technical Proficiency: Confident using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) to manage data and presentations.

Why Smollan, Retail Sampling & Branded Events? This is a chance to take ownership of a high-profile account from day one. You’ll be supported to grow quickly, given real responsibility, and play a pivotal role in our newly rebranded Retail Sampling & Branded Events division.

Ready to lead in this high impact part of our business? Apply today. Our Recruitment Team look forward to receiving your application.

At Smollan, our colleagues are valued, supported, and set up for success by empowering them with the tools, training, and opportunities to excel in a dynamic environment. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate individuality.

Awards

We are an Award-Winning Workplace! We’re proud to be recognised as one of UK & Europe’s Best Workplaces™* every year since 2015, with additional accolades:

• UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Women* (since 2018)
• UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Wellbeing* (since 2018)
• UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Development* (since 2024)
• UK’s Best Workplaces™ in Consulting & Professional Services* (2023)
• Happiest Workplace Award* (WorkL, 2023,2024 & 2025)

We’re also the most awarded agency in our industry, with multiple FMBE awards* (our industry awards) and more Agency of the Year* titles than any competitor.

Sustainability*

Looking for a company committed to a Sustainable Future? Our environmental achievements include...

• Ecovadis – Silver Award
• ISO 14001 & ISO 27001 Certifications
• Cyber Essentials Accreditation
• Partnership with Oblong Trees

Our Rebranding Journey

In January 2026, REL Field Marketing became part of the Smollan brand, marking an exciting next chapter in our journey. With a 30-year heritage and being part of the Smollan network since 2015, this change is about more than a new name - it brings together our strong local expertise with Smollan’s global scale, insight, and innovation. You’ll be working for a business that values its local teams, now supported by global best practices, shared knowledge, and opportunities to build your career as part of a truly international organisation.

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