At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key customer relationships and drive growth in the contract catering sector.
- Company: Join a leading food business with strong market presence and exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and remote work flexibility.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving significant change and growth in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large foodservice accounts and strong commercial skills required.
- Other info: Work autonomously in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
A hugely successful food business, that have a niche in the market and deep relationships with their customers have signed off a new Senior National Account Manager vacancy to drive their contract catering business forward.
We’re now looking for a Senior National Account Manager to take ownership of our Contract Catering channel, managing key customers like Sodexo, Aramark, and Elior. You’ll lead a portfolio worth c.£5m P&L, with full responsibility for customer strategy, commercials, and JBP delivery.
The business is in a massively exciting period, having just recruited an exceptional board, and an exciting change in the business its time to accelerate the business to £100m+.
You will report to a director with vast experience in the OoH Channel and be a great person to learn from.
What you’ll be doing:
- Manage and grow relationships with major contract caterers across the UK
- Own the full P&L for the category (c.£5m), driving profitable growth
- Build strategic Joint Business Plans, aligning our offering with customer needs
- Act as the key liaison between customers and internal teams (procurement, operations, NPD)
- Identify new growth opportunities within your customer base
- Represent the business externally with professionalism and energy
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience managing contract caterers or large foodservice accounts
- Strong commercial acumen – confident owning and driving P&L performance
- Skilled in negotiation, relationship management, and long-term planning
- Self-starter who thrives in a remote, autonomous role
- Food industry experience is a must
Get in touch if you’re interested!
Senior National Account Manager employer: Advocate Group
Contact Detail:
Advocate Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior National Account Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the contract catering industry. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or clients. Building relationships now can give you a leg up when applying for the Senior National Account Manager position.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the key players in the contract catering market, such as Sodexo, Aramark, and Elior. Understanding their business models and challenges will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their success during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with P&L management in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven profitable growth in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Senior National Account Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the food industry, especially those affecting contract catering. Being knowledgeable about current market dynamics will demonstrate your commitment and expertise to potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior National Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing contract caterers or large foodservice accounts. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commercial acumen and P&L management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the contract catering market and your ability to build strategic relationships. Mention key customers like Sodexo, Aramark, and Elior to show your familiarity with the industry.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise any significant achievements in previous roles, particularly those related to driving profitable growth and developing Joint Business Plans. Quantify your successes where possible.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: Since the role requires strong negotiation and relationship management skills, include examples that demonstrate your ability to work autonomously and thrive in a remote setting. This will help you stand out as a self-starter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior National Account Manager, you'll be responsible for a £5m P&L. Be prepared to discuss your experience with managing budgets and driving profitable growth. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully increased revenue or improved margins.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Management Skills
You'll need to manage key customers like Sodexo and Aramark. Prepare to share stories that showcase your ability to build and maintain strong relationships. Think about how you've navigated challenges with clients and turned them into opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
The role requires building strategic Joint Business Plans. Be ready to discuss your approach to aligning offerings with customer needs. Consider bringing a sample plan or framework you've used in the past to illustrate your strategic mindset.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Negotiation skills are crucial for this position. Anticipate questions about your negotiation style and tactics. You might even want to role-play a negotiation scenario to demonstrate your skills and confidence during the interview.