At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth with top UK grocery retailers and lead exciting product launches.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within a major European food group.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant, entrepreneurial environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-paced world of FMCG and private label products.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in National Account Management, preferably with a Big 4 retailer.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The Senior National Account Manager is responsible for driving profitable, sustainable growth across a portfolio of Tier-1 UK grocery retailers, including Tesco. This role acts as the primary commercial lead, bridging the gap between extensive European manufacturing capabilities and the specific demands of the UK private label market. Success is measured by the delivery of robust Joint Business Plans (JBPs), successful new product launches, and the achievement of volume and margin targets within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Work Setup: Remote (Home-based) | Employment Type: Full-time | Seniority Level: Mid-Level / Senior
Location & Travel: Home-based with a requirement to visit the South Wales manufacturing site approximately once per week and travel regularly for customer meetings.
Autonomy: High level of individual ownership; you will operate as the commercial lead for your accounts with minimal day-to-day supervision.
Cross-functional Scope: Close collaboration with NPD, Technical, Supply Chain, and Finance teams across UK and European sites.
Process: Operates within the agile, high-velocity context of a small UK commercial team (1-10 people) backed by a large €250m international group.
What You'll Do:
- Full P&L Ownership: Manage the total commercial performance, budgets, and promotional spend for a portfolio of leading grocery multiple retailers.
- Strategic Planning: Develop and execute multi-year Joint Business Plans that align manufacturer capabilities with retailer category goals.
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain multi-level relationships with retail buyers, category managers, and supply chain partners.
- NPD Integration: Partner with the New Product Development team to translate market trends into commercially viable private label propositions.
- Commercial Negotiations: Lead complex tenders, annual price reviews, and contract negotiations to protect and grow margins.
- Performance Monitoring: Analyze account data and market trends to proactively address risks and capitalize on growth opportunities.
- Supply Chain Alignment: Coordinate with operations and logistics to ensure 100% service levels and accurate volume forecasting.
- Strategic Influence: Act as the 'Voice of the Customer' to influence the wider UK retail strategy and manufacturing priorities.
- Operational Excellence: Manage administrative requirements including retailer portals, promotional forecasting, and pricing administration.
Success Indicators:
- Revenue Growth: Achieve year-on-year sales growth targets for assigned grocery accounts.
- Margin Management: Maintain or improve P&L profitability through effective cost-price-increase (CPI) negotiations and mix management.
- Listing Gains: Secure new listings and range extensions during category review cycles.
- Service Levels: Maintain high customer satisfaction scores and meet retail-specific supply chain KPIs.
- Forecast Accuracy: Deliver monthly volume forecasts with a high degree of precision to optimize manufacturing schedules.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience: 5+ years of National Account Management experience within the FMCG food industry.
- Retailer Knowledge: Proven track record of managing at least one 'Big 4' UK grocery retailer (Tesco experience is highly preferred).
- Domain Expertise: Significant experience working with private label / retailer own-brand products.
- Financial Acumen: Strong P&L literacy, including the ability to manage trade spend and calculate complex margins.
- Negotiation Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead high-stakes tenders and annual commercial negotiations.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective async collaboration and stakeholder management.
- Self-Management: Proven ability to remain productive and disciplined in a fully remote/home-based environment.
Nice to Have:
- Experience within chilled, frozen, snacking, or convenience food categories.
- Existing relationships with buyers in the discount, wholesale, or foodservice channels.
- Familiarity with European manufacturing processes and multi-site coordination.
- Proximity to South Wales for easier access to the primary manufacturing facility.
About the Team/Environment: The UK commercial team operates with the speed and entrepreneurial spirit of a small business, despite being part of a major European food group. The environment is high-velocity and results-oriented, valuing proactive problem-solvers who can navigate complex manufacturing landscapes. Quality standards are rigorous, reflecting the company’s position as a trusted partner for premium private label products.
Senior National Account Manage in London employer: Forte
At FORTÉ, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture where every employee's contribution is valued. As a Sales Support Specialist, you'll enjoy opportunities for professional growth while working in a dynamic environment that encourages creativity and adaptability. Located in a vibrant area, our team is dedicated to supporting each other and making a meaningful impact in the modern workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior National Account Manage in London
✨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 Account Manage at Forte, 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 Forte. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior National Account Manage. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior National Account Manage in London
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 Forte:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Forte. 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 Forte
✨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 Forte 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 Forte 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 Forte’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.
