At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key retail accounts and drive growth through strategic partnerships.
- Company: Crown Paints, a leader in the decorating industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with a focus on collaboration and commercial insight.
- Why this job: Shape the future of major retail partnerships and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in National Account Management and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially driven account manager who thrives in fast-paced retail environments and enjoys building influential customer partnerships? Do you enjoy turning data into action, spotting opportunities before others do, and driving growth with major national retailers? At Crown Paints, we're looking for a Senior National Account Manager to lead one of our most strategically important retail partnerships, helping to drive growth, strengthen customer relationships, and unlock new opportunities across a complex and dynamic account portfolio. Could you be the person who helps our biggest customers grow with us?
As a Senior National Account Manager, you'll be responsible for managing a portfolio of national retail accounts across both branded and own-brand product ranges. This is a highly visible role where success will come from building strong customer relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and using commercial insight to stay ahead of market changes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and delivering customer business plans that support sales growth, profitability, and long-term partnership success.
- Building trusted relationships with key customer stakeholders through regular face‑to‑face engagement and collaborative planning.
- Leading commercial negotiations, promotional activity, pricing discussions, and annual business reviews.
- Analysing sales, category, and market data to identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and provide commercially compelling recommendations.
- Working closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Product teams to ensure successful delivery of customer initiatives and business objectives.
This is a field‑based role with regular customer visits and a strong emphasis on relationship‑building through face‑to‑face engagement.
To be successful in this role, you'll need:
- Significant experience in National Account Management or Key Account Management.
- Experience managing large retail or FMCG accounts within a fast‑moving commercial environment.
- Strong commercial negotiation and relationship management skills.
- A proven ability to analyse sales, category, and market data and translate insights into action.
- Experience developing and delivering customer growth plans and commercial strategies.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Experience within retail, FMCG, trade, building materials, decorating, or related sectors would be advantageous.
Do you enjoy challenging thinking, driving standards, and staying ahead of change? We're looking for someone who is:
- Commercially curious and proactive, constantly looking for opportunities to improve performance.
- Comfortable working at pace and adapting quickly to changing customer and market demands.
- Confident using data and insight to influence decisions and challenge the status quo.
- A relationship builder who enjoys working collaboratively while holding themselves and others to high standards.
If you're excited by the opportunity to manage strategic retail partnerships, influence commercial performance, and help shape the future of one of our most important customer relationships, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior National Accounts Manager in Darwen employer: Crown Paints
Crown Paints is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced retail environments. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, we offer opportunities to build influential customer partnerships while driving commercial success. Our commitment to innovation and teamwork ensures that every team member can contribute meaningfully to our strategic goals, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior National Accounts Manager in Darwen
✨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 Senior National Accounts Manager at Crown Paints, 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 Crown Paints. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior National Accounts Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior National Accounts Manager in Darwen
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 Crown Paints:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Crown Paints. 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 Crown Paints
✨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 Crown Paints 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 Crown Paints 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 Crown Paints’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.
