At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage major UK grocery accounts and drive strategic planning.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, award-winning food manufacturer known for quality products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonus, and flexible home-based work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management within the UK grocery sector is essential.
- Other info: Regular meetings with clients and occasional office visits in South Wales.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Are you a Junior National Account Manager or National Account Executive looking to step up and take ownership of major UK retail accounts? This is your opportunity to join one of the UK’s most exciting and fast growing food manufacturers.
About the Company
This award-winning business is a leading name in the chilled and frozen food sector, known for its high quality, private label, value-added products across meat, vegetarian, and dairy categories. With a strong track record of innovation, they partner with major UK retailers to deliver category-leading solutions that meet evolving consumer tastes. With a growing presence across grocery retail and foodservice, and a clear strategic vision for the future, they are expanding their commercial team with the appointment of a Grocery National Account Manager.
The Role
As National Account Manager, you’ll take full commercial ownership of a portfolio of major UK grocery retail customers. You’ll lead all aspects of account management, from day-to-day relationship building through to long-term strategic planning and P&L responsibility. Reporting directly to the Head of Grocery and supported by a National Account Executive, this is a hands-on role with a clear opportunity to make your mark and progress your career.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and grow a portfolio of major UK grocery retail customers
- Lead annual negotiations, strategic planning, and promotional execution
- Take ownership of budgets, forecasting and margin delivery
- Drive customer-specific innovation, working closely with NPD and technical teams
- Monitor and respond to category trends and competitor insights
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Finance, and wider Commercial team
What We’re Looking For
- Experience as a Junior NAM, NAM or National Account Executive with UK grocery exposure
- Background in own-label chilled or frozen food is a strong advantage
- Proven ability to lead or support NPD projects and cross-functional working
- Strong commercial acumen – confident with numbers, negotiation and planning
- Proactive, driven, and able to work autonomously
- Passionate about building long-term customer relationships
What’s on Offer
- £50,000 to £60,000 basic salary
- 20% performance-related bonus
- Company car or £5,400 car allowance
- Full benefits package
Location
This is a fully home-based role. You’ll meet with key grocery retail customers regularly and attend the South Wales Head Office twice per month (overnight stays covered by the business).
Contact Detail:
FMCG Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their product range, recent innovations, and market position in the chilled and frozen food sector. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and align your experience with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the company on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the National Account Manager role, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to manage accounts, lead negotiations, and drive innovation. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully built long-term relationships with clients in the grocery sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and competitor activities in the grocery retail space. Being able to discuss these insights during your interview will demonstrate your commercial acumen and proactive approach, making you a more attractive candidate.
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 as a Junior National Account Manager or National Account Executive. Emphasise your achievements in managing grocery retail accounts and any exposure to chilled or frozen food sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts, led negotiations, or contributed to NPD projects in your previous roles.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as commercial acumen, negotiation abilities, and relationship-building. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how these skills have led to successful outcomes in your past positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a National Account Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at FMCG Selection
✨Know Your Numbers
As a National Account Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial acumen. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgets, forecasting, and margin delivery. Brush up on key metrics relevant to the grocery sector to show you understand the financial side of account management.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role requires building long-term relationships with major UK grocery retailers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past, focusing on your communication skills and ability to foster trust and collaboration.
✨Highlight Your NPD Experience
Innovation is key in this industry. Be ready to discuss any experience you have with new product development (NPD) projects. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to product launches or improvements, especially in the chilled or frozen food sectors.
✨Understand the Competitive Landscape
Research the company and its competitors thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss category trends and insights that could impact the business. Showing that you are informed about the market will demonstrate your proactive approach and strategic thinking.