At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth for a challenger brand in the UK grocery sector.
- Company: Join a fast-growing company with a dynamic team and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career advancement in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting scale-up phase and shape the future of retail.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in FMCG sales/account management with strong commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
We’re partnering with a challenger brand in a high-growth, highly competitive category, as they look to hire a National Account Manager to help accelerate the next phase of UK retail growth. The business is scaling quickly, has strong category demand, massively on trend, and is now building a team to take the business through the next phase of growth.
This role will sit within the UK grocery/retail side of the business which is currently ambient but will be bringing huge amounts of NPD through to grow onto different shelves, with a clear need to realign accounts around brand and category strategy, strengthen JBPs, and build relationships with the major buying teams.
This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who wants to join a challenger brand through a genuine scale-up phase, which is rare in the north. There's a CEO at the helm with past success in growing challenger brands.
- Own full P&L responsibility for designated national retail and wholesale accounts
- Lead commercial negotiations across pricing, promotions, distribution, and annual agreements
- Drive distribution gains, NPD listings, and strong promotional execution in-store and online
- Analyse sales data, margin performance, and customer profitability to inform decisions
- Manage forecasting inputs and support demand planning and supply alignment
- Build relationships with key buyer/category contacts, and help open doors into larger grocery opportunities
3–5 years’ FMCG sales/account management experience
- Proven experience managing UK grocery, convenience and/or wholesale customers
- Strong commercial acumen with P&L ownership and JBP delivery
- Confident negotiating with buyers and managing annual trading agreements
- Solid understanding of category management and shopper insight
- Analytical mindset (strong Excel), commercially disciplined, and comfortable in a challenger environment
Find out more about our available opportunities or how we can help you further your career – contact us today.
The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
Virtual Key Account Manager in Leeds employer: Advocate Group
The Advocate Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that thrives on innovation and growth within the FMCG sector. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to diversity, we provide our team with unique opportunities to excel in their careers while contributing to the success of a challenger brand in a rapidly evolving market. Located in the vibrant Leeds area, our team enjoys a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Virtual Key Account Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG and retail sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products and market position. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their growth story.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves commercial negotiations, it’s crucial to demonstrate your confidence. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing pricing and agreements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Virtual Key Account Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Virtual Key Account Manager. Highlight your FMCG sales experience and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about joining a challenger brand and how your skills can help accelerate our growth. Keep it engaging and relevant to the grocery sector.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role requires an analytical mindset, don’t forget to mention your experience with data analysis and Excel. Share examples of how you've used these skills to drive decisions in past roles – we love a good success story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system quickly. Plus, you’ll find more info about us and our culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Virtual Key Account Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L and sales data. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
This role involves leading commercial negotiations, so prepare examples of successful negotiations you've conducted. Think about how you can articulate your approach to pricing, promotions, and annual agreements.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the grocery and FMCG sectors, especially trends affecting challenger brands. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact the company's strategy and your role within it.
✨Build Rapport with Key Contacts
Relationship-building is crucial in this position. Think of ways to demonstrate your ability to connect with key buyers and category contacts. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your relationship management skills and how they've led to successful outcomes.
