At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and grow national accounts through relationship building and customer support.
- Company: Join NORTHERN BL&C, a brand on a mission to revolutionise ice cream.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and work with a leading product that brings joy.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in a similar role, strong communication skills, and a love for ice cream.
- Other info: Office-based in Leeds with travel across the UK; great career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated and commercially focused National Account Executive to join our team. You will help manage and grow key national accounts through strong relationship building, customer support and cross-functional collaboration. With 1 to 2 years’ experience in a similar role or commercial environment (ideally FMCG), you’ll bring excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, can-do attitude.
About NORTHERN BL&C: We make great ice cream that’s for everyone. Using a chef’s approach to flavour and with innovation at our core, we’re on a mission to do ice cream differently. We believe that ice cream is meant to be indulgent; its own type of delicious, that can be enjoyed at any time, by anybody.
Key Responsibilities:
- Client Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of national accounts. Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships, by delivering exceptional customer service and consistent communication. Support the National Account Manager in managing the wider customer base. Regularly visit client sites to conduct meetings, training, and sampling sessions.
- Support National Accounts Team: Coordinate and support the execution of customer meetings and presentations. Manage the organisation and tracking of samples, equipment, and point-of-sale materials. Ensure timely follow-up and delivery of agreed actions to maintain momentum.
- Account Planning & Commercial Growth: Support the development and delivery of strategic account plans to drive customer growth. Contribute to annual and monthly sales forecasts, budgets, and promotional plans. Work closely with the finance team to manage pricing proposals, margin analysis, and tender submissions.
- Event Management & Sampling Activation: Lead the planning and execution of trade events, and sampling activations to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. This includes pre-event coordination, on-site execution, networking, lead capture, and thorough post-event follow-up.
- Market & Customer Insight: Develop a deep understanding of customer needs, including menu strategy, category focus, and product innovation requirements. Leverage market trends & insights to influence product development and commercial strategy.
- Project Management: Support cross-functional project delivery across new product launches. Maintain timelines and stakeholder communication to ensure on-time execution.
- Cross Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with internal teams, including Marketing, NPD, Supply Chain, and Finance, to ensure aligned execution of customer objectives.
- Reporting & Analysis: Support on producing regular reports on account performance, sales metrics, new opportunities and market trends. Analyse commercial data to identify growth opportunities, risks, and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
IDEAL CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
- At least 1-2 years’ experience in a similar role or in a commercial environment, ideally within FMCG
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a passion for product
- Excellent attention to detail, proactive and a mindset to continuously learn and improve
- Able to demonstrate ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines successfully
- Confident & self-motivated
- A people person - and a team player
- Flexibility to travel as needed to customers sites and events across the UK
- UK driving licence
- Must love food, dessert and (especially) ice cream!
WHAT’S ON OFFER:
- Office based role (Leeds city centre) with regular travel across the UK
- Annual salary of £30,000 to £35,000 dependent on qualifications and experience
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Comprehensive benefits package including access to discounts scheme, employee assistance programme, life assurance cover and opportunities for learning and development
- Excellent career development and progression opportunities
This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the most exciting food brands in the market. You’ll be working with a small passionate team, with a wealth of experience, which offers a great opportunity to learn and develop whilst working with a market leading product that will give you tremendous job satisfaction.
Love Ice Cream? Driven? Passionate? If you think you have the right characteristics to join our team, please get in touch.
Contact Detail:
NORTHERN BL°C Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the FMCG industry to connect with professionals who can provide insights about the role. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at NORTHERN BL&C.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in the ice cream market and be prepared to discuss how these could impact customer needs. This knowledge will help you stand out during interviews and show your genuine interest in the product.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your relationship-building skills by thinking of examples from your past experiences. Be ready to share how you've successfully managed client relationships and contributed to account growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's products and values. Being able to articulate why you are passionate about ice cream and how it aligns with their mission will make a strong impression on the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in account management or FMCG. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for ice cream and your understanding of customer relationship management. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong communication skills and attention to detail. Provide examples of how you've managed multiple priorities and contributed to team success in past positions.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with NORTHERN BL°C's mission and values. Mention in your application how your personal values align with theirs, particularly regarding innovation and customer engagement.
How to prepare for a job interview at NORTHERN BL°C
✨Show Your Passion for Ice Cream
Make sure to express your love for ice cream and the food industry during the interview. This role is all about building relationships with clients who share that passion, so let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a National Account Executive, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients and internal teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships or resolved issues in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle multiple priorities. Think of specific situations where you've had to juggle tasks or manage client expectations, and be ready to discuss them.
✨Research the Company and Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with NORTHERN BL°C's products and their unique approach to ice cream. Understanding current market trends in the FMCG sector will also help you demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the role.