National Account Manager

My client is looking to recruit a National Account Manager as a result of achieving significant new business over the last few months. A full time role, £40-50,000 per annum.

This is a newly created role reporting into the Commercial Manager. Having already seen significant growth in their business they are looking to further grow, and you will play a vital part in adding additional strength to their commercial function. They are a business that really values their people and as well as being a leader in their field they collaborate closely with the customers to ensure they are providing both a high-quality product and are driving sustainable sourcing practices in their industry.

Role responsibilities:

This role is all about account management and development. You will use your natural curiosity and commercial acumen to help deliver solutions to the major and convenience food retailers.

You will have access to retailer data and customer insight to spot gaps in a customer’s range – this role is not about having a range of products or catalogue to go and sell to buyers, so the ability to work closely with the NPD team is a must!

You will be proactive in your approach and look at what the retailers are doing across their categories, look at the market data and trends to create real propositions that will add value to the retailers and the end consumers. This in turn will drive sales, account growth, market share and penetration – all the results you need to develop your career and remit.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Full account responsibility for designated customers including UK retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice.
• Responsible for managing day to day commercial activities with set customers
• Agreeing pricing with customers in line with the commercial strategy
• Agreeing customer support including but not limited to over-riders / promotional activity & funding / POS / Long Term Arrangements (LTAs) / Marketing / Catalogues
• Accurate forecasting of sales through the forecasting system
• Communication of customer plans to the management team
• Cross functional communication with production / planning / technical / dispatch / marketing / NPD
• Completion of all required paperwork including but not limited to customer orders / transport bookings / NPD briefs
• To assist the wider commercial team in all areas of sales activity
• To be proactive in the identification of opportunities that will grow the business and that maximise profitability and customer satisfaction.

Key skills required:

• A proven record in National Account Management within the food / FMCG sector.
• A self-starter with the drive and tenacity to keep pushing several projects through the business at any one time and the confidence and commercial acumen to overcome obstacles along the way.
• Good at thinking strategically, setting goals, and recognising sales opportunities when they appear.
• IT literate with the ability to work confidently with spreadsheets and presentation software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent listening skills with the ability to understand and process instructions and information.
• A team player who has the desire to support and develop other people to achieve goals.

What is on offer:

The role offers a salary of £35-45k depending on experience + car allowance, pension, private medical and 25 days holiday. The client is willing to consider both experienced National Account Managers and those at the start of their career who can demonstrate a determined approach with a high degree of motivation and ambition. The role is being offered with a mix of office and remote working.