At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and maintain strategic relationships with key buying groups and drive growth.
- Company: Join a respected brand in the plumbing and bathroom sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make an impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of independent merchant networks.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in account management and understanding of buying groups.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for national engagement and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
An exciting opportunity to join a well-renowned and highly respected brand within the plumbing and bathroom sector. We are looking to appoint a National Account Manager with proven buying group experience to take ownership of developing and growing relationships across key UK buying groups and national accounts.
This role is specifically focused on the independent merchant buying-group landscape, and experience working with groups such as NBG, IPG, PHG, H&B or UKPS is essential.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Head of Sales, you will be responsible for building and maintaining long-term, strategic relationships with buying groups and their member businesses. You will drive growth through structured account management, promotional planning, and collaborative development, while managing commercial performance across volume, value, margin and profitability.
This is a highly visible, national role that requires strong commercial judgement, excellent stakeholder management and a deep understanding of how buying groups and independent merchant networks operate.
Key Responsibilities
- Account Management
- Deliver agreed sales targets across volume, value, margin and EBIT
- Maintain strong, regular contact with buying groups and relevant departments
- Visit accounts and member branches to understand operations and identify growth opportunities
- Maintain accurate account records and internal reporting
- Business Development
- Identify and develop new business opportunities, including branded and own-label ranges
- Introduce new products aligned with business strategy and manage account expectations
- Recommend POS, merchandising and display solutions to improve conversion and visibility
- Marketing & Promotions
- Communicate marketing and PR activity clearly to accounts
- Plan, execute and evaluate promotional activity and advertising spend
- Work closely with marketing to ensure campaigns are effective, targeted and ROI-driven
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across buying groups and accounts
- Lead quarterly performance reviews with customers and internal teams
- Agree, monitor and deliver against annual KPIs
- Operational Excellence
- Ensure timely execution of promotions, pricing, invoicing and queries
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies
- Manage and track approved promotional and advertising budgets
The Person
- Proven experience in a National or Key Account Manager role, ideally within plumbing, bathrooms or building materials
- Demonstrable buying group experience and understanding of independent merchant networks
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse data and drive strategic decisions
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Comfortable operating nationally and managing multiple senior stakeholders
If you would like more information and a confidential chat, please don't hesitate to get in touch below.
National Account Manager - Buying Groups in Basingstoke employer: ASR International
Contact Detail:
ASR International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager - Buying Groups in Basingstoke
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the plumbing and bathroom sector. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and donβt be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that National Account Manager role!
β¨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with buying groups like NBG or IPG. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and built relationships in previous roles.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its position in the market. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, especially around account management and promotional planning. Tailor your answers to show you understand their needs.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Weβve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, youβll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, itβs a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager - Buying Groups in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the National Account Manager role. Highlight your experience with buying groups and any relevant achievements in account management. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes with buying groups and how you plan to drive growth at StudySmarter. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, demonstrate your strong commercial judgement and ability to analyse data. Weβre looking for someone who can make strategic decisions that will benefit our relationships with buying groups and independent merchants.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates. Letβs get started on this exciting journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASR International
β¨Know Your Buying Groups
Make sure you do your homework on the specific buying groups mentioned in the job description, like NBG, IPG, and PHG. Understanding their structure and how they operate will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that youβre genuinely invested in their success.
β¨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences where you've successfully driven sales growth or improved profitability. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to analyse data and make strategic decisions, as this is crucial for the role.
β¨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills during the interview. Be ready to share stories of how you've engaged with key stakeholders in the past and how you plan to maintain those relationships moving forward.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a promotional campaign or resolving a conflict with a buying group. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills effectively.