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- Tasks: Lead negotiations and drive growth for a leading brand across Pharmacy, Grocery, and Wholesale.
- Company: Dynamic company with offices in Banbury and Ireland, focused on sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a brand and make a real impact in a competitive market.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG, strong negotiation skills, and a track record of driving sales.
- Other info: UK-wide role with travel; perfect for those who thrive on challenges and results.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client, with offices in Banbury and Ireland, is seeking a commercially driven, resilient National Account Manager to take full ownership of one of its brands across Pharmacy, Grocery, and Wholesale. This role is for someone who is comfortable leading tough buyer negotiations, fighting for listings, and defending margin in highly competitive categories. You will be accountable for performance, distribution, and profitability, not just relationship management.
Reporting to the Business Unit Director, you will own the national commercial agenda for the brand and play a key role in driving sustainable, profitable growth across UK bricks-and-mortar retail.
Key Responsibilities- Full accountability for sales performance, distribution, and profitability of the brand across UK bricks-and-mortar retail.
- Own and deliver the customer P&L, ensuring growth is achieved while protecting margin.
- Lead high-stakes commercial negotiations with grocery multiples, national pharmacy chains & wholesalers.
- Win, defend, and expand listings, including range reviews, re-listings, NPD sell-ins, and promotional space.
- Manage national accounts, wholesalers, multiples, and pharmacy groups to deliver significant, sustainable, and profitable growth.
- Develop and execute robust account plans and JBPs, aligned to overall business strategy.
- Challenge buyers constructively to secure optimal pricing, trade terms, promotions, and distribution.
- Identify and deliver new business opportunities through new customers, new channels, and new product launches.
- Lead the commercial agenda internally, identifying opportunities and risks within the P&L.
- Maintain accurate forecasting and reporting on sales, volume, margin, and promotional performance (monthly, quarterly, annual).
- Ensure compliance with agreed commercial terms and manage customer trackers for key brands and products.
- Evaluate promotional effectiveness and adapt promotional strategy on a monthly and quarterly basis.
- Act as the primary commercial interface between customers and internal teams, including close collaboration with E-Commerce and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Take ownership of cross-functional execution, setting clear standards of accountability and commercial behaviour.
- Proven experience as a National Account Manager or Senior Key Account Manager within FMCG, ideally across Grocery and Pharmacy.
- Demonstrable track record of winning and defending listings with UK multiples, wholesalers, and pharmacy groups.
- Strong experience negotiating commercial terms, pricing, margins, and promotions in competitive retail environments.
- Solid understanding of the UK OTC and healthcare landscape, including key customer structures and routes to market.
- Experience onboarding new retail customers and launching new brands or products into market.
- Strong customer P&L ownership experience.
- Commercial confidence and resilience — able to challenge buyers and internal stakeholders to achieve the right outcome.
- Ability to assess a brand commercially and build a clear, executable growth strategy.
- Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills; credible at buyer level.
- Highly numerate, with strong Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI capability.
This is a UK-wide role with potential customer travel and occasional attendance at the Banbury office. Suitable for candidates who enjoy competitive negotiations, taking ownership, and driving outcomes rather than maintaining the status quo.
Please contact Matt Hartwell on 07301 283663 or email your CV to matt.hartwell@forcerecruitment.com for a confidential discussion.
National Account Manager - 1 day a week in Portsmouth employer: Force Recruitment and Outsourcing
Contact Detail:
Force Recruitment and Outsourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager - 1 day a week in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tough buyer negotiations! Brush up on your negotiation skills and be ready to showcase how you can defend margins and win listings. Practice makes perfect, so role-play with a friend if you can.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial acumen! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with P&L ownership and how you've driven profitable growth in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager - 1 day a week in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of National Account Manager. Highlight your experience in FMCG, especially with grocery and pharmacy, and showcase your success in negotiations and managing P&L.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage accounts effectively.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since this role involves tough buyer negotiations, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past. We want to see your commercial confidence in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Force Recruitment and Outsourcing
✨Know Your Numbers
As a National Account Manager, you'll need to be highly numerate. Brush up on your P&L management skills and be ready to discuss specific figures from your previous roles. Prepare to explain how you've driven profitability and growth in past positions.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Given the competitive nature of this role, practice your negotiation techniques. Think of examples where you've successfully defended margins or secured listings. Be prepared to role-play tough scenarios during the interview to showcase your resilience and commercial confidence.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the UK OTC and healthcare landscape. Research key players in the grocery and pharmacy sectors. Being able to discuss current trends and challenges will demonstrate your industry knowledge and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you develop and execute account plans. Bring examples of how you've identified new business opportunities or adapted promotional strategies based on market feedback. This will highlight your proactive approach and ability to drive sustainable growth.
