At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and grow relationships with major retailers like Tesco and Co-op.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the innovative food sector.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Drive sales in beloved bakery and sweet treat categories while shaping market trends.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management within FMCG or retail sectors.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a lovely category to work in as a National Account/ Business Account Manager. You will be responsible for managing and growing strategic relationships with key retail partners, including major retailers such as Tesco, Co-op, and potentially other major retailers. The role focuses on driving sales and profitability within a highly innovative ambient category, covering some well-loved bakery and sweet treat categories which present significant growth potential. As the primary interface between the business and national retailers, your role will ensure alignment between commercial objectives, operational delivery, and market opportunities. We are looking for someone who loves food, is excited by driving innovation and has an eye on the market for future trends.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key retail accounts, positioning the company as a trusted and strategic partner.
- Act as the primary point of contact for major retailers, leading negotiations, managing contracts, and coordinating promotional activity.
- Drive sales growth, margin improvement, and overall profitability across the sweet treats portfolio.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams, including NPD, operations, and supply chain, to ensure account objectives are met and exceeded.
- Monitor and analyse market trends, competitor activity, and sales performance to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Prepare regular reports, forecasts, and business reviews for both internal stakeholders and retailer partners.
- Ensure all account activities comply with company policies, standards, and commercial objectives.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of retail dynamics.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to translate market insights into actionable strategies.
- Collaborative approach with experience working cross-functionally.
- Effective communication and presentation skills, both internally and externally.
- Results-driven, with a proven track record of delivering sales and profitability targets.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Significant experience in account management, preferably within FMCG or retail sectors.
- Proven success in managing national accounts and driving commercial growth in high-potential categories.
The business operates out of several manufacturing sites around the UK, so whilst this role is hybrid/flexible, ideal locations would be someone who is commutable to Manchester, South Yorkshire or South Wales areas.
Commercial Manager employer: Blakeney Point Search & Selection
Contact Detail:
Blakeney Point Search & Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products, especially in the bakery and sweet treats categories. This will show your passion for the role and help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you’ll need to lead negotiations with major retailers. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to drive innovation in the food sector. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Mention any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to the bakery and sweet treat categories. We want to see your excitement for driving innovation in this space.
Highlight Your Relationship Management Skills: Make sure to emphasise your experience in managing key retail accounts. Share specific examples of how you've built strong relationships and successfully negotiated contracts. This is crucial for us as we look for someone who can be a trusted partner to our retailers.
Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset: We’re keen on candidates who can analyse market trends and translate insights into strategies. In your application, include instances where you've used data to drive sales growth or improve profitability. Show us how you think strategically!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their application with what we’re looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blakeney Point Search & Selection
✨Know Your Retail Partners
Before the interview, do your homework on the key retail partners mentioned in the job description, like Tesco and Co-op. Understand their business models, recent news, and how they operate within the ambient category. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can drive sales and profitability for them.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed accounts or driven growth. Use metrics to back up your claims, such as percentage increases in sales or successful negotiations. This will demonstrate your strong commercial acumen and ability to deliver results.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with internal teams, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated cross-functionally in previous roles. Talk about how you’ve worked with NPD, operations, or supply chain teams to achieve common goals. This will illustrate your team-oriented mindset and ability to align objectives.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Make sure to discuss your approach to monitoring market trends and competitor activity. Share any tools or methods you use to stay informed, and be ready to suggest potential opportunities for innovation within the sweet treats category. This shows that you're proactive and have an eye on the future, which is crucial for this role.