At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic plans and manage key accounts in the spirits industry.
- Company: Join Sazerac UK, a leader in exceptional spirits brands like Buffalo Trace and Fireball.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible home-based work and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving brand visibility and sales in a vibrant market.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing national accounts and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: Ideal for self-starters passionate about the spirits industry.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: UK Home Based – Ideally in the South
Reports To: National Account Controller, Sazerac UK
About Sazerac UK: Based in London, Sazerac UK is building an extensive portfolio of exceptional spirits brands. Our diverse portfolio of award-winning Sazerac brands includes the UK’s fastest-growing bourbon brand, Buffalo Trace, the powerhouse brand, Southern Comfort and the hottest shot brand in the UK, Fireball. We are proud to also build partner spirits brands in the UK including the number 1 sambuca, Antica Sambuca, the fastest growing shot brand, Tequila Rose and the number 1 independent super premium flavoured gin, Warner’s.
Role Overview: As a National Account Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic commercial plans across key Cash & Carry and Travel convenience customers. You will play a critical role in building long-term partnerships, driving sales, increasing brand visibility, and achieving ambitious volume and profitability targets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Account Management: Lead the commercial relationships with major Cash & Carry customers, and key Travel Retail Route to Market operators.
- Strategic Planning: Develop and execute annual joint business plans (JBPs) and promotional calendars aligned to Sazerac brand plans, and each customer’s strategy.
- Sales & Forecasting: Deliver volume, NSV, and gross profit targets, manage accurate forecasting and demand planning in collaboration with our operations teams.
- Trade Execution: Maximise in-depot execution and visibility through impactful activations using bespoke brand POS, and digital content.
- Route to Market: Manage and enhance relationships with key partners in the Travel Retail Route to Market channel, ensuring strong execution of promotional plans.
- Negotiation & Commercial Terms: Negotiate pricing, promotional investment, and commercial terms in line with company strategy and CPI’s.
- Internal Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and finance teams to ensure flawless executions.
- Insights & Reporting: Utilise data and insights to inform decisions, evaluate performance, and identify new growth opportunities.
Candidate Profile
Essential Experience & Skills:
- Proven track record of managing key national accounts in the Cash & Carry channel (e.g. Booker, Bestway, Unitas, or Costco).
- Experience managing Travel convenience retail and route to market customers.
- Strong negotiation and commercial acumen, with ability to manage P&L.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Self-starter with a high level of initiative and drive.
- Analytical and insight-driven, with good understanding of the UK spirit’s market.
Desirable:
- Experience in premium spirits, FMCG, or drinks industry.
- WSET qualification or passion for spirits and drinks categories.
- Bachelor's degree in business.
National Account Manager employer: Sazerac UK
Contact Detail:
Sazerac UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the spirits and FMCG industries. Attend industry events, trade shows, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture at Sazerac UK.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Sazerac's brand portfolio and their market positioning. Understanding their key products like Buffalo Trace and Fireball will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for their brands during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing national accounts, particularly in the Cash & Carry channel. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven sales and built relationships with major retailers.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform business decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with forecasting and demand planning, as these are crucial for the National Account Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing national accounts, particularly in the Cash & Carry channel. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in driving sales and building relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Sazerac UK and its brands. Mention your passion for the spirits industry and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the National Account Manager role.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise any quantifiable achievements related to sales targets, account management, or successful negotiations. This will help illustrate your capability to meet the ambitious goals set by Sazerac UK.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires data-driven decision-making, include examples of how you've used insights and analytics to inform your strategies in previous roles. This will demonstrate your analytical mindset and suitability for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sazerac UK
✨Know Your Brands
Familiarise yourself with Sazerac's portfolio, especially the key brands like Buffalo Trace and Southern Comfort. Understanding their unique selling points will help you demonstrate your passion for the products during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Account Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed national accounts, particularly in the Cash & Carry channel. Highlight specific strategies you implemented and the results achieved to showcase your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Prowess
Be ready to discuss your negotiation tactics and how you've navigated commercial terms in previous roles. Providing concrete examples of successful negotiations will illustrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive profitability.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role requires working closely with marketing, operations, and finance teams, prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with different departments in the past. This will show your ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.