Abbes – Key Account Manager France

I joined Sara Lee in August 1999 as a sales representative for Sara Lee International Foodservice, France. In September 2007, I was promoted to key account manager for the healthcare segment.

My job is to negotiate with customers at the national level, sign national agreements and create a sphere of influence and a climate of trust with our customers and health experts. To insure these agreements are put in place, I also develop tools and methods to help the sales team to manage this segment.

My favorite project has been to create the best practices on our competitive bidding application. I explored alternatives and worked with lawyers to define the model which is now used by the sales representatives with their customers and prospects. Since I was previously a sales representative, I am enjoy and understand how to develop tools and methods to help our sales teams win new customers.

What I find rewarding in my job is that Sara Lee is a very well-know company, and that our employees have such respect for our values. What is really important for me is honesty – with our customers, consumers, colleagues as well as myself.

I like Sara Lee because it is a results-focused company where teamwork is extremely important. Performance is recognized and good performers have opportunities to grow and develop their careers.

I am proud to be part of such a group and I am glad to invite my customers to visit the factory.

April 2009