At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop key national builders merchant accounts with strategic focus.
- Company: Join a leading international manufacturer with a strong market presence.
- Benefits: High autonomy, accountability, and exposure to senior leadership.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and influence.
- Why this job: Shape national strategy and make a significant impact in a senior role.
- Qualifications: Proven experience managing national builders merchants and strategic partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
A rare opportunity to join a leading international manufacturer in a high-profile, senior leadership role within the national sales structure. This position is critical to the business and will take ownership of a small portfolio of strategically important National Builders Merchant accounts, representing a significant proportion of overall turnover.
The role has a clear focus on leading and developing a key high-value account, alongside other major national merchant partners. As such, this position requires someone with proven experience operating at strategic national merchant level, managing complex relationships, commercial agreements and long-term partnerships.
This is not a transactional NAM role. It is a strategic, leadership-led account position, working closely with senior customer stakeholders and internal leadership teams to shape and deliver national strategy.
The Role
- Full ownership of key national builders merchant accounts
- Developing and executing long-term strategic account plans aligned to wider business objectives
- Growing share of wallet and delivering against national sales, revenue and profit targets
- Managing significant commercial spend, rebates and investment budgets
- Acting as the primary interface between national merchant partners and internal teams
- Ensuring national strategy is effectively delivered through regional and field sales teams
- Working cross-functionally with supply chain, marketing, finance, customer service and operations
- Building senior-level relationships across merchant buying, commercial and leadership functions
- Providing accurate forecasting, reporting and CRM discipline
- Playing an active role within the sales leadership team, contributing to future strategy and direction
The Person
- Senior National Account / Key Account experience is essential
- Demonstrable background managing National Builders Merchants (e.g. Travis Perkins / Wolseley level accounts)
- Proven ability to operate at strategic, boardroom and senior stakeholder level
- Strong commercial capability across pricing, rebates, budgets, forecasting and P&L impact
- Experience managing strategic partnerships, not just supply agreements
- Confident leader with credibility internally and externally
- Highly organised, analytical and comfortable working in complex, fast-paced environments
This role specifically requires experience at this level. Candidates without strategic national merchant exposure will not be suitable.
Why This Role
- Senior, visible position with national influence
- Ownership of one of the most important merchant accounts in the UK
- Genuine opportunity to shape strategy, not just deliver it
- Work for a global, market-leading manufacturer with long-term ambition
- High autonomy, accountability and exposure to senior leadership
ASR International specialises in Commercial, Operational and Sales-based roles throughout GB; our expertise lies with manufacturers and distributors within the bathroom, brassware, sanitaryware and interiors sectors for senior-level appointments and Directors.
Key Account Director employer: ASR International
As a Technical Sales Manager with our global market-leading partner in the building services sector, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a highly competitive salary, quarterly bonuses, and the flexibility of choosing your company car, this role offers not just financial rewards but also the chance to make a significant impact in a high-performing region. Join a forward-thinking brand that values innovation and excellence, and be part of an exciting journey as the company invests in its people and products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Director
✨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 Key Account Director at ASR International, 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 ASR International. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Key Account Director. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Director
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 ASR International:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for ASR International. 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 ASR International
✨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 ASR International 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 ASR International 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 ASR International’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.
