At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage major UK grocery retail accounts and drive strategic planning.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, award-winning food manufacturer known for quality products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonus, and flexible home-based work.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management within the UK grocery sector is essential.
- Other info: Regular meetings with customers and occasional office visits in South Wales.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a Junior National Account Manager or National Account Executive looking to step up and take ownership of major UK retail accounts? This is your opportunity to join one of the UK’s most exciting and fast growing food manufacturers.
About the Company
This award-winning business is a leading name in the chilled and frozen food sector, known for its high quality, private label, value-added products across meat, vegetarian, and dairy categories. With a strong track record of innovation, they partner with major UK retailers to deliver category-leading solutions that meet evolving consumer tastes. With a growing presence across grocery retail and foodservice, and a clear strategic vision for the future, they are expanding their commercial team with the appointment of a National Account Manager.
The Role
As National Account Manager, you’ll take full commercial ownership of a portfolio of major UK grocery retail customers. You’ll lead all aspects of account management, from day-to-day relationship building through to long-term strategic planning and P&L responsibility. Reporting directly to the Head of Grocery and supported by a National Account Executive, this is a hands-on role with a clear opportunity to make your mark and progress your career.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and grow a portfolio of major UK grocery retail customers
- Lead annual negotiations, strategic planning, and promotional execution
- Take ownership of budgets, forecasting and margin delivery
- Drive customer-specific innovation, working closely with NPD and technical teams
- Monitor and respond to category trends and competitor insights
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Finance, and wider Commercial team
What We’re Looking For
- Experience as a Junior NAM, NAM or National Account Executive with UK grocery exposure
- Background in own-label chilled or frozen food is a strong advantage
- Proven ability to lead or support NPD projects and cross-functional working
- Strong commercial acumen – confident with numbers, negotiation and planning
- Proactive, driven, and able to work autonomously
- Passionate about building long-term customer relationships
What’s on Offer
£50,000 to £60,000 basic salary
20% performance-related bonus
Company car or £5,400 car allowance
Full benefits package
Location
This is a fully home-based role. You’ll meet with key grocery retail customers regularly and attend the South Wales Head Office twice per month (overnight stays covered by the business).
National Account Manager employer: FMCG Selection
Contact Detail:
FMCG Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their product range, recent innovations, and key partnerships with UK retailers. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the company on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the National Account Manager role, which can help you tailor your approach during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to manage accounts, lead negotiations, and drive innovation. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and competitor activities within the chilled and frozen food sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also position you as a proactive candidate who is ready to tackle the challenges of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Junior National Account Manager or National Account Executive. Emphasise your achievements in managing retail accounts and any specific successes in the chilled or frozen food sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the food industry and your understanding of the company's values. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts and driven innovation in previous roles.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as commercial acumen, negotiation abilities, and experience with P&L responsibility. Use concrete examples to demonstrate these skills in action.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Convey your excitement about the opportunity to take ownership of major UK grocery retail accounts. Discuss your proactive approach to building long-term customer relationships and how you plan to contribute to the company's growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at FMCG Selection
✨Know Your Numbers
As a National Account Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial acumen. Brush up on your financial knowledge, including P&L management and budgeting, so you can confidently discuss how you've managed accounts in the past.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role is all about building long-term relationships with major UK grocery retailers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed and maintained client relationships, highlighting your proactive approach and communication skills.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the chilled and frozen food sector. Be ready to discuss how these trends impact customer needs and how you can drive innovation in response, showcasing your industry knowledge.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Negotiation will be a key part of your role. Think of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts. Be prepared to discuss your strategies and outcomes, demonstrating your ability to lead negotiations effectively.