At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key accounts in the food distribution sector and drive growth through strategic negotiations.
- Company: Dynamic London-based food distributor focused on health products with a global sourcing network.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Exciting role with national travel and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the health-focused food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management, strong negotiation skills, and a valid UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Food & Beverage Distribution | London, UK (Hybrid/Field-based, national travel)
About Our Client
Our client is a London-based food distributor specialising in health-focused products — including oils, protein bars, and yogurts — sourced from over 85 countries worldwide. They supply an extensive network of retailers across the UK, with a strong presence in independent and value-focused shops, backed by 5 warehouses and a 350,000m² manufacturing and packaging facility. They are solely focused on food distribution, giving them deep expertise and a sharp focus on quality, reliability, and value across their supply chain.
The Role
Our client is looking for a commercially astute National Account Manager to own and grow a portfolio of key accounts across the UK — including retail groups, wholesalers, and buying groups within the independent and value retail sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for the full commercial relationship: negotiating terms, securing listings, driving volume, and acting as the senior point of contact for these accounts. This is a target-driven, relationship-led role suited to an experienced account manager who is comfortable negotiating at a senior level, managing a national patch, and working cross-functionally with warehousing, buying, and supply chain teams to keep customers supplied and satisfied.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and develop a portfolio of national accounts (retail groups, wholesalers, buying groups) across the UK independent and value retail sector
- Lead commercial negotiations on pricing, terms, listings, and promotional activity
- Build and maintain senior-level relationships with buyers and decision-makers at account level
- Develop and deliver account growth plans, identifying opportunities to expand range and volume
- Manage a morning call round and regular account reviews to track performance, resolve issues, and plan activity
- Work closely with warehouse, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure product availability and smooth order fulfilment across the company's UK warehouses
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends, feeding insight back into commercial strategy
- Accurately forecast account performance and report against sales targets
- Travel to customer sites and head offices across the UK as required
What Our Client Is Looking For
- Proven experience as a National/Key Account Manager, ideally within FMCG, food, or drink distribution
- Strong track record of negotiating commercial terms and growing account revenue
- Full, valid UK driving licence with no more than 3 points
- Comfortable with regular national travel
- Confident, senior-level communicator, able to build trust and influence at buyer/decision-maker level
- Commercially sharp, numerate, and analytical, with strong forecasting and reporting skills
- Self-motivated and able to manage a national account portfolio with minimal oversight
National Account Manager employer: Auxo Talent
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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 Auxo Talent, 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 Auxo Talent. 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 Auxo Talent:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Auxo Talent. 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 Auxo Talent
✨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 Auxo Talent 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 Auxo Talent 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 Auxo Talent’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.