National Account Controller in Leeds

National Account Controller in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead major retail accounts and drive profitable growth for branded and own-label products.
  • Company: Join a multi-billion turnover organisation with a focus on career progression.
  • Benefits: Significant long-term career opportunities and the chance to shape commercial strategies.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in driving growth and building powerful customer relationships.
  • Qualifications: Degree level education and proven experience in managing major retail customers.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a multi–£bn turnover organisation offering significant long-term career progression. The business is seeking tenacious, high-calibre candidates with Top 4 retail experience, strong brand exposure, and a passion for driving growth within both branded and own-label (O/L) portfolios. The role is focused on building powerful customer relationships and leading the commercial agenda across key accounts, driving profitable growth across both branded and private label propositions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Commercial Ownership: Full accountability for delivering budgets across key accounts, ensuring alignment with wider business objectives.
  • Customer Leadership: End-to-end management of major retailer relationships across both branded and own-label ranges.
  • Team Leadership: Line management of Senior National Account Managers (SNAMs) and National Account Managers (NAMs), including performance management, coaching, and career development.
  • Strategic Selling: Partner with Insights and Category to develop compelling, insight-led “sell-in” presentations for short, medium, and long-term growth opportunities.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the wider sales team to ensure consistent customer engagement and alignment.
  • Financial Accountability: Partner with Commercial Finance to fully own the P&L, forecasts, and sales performance.
  • Growth Strategy: Define and execute strategies to unlock new opportunities and drive channel growth.
  • Customer Engagement: Lead and attend key customer meetings, acting as a trusted and influential partner.
  • Proactive Problem Solving: Anticipate issues and take a solutions-led, proactive approach.
  • Internal Stakeholder Management: Build strong partnerships across the business to enable seamless execution.
  • Flexibility: Occasional travel to sites as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

  • Degree level or equivalent

Experience

  • Proven track record in managing major retail customers, ideally with strong exposure to own-label
  • Experience handling key national accounts and delivering commercial growth
  • Demonstrated line management experience
  • FMCG background (preferably food or beverage)
  • Strong financial acumen with full P&L ownership
  • Experience driving NPD and innovation with customers

Core Competencies

  • Leadership and team development
  • Strategic thinking and innovation
  • Strong commercial and category expertise
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and stakeholder management
  • High adaptability and flexibility

Important

  • Planning and organisation
  • Analytical problem solving
  • High personal drive and motivation
  • Resilience under pressure

National Account Controller in Leeds employer: Blakeney Point Search & Selection

Join a dynamic multi–£bn turnover organisation that prioritises employee growth and development, offering significant long-term career progression in the role of National Account Controller. With a strong focus on building powerful customer relationships and leading commercial agendas, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and strategic thinking, ensuring you thrive in a supportive environment. Enjoy the unique advantage of working within a high-calibre team that values your contributions and encourages proactive problem-solving, all while being part of a company committed to driving growth across both branded and own-label portfolios.

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Contact Details:

Blakeney Point Search & Selection Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land National Account Controller in Leeds

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those with experience in retail or FMCG. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its key accounts. Understand their brand portfolio and think about how you can drive growth for them. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past experiences with major retailers and how you’ve driven commercial growth. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.

We think you need these skills to ace National Account Controller in Leeds

Commercial Ownership
Customer Leadership
Team Leadership
Strategic Selling
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Financial Accountability
Growth Strategy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your Top 4 retail experience and any relevant achievements in managing major retail customers. We want to see how you can drive growth!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with both branded and own-label portfolios.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves team leadership, make sure to highlight your line management experience. Share examples of how you've developed teams and driven performance – we love to see strong leaders!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Blakeney Point Search & Selection

Know Your Numbers

Make sure you’re well-versed in the financials related to your previous roles. Be ready to discuss P&L ownership and how you've driven growth in your past positions. This will show that you understand the commercial landscape and can contribute to the company's objectives.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, particularly Senior National Account Managers or similar roles. Highlight your coaching and development strategies, as well as how you’ve fostered a high-performance culture within your team.

Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Think about how you can align your experience with the company’s growth strategy. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you’ve developed insight-led presentations or strategies that have led to significant account growth, especially in branded and own-label products.

Build Rapport with Interviewers

Remember, this role is all about building strong customer relationships. Practice engaging with your interviewers as if they were key clients. Show your interpersonal skills and ability to connect, which is crucial for leading customer engagements effectively.