At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow national contract catering accounts while driving strategic partnerships.
- Company: Market-leading catering equipment and kitchen solutions business with a customer-centric approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, company car or allowance, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values your strategic ideas and fosters career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with significant growth potential.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years of corporate sales experience and strong relationship-building skills.
We are seeking a strategic, tenacious, and growth-oriented National Account Manager to lead a portfolio of high-potential contract catering accounts at a Head Office and central procurement level. Our client is a market-leading, customer-centric catering equipment and commercial kitchen solutions business. They specialise in supporting the contract catering industry, helping major catering operators optimise their kitchens, realise the value of their equipment assets, and maintain seamless operations through structured purchasing frameworks.
The Role
In this high-impact position, you will take full ownership of a defined portfolio of national contract caterers holding immense growth potential. Operating primarily at a Head Office level, you will navigate central procurement and category management teams to secure and maximise framework agreements. A major focus of this role is expanding their footprint within these frameworks. While capital equipment sales remain core, you will strategically introduce and upsell our comprehensive service and maintenance contracts.
Key Responsibilities
- Framework & Portfolio Management: Manage and grow a defined portfolio of national contract catering accounts, operating at Head Office, category management, and central procurement levels.
- Commercial Growth: Execute a balanced "Hunter/Farmer" approach-retaining core business while driving organic framework growth through service and maintenance contracts, capital equipment sales, and asset replacements.
- Contract Negotiation: Support, negotiate, and secure long-term contracts and agreements with national clients to build enduring business partnerships.
- Strategic Planning: Conduct structured Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and collaborate with clients on joint business plans focused on shared value and efficiency.
- Team Leadership: Support, develop, and coach your direct reports (National Account Executive / Internal Sales Executive), ensuring national targets are clearly understood and consistently met.
- Market Presence: Represent the business at national trade shows, conferences, and networking events to enhance brand visibility and forge new corporate relationships.
About You
We are looking for a positive, determined, and highly commercial sales professional who combines deep relationship-building expertise with an uncompromising desire to deliver customer-centric service. You'll ideally have:
- Proven Track Record: A minimum of 3 to 5 years of corporate sales experience managing large, multi-site national accounts within a dynamic business environment.
- Sector & Service Expertise: Strong industry knowledge specifically within commercial catering service and maintenance or kitchen infrastructure solutions.
- Leadership Experience: Previous management or leadership experience in a challenging, target-driven environment, with a knack for coaching and development.
- Procurement Fluency: Proven experience building robust client relationships with senior procurement functions, category managers, and corporate stakeholders.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong numerical, analytical, and contract negotiation skills with a deep understanding of sales margins and profit optimisation.
- Mobility: Full UK driving licence (with no more than 3 points) and a willingness to travel for high-profile customer-facing meetings.
What's on Offer?
- Competitive base salary with an industry-leading bonus scheme aligned with portfolio growth.
- Company car or car allowance to support national travel.
- A supportive, collaborative leadership environment where your strategic ideas are valued.
- Structured personal development within a corporate group that actively lives its core values.
How to Apply
We are reviewing CVs now – early applications are highly encouraged. Click below to apply or contact our team directly.
Contact Arden Personnel (phone number removed) (Alcester) | (phone number removed) (Redditch)
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About Arden Personnel: Arden Personnel is a trusted recruitment agency covering Redditch, Bromsgrove, Studley, Henley-in-Arden, Evesham, Alcester, Bidford-on-Avon, Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Stratford-upon-Avon. We place candidates across Administration, Marketing, IT, HR, Finance, Customer Service, Purchasing, Engineering and more. We are an equal opportunities employer.
National Account Manager employer: Arden Personnel
As a Senior Accounts Assistant at our manufacturing company, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, including training in SAP migration and advanced ledger management. Join us in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and rewarded, making a meaningful impact on our financial operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like National Account Manager at Arden Personnel, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Arden Personnel. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a National Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Arden Personnel:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Arden Personnel. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arden Personnel
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Arden Personnel that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Arden Personnel that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Arden Personnel’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
