At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage national accounts and develop customer relationships for a leading drinks brand.
- Company: Join a high-growth British drinks brand with a dynamic and values-driven culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and matched pension contributions.
- Why this job: Gain top-class training and work in an empowering environment with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Ideal for those with experience in account management or graduate sales schemes.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression to National Account Manager role.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are delighted to partner with a high-growth British drinks brand to lead the search on a National Account Executive to join their expanding commercial team. This is an ambitious, agile, and values-driven business, well-backed and a serious appetite for growth.
With a team made up of commercial talent from brands like Kraft Heinz, Birds Eye, and Unilever, you will be learning from the best in a non-hierarchical, empowering culture. The business believes in autonomy, development and trust – you will be given the tools, training, and space to make an impact.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take ownership of national account responsibilities and develop into a National Account Manager role in the near future. You will support the Head of Foodservice by managing two product portfolio accounts, including full P&L ownership. You will also work with selected buying groups, helping to execute plans, manage existing customer relationships, and deliver profitable growth.
There is also a new business element to the role – prospecting and developing opportunities within the wider buying group and wholesale channel. Support national and regional buying groups, managing promotions, pricing and activation plans. Take full ownership of the customer relationship, P&L and support JBP. Work closely with senior leaders and commercial colleagues to deliver growth. Prospect and develop new opportunities across wholesale. Gain access to top-class training – from negotiation courses to account strategy development.
We are looking for someone currently in a Key Account Executive, National Account Executive, or even a Graduate Sales Scheme role with exposure to either wholesale, convenience/impulse or buying groups. You might not tick every box, but if you are a determined self-starter, commercially astute, and ready to take your account management career to the next level – we want to hear from you.
- FMCG background – food, drink, confectionery or BWS ideal.
- Buying group, wholesale or convenience exposure (bonus, not essential).
- Strong commercial mindset – understands the building blocks of good account management.
Car allowance: £5,000
Bonus: 15%
Private healthcare
Pension: 5% matched
Autonomy + development support (training, courses, and more)
Senior Account Executive/Director employer: ECW Search
Contact Detail:
ECW Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Account Executive/Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience with buying groups and wholesale channels. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific buying groups and wholesale channels that the company works with. Understanding their dynamics and how they operate will give you an edge in discussions during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in account management, focusing on how you've driven growth and managed customer relationships. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your commercial mindset and ability to take ownership of accounts.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the drinks industry, particularly around consumer preferences and market shifts. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to staying informed in a fast-paced environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Account Executive/Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in account management, particularly in FMCG or with buying groups. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commercial mindset and achievements in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of the role and the company. Mention your passion for the drinks industry and how your background aligns with their values-driven culture. Be sure to express your eagerness to take ownership of national accounts.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as negotiation, relationship management, and P&L ownership. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully managed accounts or driven growth in previous positions.
Highlight Your Learning Mindset: Mention your willingness to learn and develop, especially regarding the training opportunities offered by the company. Discuss any relevant courses or training you've undertaken that would benefit your role as a National Account Executive.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECW Search
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Make sure to highlight your understanding of account management and the FMCG sector. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed P&L in previous roles and how you can apply that knowledge to drive growth for the company.
✨Demonstrate Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role involves managing customer relationships, be ready to share examples of how you've built and maintained strong partnerships in the past. Discuss specific strategies you've used to engage clients and ensure their satisfaction.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Prepare scenarios where you've had to prospect new business or manage a challenging account, detailing the steps you took and the outcomes achieved.
✨Express Your Desire for Growth
This position offers a pathway to becoming a National Account Manager, so convey your ambition and readiness to take on more responsibility. Share your career goals and how this role aligns with your professional development plans.